January 2022

StarNews

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

NEWS REPORTING / NEWS RECAP / NEWS ANALYSIS

The The Carrollton Carrollton Baptist Baptist Association the Association -- the

Carroll County Department of Public Health

best best kept kept secret secret in in West West Georgia?

Georgia?

restaurant health inspections scores hotel/motel inspections scores

Where are you eating this week?

Where are your out of town guests staying? - see page 25

- see page 77

StarNews monthly traditional print publication / StarNews Online daily local news

JANUARY 16, 2022 • VOLUME 28 NUMBER 1

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District 18 State Representative Tyler Paul Smith Commission enacts discusses 2022 General Assembly session priorities 90 day moratorium from press release on “Horizontal Top two priorities: no to landfill in Haralson County, yes on passing Constitutional Carry Bill Governor Brian Kemp joined members Carrollton. When I face reelection in the fall, as of the Georgia General Assembly, the by Wayne J. Reynolds The Georgia General Assembly, one of the currently configured, the district will change a lit- Apartments” National Rifle Association (NRA), GA2A,

Governor Brian Kemp supports Constitutional Carry legislation

country’s largest state legislatures, went into session Monday, January 2, 2022. State Representative Tyler Paul Smith, District 18, sat down with StarNews to discuss his priorities for this session. Smith said, “My number one priority is getting the landfill bill passed that was introLt. Gov. Geoff Duncan duced last session. I am opposed to the proposed announces his priorities for landfill in the Waco area. This bill as currently constructed would prohibit landfills being added 2022 Legislative Session within 50 miles of current landfills.” from press release “My focus, as always, are the citizens of my Lt. Governor Geoff Duncan announced district,” he said. “The 18th District currently covhis agenda for the 2022 Legislative ers Bremen, Waco, Tallapoosa, Buchanan, and See LT. GOVERNOR page 9 parts of Carroll County and parts of the city of and the Georgia Hunting and Fishing Federation to announce his support of Constitutional Carry legislation ahead of the 2022 Legislative Session.

See GOVERNOR KEMP page 13

tle as I will lose parts of Carroll and the city, and pick up more of Haralson and a little in Paulding County. Each district in the state will each represent around 59,000 residents.”

Rep. Smith’s second priority, he said, is to see that the Constitutional Carry Bill passes. This bill, among other items, would mean citizens would not need a permit to carry a concealed firearm.

“There are several proposed bills, so I am not sure what the final details may or may not include.”

“My third priority is expanded funding for mental health. Carroll County Mental Health See REP TYLER PAUL SMITH page 13

100 individual homes could be built and rented out by a single owner/landlord

by Janice Daniel At their regular December meeting, the Carroll County Board of Commissioners addressed a last minute issue regarding “Horizontal Aprtments”. Commissioner Tommy Lee was absent and Commissioner George Chambers was present by phone.

The last order of business during this meeting was the quick last minute addition to the agenda regarding “Horizontal Apartments”. The board called on Ben Skipper and County Attorney Avery Jackson for an explanation of “Horizontal Apartments”. An example would be that 100 individual homes would be permitted See COMMISSION page 12

Georgia Secretary of State confidently addresses the 2020 Presidential Election voting issues Georgia Right to Life “28,000 Georgians skipped the presidental ballot” president to speak in “We’re expecting record turnout for voters in 2022” Carrollton Jan. 25th

by Sue Horn Georgia Secretary of State Brad “What happened Raffensperger was guest speaker at at the State Farm the recent Carrollton Kiwanis Club Arena? Nothing.” noon luncheon meeting held at the - Raffensperger, University of West Georgia’s Z-6 referencing the building, Friday, January 7, 2022. black suitcases on About 40 were in attendance at small election night 2020 tables, with four being CoVID masked.

Raffensperger was introduced by club vice president Paul McDaniel who shared that the Secretary, a Republican and past State Representative [District 50] and city councilmember [Johns Creek], is an engineer having earned a Bachelors

See SECRETARY of STATE page 10 Photo left: Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger, right, was guest speaker at the Friday, Jan. 7, 2022, Carrollton Kiwanis Club noon meeting that was held in UWG’s Z-6 building. He is shown with club vice president Paul McDaniel. Photo by Sue Horn MISS AN ThisDON’T issue is ISSUE! also READ DIGITAL MONTHLY posted on over PRINT EDITIONS on 100 Facebook www.starnewsgaonline.com community pages, LIKE Pinterest, US at Twitter, facebook.com/ LinkedIn, StarNewsGaOnline & PINTEREST starnewsgaonline.com Sherryreynolds.StarNews Call 770-722-7227 suehorn.starnews FOLLOW US on TWITTER @starnewswga @gmail.com contact us at: waynereynolds.starnews suehorn.starnews@gmail.com waynereynolds.starnews@ @gmail.comgmail.com

GRTL President Ricardo Davis to speak on “Personhood in America” and “Euthanasia of the Black Community”

by Wayne J. Reynolds Since 2002, West Georgia Right to Life (WGRTL) in Carroll, Douglas, Heard, and Haralson Counties has had the mission to “Bring a voice for those who have no voice, the unborn and the aged.” It is a chapter of the Georgia Right to Life.

The local chapter, 450 members strong, is hosting a “Lunch for Life” Ricardo Davis Tuesday, January 25th, GRTL president See JAN. 25 LUNCHEON page 4

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JAN. 25 LUNCHEON from front page at American Pie restuarant, Maple Street, Carrollton. Guest speaker will be the Georgia Right to Life President Ricardo Davis. The public is invited and encouraged to attend this free event.

Local President Duane Hack said, “West Georgia Right to Life works to restore, respect, and have effective legal protection for all innocent human life from earliest biological beginning to natural death.

“Every year 1.1 million abortions are performed. Now, multiply that by the fifty years since the Supreme Court Roev versus Wade ruling, and you have a staggering number of loss of life,” he remarked. “Yes, we take a hard stand on abortion. Our position is there are no exceptions except for the life of the mother. A pre-born should not be chastised for the faults of the father. There should not be a subgroup created by how you are conceived.”

Georgia Right to Life, which has 240,000 members, is no longer affiliated with the National Right to Life. “The National organization is more to the left than we are,” Hack said. “We are also non-violent for any reason.

We engage, educate, and encourage.”

WGRTL is non-profit, non-partisan, and non-sectarian. They oppose legalized abortion, infanticide, euthanasia, embryonic stem cell research, human cloning, and artificially produced genetic transformation.

The organization locally and statewide supports the view that the 14th Amendment prohibits abortion and that a fetus is a “person”.

This view needs to establish two separate points: 1) that the unborn are “persons” within the Fourteenth Amendment; and 2) that the failure of a state to prohibit abortion constitutes a denial of either due process or equal protection. Both points are necessary to sustain the argument, according to legal experts.

Currently, seven states plus the District of

Governor Brian Kemp is first candidate to receive Pro-Life Certification

from press release Governor Brian Kemp is the first candidate running for governor in 2022 to receive the pro-life certification from the Georgia Life Alliance.

“Under my administration, Georgia has led the nation in the fight for the pro-life movement,” said Governor Kemp. “By championing Georgia’s Heartbeat Bill, passing historic adoption and foster care reforms that make it easier for children to find loving homes, and leading the fight to end human trafficking, Marty, the girls, and I have been proud to stand shoulder to shoulder with organizations like Georgia Life Alliance to protect all of God’s creation.

Columbia allow abortion with no state imposed threshold, in other words, may be permitted up to birth. For Georgia, an abortion is legal up to 20 weeks gestation.

“In Georgia, a woman requesting an abortion must wait 24 hours and is given information on Duane Hack WGRTL alternatives,” Hack said. president “If, after 24 hours, she still feels the same way, she then can get her abortion.”

“We do endorse candidates who meet our criteria,” Hack said. “We ask candidates to fill out a detailed form with specific questions.

Locally, Georgia State Representative Tyler Paul Smith met our criteria, being only one of five who did meet the criteria.”

“We participate in a number of demonstrations for awareness every year. For example, in October, we participated in Stand Up for Life where we formed a quiet line, not graphic, and promoted forgiveness. We also participate in Bridges Over Atlanta which is now in ten cities. We do Pillars of Personhood at the University of West Georgia where we engage students in discussion and provide information.

In addition we offer a quarterly newsletter.

“And, this month we are hosting Georgia Right to Life president Ricardo Davis, who will speak at American Pie Restaurant on Tuesday January 25th.”

Ricardo will be speaking while lunch is served, from 11:45 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The luncheon will begin promptly at 11:45 a.m. and is free to all who attend. Topics will include updates and insights on the landmark case Roe versus Wade; “Personhood in America”; “Is Planned Parenthood Fulfilling the Goal of Margaret Sanger? Euthanasia of the Black Community” Hack emphasized, “Seating is limited, so it is important if you wish to have a seat saved for you, you must RSVP me by calling my cell 470-370-2452 or emailing me at duanehack46@gmail.com.”

WGRTL recommends those faced with unexpected or unwanted pregnancy to contact the Pregency Resource Center for information on alternatives to abortion. They can also go to the state site grtl.org for information as well.

Duane Hack has been involved in the movement for over 30 years and has been the president of West Georgia Right to Life for 19 years. He and his wife, Karen, live in Carrollton. They have three children and seven grandchildren.

For more information visit wgrtl.org, duanehack46@gmail.com, or call 470-3702452. Duane stated, “All lives matter!”

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StarNews January 16, 2022

Page 5

Highest number of employed since statistics have been tracked: 5,027,981 Georgians had jobs in November 2021 from press release Georgia Labor Commissioner Mark Butler announced that the state now employs the highest number of Georgians ever, surpassing the number of employed prior to the pandemic by over 3,000. The number of employed Georgians in November was up 11,983 from October to 5,027,981. Georgia’s unemployment rate dropped another three tenths of a point to 2.8% in November, the lowest rate in Georgia’s recorded history. Georgia’s unemployment rate was one and four-tenths percent lower than the national unemployment rate of 4.2%.

“We have fully recovered from this pandemic when it comes to employed Georgians, employing more people today than before the pandemic struck,” said Commissioner Butler.

“The hard work is still in front of us as job creation is outpacing new workers in the labor force. We have regained almost all of the jobs we lost during the pandemic; however, the number of job seekers is still below pre-pandemic numbers. Creating more jobs becomes very difficult if we can’t fill vacancies in the 300,000 jobs that are currently open. It’s a good problem to have and shows how strong Georgia’s recovery has been especially compared to other states our size.”

The labor force was down 235 in November to 5,174,199 and is up only 1,220 over the previous seven months. In comparing November 2021 figures to pre-pandemic March 2020 figures, the labor force remains down 32,000, the number of employed is up 10,000, and the number of unemployed is down 42,000. The

The risks associated with the use of prescription opioid analgesics are well known.

Drug overdose deaths in 2017 increased by almost 10% over 2016, with opioids accounting for almost 48,000 cases and 60% of those deaths were from opiate use due to back pain.

A study1 of over 100,000 patient claims spanning a period of 6 years concluded: Among patients with spinal pain disorders, for recipients of chiropractic care, the risk of filling a prescription for an opioid analgesic over a sixyear period was reduced by half, as compared with nonrecipients. Among those who saw a chiropractor within 30 days of being diagnosed with a spinal pain disorder, the reduction in risk was greater as compared with those who visited a chiropractor after the acute phase had passed.

number of unemployed was down 12,218 to 146,218 in November, the lowest figure since December 2000.

Jobs in Georgia were up 13,500 over the month and are up 4.4 percent over the year to 4,618,800. Since May (a six-month period), job growth has increased by 130,600.

Over 190,000 job postings, resulting in a minimum of over 300,000 unfilled positions, were listed online at EmployGeorgia.com for Georgians to access. Employers with over 1,000 job postings included United Health Group, 2,700, Amazon 2,700, Wellstar Health System, 2,100, Walmart, 1,300, Anthem Blue Cross, 1,100, Home Depot, 1,100, Allied Universal, 1,000, and Piedmont Health Care, 1,000. Market salaries range from $23,000 to $103,000 with a median salary of $43,000.

Industries with over 10,000 job postings included Health Care, 32,000, Retail Trade, 21,000, Accommodation and Food Services, 16,000, Finance and Insurance, 16,000, Manufacturing, 13,000, Professional, Scientific & Technical Services, 12,000, and Transportation and Warehousing, 10,000.

Occupations with over 10,000 job postings included Health Care (including Nursing), 31,000, Sales, 24,000, Information Technology, 22,000, Business Management and Operations, 20,000, Hospitality, Food, and Tourism, 18,000, and Finance, 11,000.

For personalized assistance, employers can reach GDOL s t a ff at https:// dol.georgia.gov/employer-email-us-form.For more information on jobs and current labor force data: Georgia LaborMarket Explorer

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Opioid Prescription Crisis

"I have been practicing the science, art, and philosophy of chiropractic health care for 30 years" claims Dr. Ralph Templeton "I began in 1987 right here in Haralson County, Georgia.

Prior to my embrace of chiropractic as an essential part of my health care consciencousness having very little exposure to it's ideals and premises it was impossible for me to appreciate it's potential benefit. Like many people that now frequent my practice I had to learn how and why chiropractic works so much better providing quicker and longer lasting relief without the hazardous health risks from long term drug use and surgeries gone bad. I noticed the

Bremen Family Health and Wellness Center

overwhelming majority of the chronic pain patients were pitifully out of shape physically deconditioned and battling chronic diseases like diabetes, hypertension, kidney and liver stress syndromes they were in.

While Chiropractic is about restoring normal motion to the spine where it has been compromised it should be obvious to everyone that this simple concept reduces or eliminate the source of spinal pain AND with less pain the neurology of the entire body enjoys a greater restful, peace and increased source of healing energy. There is scientific research2 that exhibits this as fact. Since so many of the chronic illnesses presented in America today are from mal-nutrition meaning high in fats and processed sugars and void of

essential nutrients. It came as no surprise that I found that nearly all of my patients were mal-nourished nor were they supplementing their diets properly to make up for their nutritional shortcomings. What they reported to me as dietary knowledge was woefully short sighted and inaccurate.

What I have done, to help those who are interested in guiding their own way to optimum health as much as they can is I have included holistic wellness minded practices based on the most dependable science available to me to do so. I offer wellness plans which guide our patients towards positive foods and away from negative food sensitivities, and identify potential threats from infectious microbes, toxic chemicals, and micro-

toxins toward addressing all these factors I have mentioned. The cost of the fundamental essential food and supplement scans can be included in any examination for my chiropractic clientele for an additional $25.00 fee. This is a 20 page report directs the individual's nutritional supplementation and essential food recommendations. Since over 80 health care plans provide some form of chiropractic benefits it's now easier and more affordable than ever to get help with a nutritional road map for every patient that wants one, taking great care of yourself has never been easier."

Bremen Family Health and Wellness Center welcomes Dr. Steve Odeh MD and Lori Hudson FNP To assist patients with general

Bremen Family Health and Wellness

medicine practices and Covid testing, DOT physicals, and allergy testing and immunotherapy treatment. To learn more about what the Wellness Center offers or to schedule an appointment Call 770-537-5555

1 Impact of Chiropractic Care on Use of Prescription Opioids in Patients with Spinal Pain 2 The Selano Studv on Chiropractic manipulation and increased human T-cell Counts

Bremen Family Health and Wellness Center is located at 507 Alabama Ave, 770-537-5555 while Axiom Chiropractic is located at 921 S Carroll Rd in Villa Rica (770-459-8782. Please visit www.drtempleton. com. They accept over 80 different health plans including Medicare, Aetna, Cigna, BCBS, and United Healthcare.

Page 6 January 16, 2022

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CARROLL COUNTY/WEST GEORGIA CARROLL COUNTY/WEST GEORGIA COUNCIL ON AGING Council on Aging’s Annual Thursday Nov 18th, 2021

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January 16, 2022 Page 7

Tyler Paul SmithYou!” “I Represent

Let Me Know Your Thoughts!

Tyler Paul Smith Shown above are Reverend Dockery and his wife, Donna, standing in the boxes and boxes of Operation Christmas Child collections. Each of the brown cardboard boxes holds red and green shoeboxes that are filled with items for children. The Carrollton Baptist Association collected a total of 3623 boxes this past Christmas season!

Carrollton Baptist Association may just be one of the best kept secrets in West Georgia, but people all over the world feel the benefits of their dedication and hard work

by Wayne J. Reynolds Is the Carrollton Baptist Association the best kept secret in Carroll County? You may not know this group’s members by name, but people all over our area plus nationally and internationally feel the benefits of their combined work and sincere dedication.

“Ministry assistant Angie Presnal and I joke all the time that we are the best kept secret in Carroll County,” remarked Reverend Dan Dockery, the association’s Associational Missionary. “The Carrollton Baptist Association is a fellowship of forty-six Southern Baptist churches in Carroll, northern Heard, and Paulding counties, and has been around since 1873. These churches are divided by the larger churches with full time pastors, and those where pastors hold a full time job but still pastor churches. It is divided just about right down the middle. Our job is to find out from our churches as to ‘how we can help’?”

They have posted missionary partnerships from Buffalo, New York, to just outside Cleveland, Ohio, to Mexico, Peru, and Senegal. “Many smaller churches can participate in these type of partnerships to experience and learn from them, so that in the future they can go on their own missions,” said Dockery.

The Reverend was born and raised in Waynesville, North Carolina. He attended

Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth, Texas where he met his wife, Donna. They have been married for forty years and have two sons, Jonathan and David. Rev. Dockery has been the Associational Missionary for the past twenty-three years, but will be retiring in September.

One of the organizations they support is the Pregnancy Resource Center, and they do so on a monthly basis. The Association also hosts the Baby Bottle Boomerang to benefit PRC. That event will be held Sunday, January 23rd through Monday, February 14th this year.

Church members stuff baby bottles with checks and cash. Last year, with 40 member churches participating, it raised an impressive $40,000.

Other organizations the Carrollton Baptist Assocaition supports and provides funding for are the Baptist Collegiate Ministry at the University of West Georgia as well as the Rapha Clinic which provides healthcare to the uninsured. They support the Deserved Ministry through Impact West Georgia, which provides transportation to our vets.

“We support the unborn, the uninsured, the forgotten, and the unreached,” Rev. Dockery said. “We also host the event ‘I love my community’ during the first week of May. As in all events, each church decides if they wish to parSee CARROLLTON BAPTIST ASSOC. page 27

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StarNews

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

NEWS REPORTING / NEWS RECAP / NEWS ANALYSIS

StarNews monthly traditional print publication / StarNews Online daily local news

APRIL 11, 2021 • VOLUME 27 NUMBER 4

Carroll County Mental Health Advocates ask the public to help be their “missing link”

by Janice Daniel The Carroll County Mental Health Advocates will be hosting their 2nd annual community event “Miles for Mental Health - Running Over the Hurdles Together” 5K and 1-mile Fun Run on Saturday, May 15th, 2021, at the Greenbelt at Hobbs Farm, 1147 Rome Street, Carrollton, Georgia.

Registration begins at 2:00 pm, Fun Run begins at 3:00 pm, and 5K Run begins at 4:00 pm. Proceeds will benefit the Carroll County Mental Health Advocate programs. Additional information can be obtained at the Carroll County Mental Health Advocates office at 306A Bradley Street, Carrollton, Georgia 30117, phone 770830-2048.

The story of the CCMHA is one of true commitment to their mission. In 2008, then Carroll County Probate Court Judge, Betty Cason (now Mayor of Carrollton) brought together a group of concerned citizens for a con-

WGTC announces new president

www.starnewsgaonline.com

LOFCR: Local Option Face Covering Requirement Governor removes mask mandate, eliminates ban on large gatherings, reduces social distancing to 42 inches in some cases, moves mask wearing decision to the local levels

“In” on LaurelGet Glen

Dr. Julie Post will begin job April 16th Effective for time frame of April 1st through April 30th from press release eliminated (but “strongly encouraged” by the

by Sue Horn Dr. Julie Post, Vice President of Student Affairs On Thursday, April 1, 2021, Governor Brian governor) and replaced with a Local Option Face at Gwinnett Technical College, has been selected Kemp signed three executive orders, of which Covering Requirement (LOFCR) giving a city, at the next president of West Georgia Technical one (temporarily) eliminates the year long CoVid county, or other government entity the authority College (WGTC), as announced by Technical large gatherings ban and any remaining to continue to impose the requirement of wearing College System of Georgia Commissioner Greg sheltering-in-place for the time period April 8th a mask “when not able to maintain Social Dozier. She will begin her duties at West Georgia though April 30th. And although the mask wear- Distancing from non-cohabitating persons”.

Tech April 16, 2021. Pat Hannon has been interim ing requirement has been (temporarily) elimiSocial distancing has been reduced from 6 feet president of West Georgia Tech since Dr. Scott nated at the state level, it was moved to a local to 3.5 feet (42 inches) of separation between Rule retired as President December 31, 2020. level decision. Specifically, for the time period seating/parties at restaurants, bars, and movie See WGTC NEW PRESIDENT page 8 April 1-30, 2021, the mask mandate has been See LOCAL OPTION FACE COVERING page 5

Everything LOCAL!

A scant 0.039% of Carroll County voters participated in SPLOST Referendum

by Sue Horn The March 16, 2021 Carroll County SPLOST (Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax) passed by an 81% margin with only 3,368 citizens participating. Of those, See 0.039% VOTED page 19

85,888

Number of Carroll County citizens voted in the Nov. 2020 Election

3,368

Number of Carroll County citizens who voted in the March 2021 SPLOST Referendum

County commission approves amendment increasing spending by $191,433 to match extra revenue

www.starnewsgaonline.com

See FUNDRAISER page 7

Georgia Labor Department issued more in unemployment payments in last 12 months than prior 82 years

by Sue Horn At the 3:00 p.m. Thursday, April 1, 2021 Special Called Meeting of the Carroll County Board of Commissioners, an amendment was passed 6-0 (one commissioner was

absent) to increase the budget by $191,433 to match increased revenues. Three categories received the bulk of the cash: $53,000 has been assigned to increased “salaries”; See $191,433 page 11

to SEND A GIFT SUBSCRIPTION send to:

1911-2019: $20.024 Billion paid 2020 alone: $20.218 Billion paid

from press release The Georgia Department of Labor (GDOL) recently surpassed a major milestone in the organization paying claimants more in the past 12 months than in all of the combined years that GDOL has been in existence.

Georgians have received $20.218 billion in unemployment insurance (UI)

STARNEWS

Life going forward, and out of the pandemic

As pandemic restrictions have eased (3.5 feet now for some social distancing/mask use encouraged but not mandated), civic clubs are returning to more normal functioning, including the Carrollton Kiwanis Club who recently hosted Carroll County’s fire chief Tim Padgett. See story page 6. Photo by Sue Horn

CoVID-19 statistics for Georgia and Carroll County one year: March 23, 2020- April 5, 2021 GEORGIA

P.O. BOX 680 Carrollton, Ga 30112

Death total represents Death total represents 0.00158% of population 0.001% of population Source: Georgia Department of Public Health dph.georgia.gov/covid-19

See $20.218 BILLION page 27

Name Address Zip $20

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CARROLL COUNTY

As of APRIL 5, 2021: As of APRIL 5, 2021: 856,340 total confirmed cases 7,271 total confirmed cases 16,749 total deaths 129 total deaths Estimated state population: 10.6M Estimated county population: 122,000

Page 8 January 16, 2022

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UCB

2019 2022

Left and right: Deputy Michael McDowell and Carroll County Sheriff Terry Langley

New public relations/liason position created for sheriff: Community Programs Coordinator from press release A new public relations position was created and funded through the Carroll County Board of Commissioners: a Community Programs Coordinator for the sheriff’s office. Deputy Michael McDowell was sworn in by Sheriff Terry Langley on January 5, 2022 to fill this position. McDowell’s main duty will be as liaison between the Carroll County Sheriff’s Office and the public.

Other duties are to include expanding the county’s Neighborhood Watch Program, develop and present educational programs, and partner with a multitude of organizations to

All time low unemployment rates for state of Georgia from press release Georgia Labor Commissioner Mark Butler stated that all 12 regional commissions in the state recorded all-time low unemployment rates.

“We are seeing the highest number of employed Georgians in our state’s history,” said Commissioner Mark Butler. “Looking towards the new year, our focus is on attracting more people to join the workforce in 2022.”

The labor force saw an increase in Atlanta Regional Commission, Coastal GA, GA Mountains, Middle GA, Northeast GA, Northwest GA, and Three Rivers.

Employment was up in all GA regional commissions.

enhance crime prevention efforts. He will be part of a social media team, assisting with the production and materials to with the goal of informing and engaging the public. When preparing to create and fill a position such as this, finding the right person to step into this role is vital . . . I have been familiar with Deputy McDowell through the years, and as I stated in his swearing in ceremony, he is a staple in the community.

“Deputy McDowell is going to be excellent serving in this role, and I have full confidence that with him working alongside our dedicated staff, the community is going to greatly benefit from their efforts,” Langley said.

In 2015, McDowell was hired by the Carrollton Police Department. During his years there, he obtained specialized training earning certifications in Lidar, FTO (Field Training Officer), and all three levels of supervision. For approximately three years, McDowell was a leader in their Community Oriented Police Services (COPS) Unit.

McDowell moved to Carroll County in 2010 to attend the University of West Georgia earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science and a Master’s Degree in Public Administration. He also earned associate degrees in Criminal Justice and Paralegal studies. He is currently pursuing a Master’s Degree in Public Safety Administration from Columbus State University. He was also an Adjunct Political Science Instructor for the past three years.

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www.starnewsgaonline.com LT. GOVERNOR from front page Session. Focused on expanding public safety resource avenues, addressing the shortage of mental health resources, improving Georgia’s foster care system and passing key budget items, Lt. Governor Duncan announced the following initiatives that he will prioritize during this year’s Session: Law Enforcement Strategic Support Crime Act: Ensuring the safety of Georgians in every corner of the state must be the first priority of state leaders. The “LESS” Crime Act will serve as the cornerstone of Lt. Governor Duncan’s agenda for the 2022 legislative session by incentivizing the community as a partner to reduce crime.

Modeled after Georgia’s groundbreaking Rural Hospital Tax Credit, the LESS Crime Act will create a dollar-for-dollar state tax credit for individuals and corporations who contribute to their local police department or sheriff’s office through a certified and affiliated law enforcement foundation.

Developing a statewide model for collaboration between law enforcement officers and mental health professionals: Complex demands on law enforcement officers include increasing emergency response calls for individuals with mental illness, developmental disabilities, or addictive diseases. Establishing the framework for a statewide co-responder model which combines the expertise of law enforcement and behavioral health specialists is a top priority that will be pursued through Senate legislation.

A collaborative approach to de-escalating mental health crises enhances public safety, prevents unnecessary incarceration of individuals who need treatment, and instead links those individuals to community services that promote stability, reducing the likelihood of future criminality.

Fostering SuccessAact: Caring for Georgia’s foster children is a heartfelt effort that doesn’t end at the beginning of adulthood.

Each year, an average of 570 children age out of foster care with most needing guidance on how to navigate life challenges.

The “Fostering Success Act” will greatly help the efforts of underfunded caregiving organizations by allowing taxpayers to contribute to services specifically for the welfare of young adults who have aged out of the foster care system in Georgia. Contributions will significantly assist in areas such as education, nutrition, housing, counseling and overall wellbeing.

With contributions being credited against tax that is already owed to the state, the “Fostering Success Act” will have no net cost to the taxpayer while providing an incredible benefit to one of Georgia’s most fragile populations.

Budget priorities 1. K-12 Computer Science Funding: Understanding the critical need for computer science curriculum in K-12 education, the Senate passed Senate Bill (SB) 108 in 2019 which required all Georgia middle schools to offer instruction in Computer Science by the 2022 – 2023 school year and all high schools to offer at least one Computer Science course by the 2024 – 2025 school year. Ensuring the Amended Fiscal Year 2022 and Fiscal Year 2023 Budgets contain the necessary funds for the Georgia Department of Education to meet these aggressive goals will be a top budget priority as we focus on developing Georgia’s evolving workforce pipeline.

2. Ending “Hoteling” of Georgia Foster Children: When a child is unable to receive placement into a foster care home due to a behavioral or physical disability, current protocol places them into temporary housing (hotels) with Department of Family and

Children Services supervision. This has become an incredibly costly practice for the state that does not prioritize the best interest of those placed into this situation.

Working with the Governor’s Office and Department of Human Services to secure funding that provides the necessary resources to properly care for these children will be a crucial priority as we seek to make Georgia the #1 state to be a foster kid.

3. Increase Funding for the Department of Corrections: The General Assembly has continued to focus on maintaining the momentum of rigorous criminal justice reforms made over the past decade.

As public safety serves as a critical component of the Lt. Governor’s legislative agenda, he will work to ensure the Department of Corrections has the necessary funding to hire, train and retain correctional officers.

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SECRETARY of STATE from front page in Civil Engineering from the University of Western Ontario, and a Masters of Business Administration from Georgia State. He and his wife have been married for 42 years and are members of North Point Community Church.

Raffensperger opened quickly addressing election integrity, election reform, and the 2020 Presidential Election. He made several points on Senat Bill 202, stating that “We want all 159 Georgia counties’ vote count to be done in time. . . . lines must be shorter than one hour. . and concerning handing out bottles of water, it’s already law that there will be no politicking

within 150 feet of a precinct.”

He said that Georgia has more early voting days than New York, New Jersey, or Deleware.

Drop boxes are now law for the first time in Georgia history with the specifics that one dropbox is required per 100,000 voters and that dropbox must be located inside the election office. He also said that he expects a record turnout for the 2022 elections.

Then Raffensperger asked the question: “What happened at the State Farm Arena?

Nothing.” He was referencing the widely publicized tape of poll workers handling black suitcases on election night November 2020. Trump

lost the election with news outlets nationwide claiming voter fraud as the reason.

“If you look at the whole run of the tape of the State Farm Arena - it was under 24/7 video surveillance - and if you watch the process, in the morning they had these big, black, what they called, suitcases. Those were official absentee drop boxes. They were empty. You can see they were empty. They were then closed up and zip tied securely, and put them under the table. . . Around 10:15 p.m. or so they thought they were done for that night.

They had started probably about 6:00 a.m. that morning. So they pulled the boxes out and put the unscanned absentee ballots in the boxes, zip tied them, and wheeled them back.

“Then the election director for Fulton County then called the precinct manager who was there at State Farm Arena and said, guys, it’s only 10:30 p.m. and all the other counties are working til about one o’clock or two. We need you to go back to work. You see on the tape they then pull them [black suitcases] back out and start scanning, and stayed there until about five o’clock.

Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger, right, responds to a question from Derick Newton at the recent So, that is the full run of the tape.”

Carrollton Kiwanis Club meeting (in person and zoom) held Friday, January 7, 2022, at the University of West Raffensperger said, Georgia. Photo by Sue Horn “One thing that did

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happen that was a violation of state law is that they did tell observers and other third party observers that they were done for the evening.

They went ahead and left and never came back.”

The Secretary spoke on other allegations surrounding the 2020 Presidential Election.

“People alleged that there were 10,315 deceased people who voted in the 2020 election. After our investigation, we found there were four - that’s not 4,000 - that’s four. But four is too many. We were also told that 66,200 and some odd underage voters voted. There were zero. But in Georgia, you can registered to vote when you are 17 and 1/2. We knew they would turn 18 before election day. But, we hunted it down and check it out. It was zero under age voting. Also, there were zero unregistered voters. We were told that there were thousands of felons who voted. We found less than 74.”

“What really happened in 2020 is that 28,000 Georgians skipped the presidential ballot. They didn’t vote for anyone. And in the Republican Congressional areas, the Republican Congressman got 33,000 more votes than President Trump,” said Raffensperger.

“We did a 100% hand recount on the presidental ballot. We took all 5 million of those paper ballots were recounted by hand. Now what we found out were two things: the hand recount was remarkably close to what we got on election night; and two, the machines did not flip votes. And we know the machinese did not flip votes because the counts were remarkably close.”

“At the end of the day, we answered all of the questions. Our investigators stay busy. And, in spite of what you may have heard, Georgia is ranked number one in election integrity [HerSee BRAD RAFFENSPERGER page 27

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COMMISSION from front page to be constructed and owned by one person for the purpose of renting all of them, as one landlord would rent all units in an apartment building. These individuals homes are classified a single-family residential subdivision, but, in reality, are all rental homes.

The Board approved unanimously a resolution enacting a 90-day moratorium on the acceptance of Horizontal Apartments applications; the issuance of land disturbance and other permits for development of any singlefamily residential rental subdivisions, also known as Horizontal Apartments; and to repeal any conflicting resolution.

During Public Comments, nine citizens spoke out against the Request for Annexation into the City of Carrollton parcels #134-0339 and #134-0049 located on Spring Road for the purpose of a 120-home subdivision on quarteracre lots. All the comments reflected concerns about Spring Road being basically a one-lane unpaved road, the impact to Old Newnan Road, major asphalt run-off, devaluation of surrounding properties, traffic congestion, privacy, noise, impact to creeks, and others.

Two citizens had complaints about McDowell & Associates who has previously built subdivisions in Carroll County, citing alleged poor workmanship and lack of resolution of problems with their homes.

Mary Suddeth of 115 College Street, Carrollton advised that McDowell will not be the actual builder of the proposed homes, but will only do the site preparation, that Trademark Quality Homes, her employer, will actually build the homes.

Stanley Pascal, who sold 30 of the acres in question to the current proposed seller, said this person promised to keep the land in pasture when he made the purchase.

Curt Henley of 1530 Newnan Road, in opposition to the Spring Road proposal, said that the elected leadership of Carroll County has worked to create a high-quality standard of life for its citizens and he would like to see that maintained.

When the Request for Annexation into the City of Carrollton was presented, the Board of Commissioners voted unanimously to object to the request. They also voted to approve a resolution supporting reform to Georgia’s Annexation Dispute Resolution Law now before the Georgia Assembly.

Special Presentations were made to three Carroll County Fire Rescue Graduates: Darien Crawford, Joey Henderson and David Irick.

Certificates were presented to these men by Fire Chief Chuck Barnwell.

Three zoning issues were presented by Janet Hyde, County Planner: 1. 2036 Rockmart Road, a request for rezoning of one acre with a house to be re-zoned to residential by Gregory Broom, who owns all the AG land adjacent to this one acre. He stated the house needs to be renovated and he only wants to sell it with this one acre to someone who will do the work. His request was approved unanimously.

2. Re-zoning request of two parcels in Land Lot 166 of the 6th Land District, located on West Highway 78 Temple where the Old Westside Flea Market now stands, from AG to Commercial for the purpose of renovating the existing structures into a self-storage facility.

The applicant, Leonard Olim, intends to also renovate the house currently on the property into an office, and then demolish the remaining structures there. Both Staff and Planning & Zoning recommend approval of this request.

There were questions from the board as Olim had no visual renderings of the anticipated completed project. Olim and Hyde, stated that the final product will comply with the Corridor

Development Plan and will be reviewed by Staff before approval. Upon these conditions the request for re-zoning was approved 5-1, with Morgan voting against.

3. Lastly, a request for rezoning of 139.98 acres located at Highway 113 and East Luke Road from Commercial to Industrial.

Applicant ISG in care of Bilijack Bell told the Board that he is looking to re-construct West Luke Road as recommended by staff and Planning & Zoning, then keep all internal streets private for use as an Industrial Park. He wants to build smaller, multi-use buildings for light industry, with high standards and flexible uses, and agrees to comply with all ordinances and code requirements. Commissioner Clint Chance informed the Board that Commissioner Tommy Lee was in favor, and the request was approved unanimously.

The Consent Agenda from the 12-2-21 Work Session was approved unanimously.

In the Financial Session, the board held a vote on the Property & Liability Insurance Brokerage Contract, based on presentations made to them during the 12-2-21 Work Session by two firms: Marsh & McLennan Agency (formerly J. Smith Lanier) of Carrollton, and Lockton Insurance Company, headquartered out of Kansas City, Missouri, but having an office in Atlanta. The vote was 4-2 in favor of Marsh & McLennan to receive the brokerage contract for the Property & Liability Insurance needs of Carroll County.

Fire Chief Barnwell asked the board to consider a request to purchase three (3) new Sutphen Heavy Duty Custom Pumpers at a total cost of $1,724,045 to come from the 2021 SPLOST monies. The request for purchase was approved unanimously.

After Executive Session, the Board re-convened regular session to consider a resolution for Carroll County’s agreement to be bound by the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the State of Georgia and certain local government entities concerning the National Distributor and J & J settlements of the Opioid lawsuit. The resolution directs the execution by

Chairman Morgan of the “Acknowledgment and Agreement to be Bound by Memorandum of Understanding”, “Subdivision Distributor Settlement Participation Form” and “Janssen Settlement Participation Form”. It is not yet

known what the outcome of the law suit will be or what form of compensation the county might receive as a result. The Board approved this resolution unanimously. There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned.

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www.starnewsgaonline.com REP TYLER PAUL SMITH from front page Advocates is committed to providing services, resources, and education in Carroll County.

Along with the Respite House and KidsPeace in Bowdon, all need increased funding. We have a mental health crisis, but a shortage of funding. I will be working closely with area House representatives Randy Nix and Jay Collins and Senator Mike Dugan in the Senate to get the funding organizations like these so desperately need.”

Smith spoke on his support of proposed bills concerning boys and girls school sports. This bill would prohibit biological boys from participating in girls sports.

“I also will work to get a Patient Visitation Rights bill passed. We all know of the heartbreak and frustration of not getting to see family in hospitals and other care facilities due to restrictions. We must change this.”

Smith will also be focusing on economic development for his district. “We are seeing

more and more industries looking at the 18th District. I also will support the repeal of the state income tax. I also expect to see more election reform including drop boxes which I think we should eliminate due to lack of security.”

Tyler, a lawyer with Parian Law Firm, is serving his second year of his first term in the Georgia House of Representatives representing the 18th District. He will run for reelection this November. His House responsibilities will expand this session when he will be chairing the subcommittee on Non-Civil legislation, which reviews bills to make sure they are crafted in correct and legal fashion.

Tyler, a Bremen resident, is a 4th generation graduate of Bremen High School, graduated from The Citadel and John Marshall Law School in Atlanta. While in law school, he served as a legislative aid in the Georgia Legislature.

His family has lived in the Bremen area since the 1820s-1830s. He grew up on a family farm that goes back 170 years. He first became interested in the law as a 10 year old when he was with his family at the attorney’s office concerning a dispute over the government taking some of their property to District 18 State Representative Tyler Paul Smith deep into the paperwork of the day, taking time to discuss widen Cashtown Road in Bremen. his priorities for the 2022 Georgia Legislative Session. Photo by Wayne J. Reynolds

StarNews January 16, 2022

“I realized, over time, that I could help people with these types of problems by becoming a lawyer and being involved in the government process. Helping people I try to think things out, get both sides point of views, and give measured responses.”

“We don’t know what may come up, that is for certain. Supreme Court decisions like on Roe versus Wade may allow some new legislation on abortion. My emphasis will continue to be supporting good sound policy and want to build on my first term. I think I stood for sound policy my first year.”

If you would like to contact State Rep. Smith you may email him at: tylerpaulsmith13@gmail.com

GOVERNOR KEMP from front page “Throughout the last three legislative sessions, we have worked together to toughen penalties for violent crime, crack down on gangs and street racing, and ban the radical ‘Defund the Police’ agenda,” said Governor Kemp. “We’ve made great progress under the Gold Dome, but we know ensuring public safety cannot just come from state government. Building a safer, stronger Georgia starts with Georgians being able to protect themselves and their families.

“In the face of rising crime across the country, law-abiding citizens should have their constitutional rights protected - not undermined.

“As I said on the campaign trail in 2018, I believe the U.S. Constitution grants our citizens the right to carry a firearm without the approval of government. For law-abiding Georgians, the 2nd Amendment is their carry permit, and I look forward to working with members of the General Assembly to get Constitutional Carry across the finish line this legislative session.”

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Carrollton City Schools Superintendent Dr Mark Albertus discusses REACH Scholarship

by Wayne J. Reynolds cally and socially with the end result being ors, a college degree coordinator, and an assis- give them the level of support each student Carrollton City Schools Superintendent Dr, complete financial assistance upon graduation. tant principal who oversees the program. We See REACH page 27 Mark Albertus spoke December 14, 2021 at the It assists and supports them with what to expect Carrollton Rotary Club meeting about the with the college application process. We all REACH scholarship program. know the college application process can be a “The program focuses on at-risk students daunting process.” who are first generation post secondary stuAlbertus then introduced Carrollton Junior dents. The program identifies students who High Principal Travis Thomaston who ® ® have the potential to do explained how selecting the Dr. Albertus said, well, but may not have the five students each year for the •Pasture Supplement Tub 200 lb.

“We offer in-depth support and guidance at program works. “It is, in •25% Protein home to go to college. The guidance to the REACH many respects, a heart break•Available--5% Fat or 10% Fat scholarship program identi- students as well as to all ing process, because we start •Added Vitamins and Minerals fies 8th graders. The crux of with 40 to 50 potential stu® students. REACH is ® the program is about ongodent candidates and end up *Accuration Block •Intake Modifying Technology ing support from the staff another package we can with only five,” Thomaston is scientifically •Increases Rumen Efficiency and Aids In Forage Digestion formulated to be including teachers, guidance said.

“It begins early in the offer like the HOPE or fed free-choice to •Use Year Around/ Weather Resistant counselors, administrators, school year when we ask 7th mature beef cows, •Produces Snack Eating PELL programs to help and community mentors.”. grade teachers to identify sheep ,and goats our students. .. It is a The REACH program potential candidates.. We are along with forage. began February 6, 2012 at hands up program, not a looking for students who are Georgia Tech during college material. We also look hand out program.

Governor Nathan Deal’s at the free lunch and reduced administration with AT&T as the first corporate lunch programs which would qualify students donor ($250,000). REACH is Georgia’s first financially. We then send home a question and needs-based, mentoring, and scholarship pro- answer application for the student with their Works great with a truck tire gram. REACH serves 154 school systems, parents or guardian to fill out. We ask for refer2400 scholars, and 24 million dollars in schol- ences from teachers and community members.

(Tire not included) arships. The goal is to include all 180 school We then narrow the list down from 40 or 50 Bull Proof systems and serve 3000 scholars. students to ten. We then begin an interview Large Capacity At present, twoout of five low income process and ask the students to tell their story.

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Keeps wind, water and snow out “The program is structured to identify and Carrollton High School principal Ian Lyle reward promising students academically as spoke on what the high school experience well as for their behavior,” Dr. Albertus contin- included. Each of these students needs to be ued. “We provide ongoing support academi- good high school students including behavior, 4343 Hwy. 27 N. attendance, and maintaining anemic progress to Bowdon Junction, Ga 30109 maintain a 2.5 GPA. “There are regular meetings with the parents/guardians as well as ensuring they have a community mentor who may or may not be someone they have a relationship with. We have four academic counsel-

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Carrollton City Council members Bridges and Ledbetter sworn in; Ledbetter elected Mayor Pro Tem; Mobile Crisis Unit gets $500,000 grant

Council approves “Floating Holiday” for employees to take on any day of their choice during the fiscal year

by Janice Daniel The Mayor and Council of the City of Carrollton met on January 3, 2022 for their regular monthly meeting Council members Brett Ledbetter and Jacquline Bridges took the Oath of Office after being re-elected in their respective Wards last year. Mayor Cason appointed Ledbetter to serve as Mayor Pro Tem for the year of 2022, and thanked Bridges for her service as same in 2021.

Mayor Cason reported that the Mobile Crisis Unit had received a grant of $550,000 for a three year period to operate the Mobile Crisis Unit.

Council approved a “Floating Holiday” for all employees that can be taken on any day of their choice, must be applied for two weeks in advance and approved by supervisor.

Rezoning requested for 120 Columbia Drive from M1 to C2 was approved unanimously with the condition that street trees and a 10-foot landscape strip along Columbia Drive be created in accordance with Section 4.07.00 of the Unified Development Ordinance.

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Carrollton city manager retires; assistant moves up; retired city manager hired as consultant

by Janice Daniel The Mayor and City Council of Carrollton, Georgia met on Monday, December 6, 2021 for their regular monthly meeting at the Public Safety Complex, 115 West Center Street, Carrollton. Addressing the December retirement of City Manager Tim Grizzard, Mayor Betty Cason expressed “what a pleasure it has been” to work with him. Councilmember Watters commended Grizzard on his conservative governance with finances which Watters believed has helped Carrollton to offer the best in services to the citizens. Later in this meeting, council voted to hire Assistant City Manager David Brooks to replace Grizzard, and the city entered into a consulting agreement with Grizzard for engineering services.

In other business, Kenny Rollins and Tommy Holland were commended by council for upgrades to Adamson Square which included audible announcements to pedestrians for when it is safe to walk or not.

JOHN LEMMINGS from page 20 timing. When you choose to build your life on His Word, you can, as Jesus did, stand strong against any temptation you find yourself facing. You can also trust Him to provide for you according to His perfect will. Follow Jesus’ example and confront every temptation with “It is written.” You will find strength in God’s true Word and the faith to trust in His timing.

I would like to encourage you to make a new commitment to the Word of God. Here is how that looks: Get up earlier than you normally would to spend time with God. We call that “defeating the sheets.” Have a devotion book to help guide you. We are using, “Experiencing God Day by Day.” Get a copy of God’s Word, notebook, and a

Sarah Claudia was present with her Guide Dog “Jackson”, to thank council for making changes to the square and around town that enable the blind to navigate to shops and restaurants independently. She expressed her appreciation for the speed at which council responded to her requests for these additions.

Resolution 16-2021 was presented by Brooks, a request to amend the Code of Ordinances for a License Fee Increase for Insurance Companies. According to the numbers of the 2020 Census, Carrollton’s population has grown to over 25,000 citizens and the higher population calls for Insurance Company license fees to increase from $75 to $100 per year, resulting in a $10,000 increase in income for the city. The amendment was approved unanimously.

Resolution 17-2021 was to ask council to approve a $500,000 grant from the Land Water Conservation Fund for the Midtown Water Park, and approval was unanimous by council. pen. Find that quiet place, begin by praying and asking God to speak to you through His Word.

Take your devotion book and read it, reading the scriptures in your devotion out of your Bible. Also, find a good reading plan to help you read through the Bible in a year. We are using the “Navigators Bible Reading Plan” found at navlink.org/bible-reading-plan. Then journal (write down) what God has spoke to you or what you need to tell Him. One more thing: memorize scripture. Journey Fellowship is memorizing Matthew 4:4 together in January as a church.

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Resolution 18-2921 was for approval to start the application for a grant from the Georgia Transportation Infrastructure Bank (GTIB) to obtain monies for the Maple Street Overlay.

Council voted approval unanimously.

There was a re-application from the CITGO at 1101 Alabama Street to apply for a Food Truck license. They have now met the parking requirements needed. Council voted unanimously to grant their request.

An Equipment Purchase was requested for the purchase of four (4) new fire engines and a ladder truck, budgeted to come from the new SPLOST money at a total cost of $4,020,692.

There is a two-year estimated delivery date for the fire engines and no money will be paid by the city until they arrive.

While in operation, the 2008 and 2014 engines will go into reserve, replacing the 1991

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Request was approved unanimously by council.

The mayor presented a list of suggested Hospital Authority Board Appointments that will be made, in conjunction with the Carroll County Board of Commissioners. List was approved by council unanimously.

Council then voted to go into Executive Session. When they returned, council voted to go back into regular session to handle personnel matters. There was a motion and second to employ David Brooks as the new city manager, as well as enter into a consulting agreement with Tim Grizzard for engineering services for the city.

Both items of business were approved unanimously by council, upon which time the meet was adjourned.

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“Not just what happened, but what matters”

SUSAN M. HORN EDITOR/PUBLISHER ADVERTISING DIRECTOR: WAYNE REYNOLDS REPORTERS:

JANICE DANIEL

GRAPHICS DESIGNER: SHERRY REYNOLDS

WAYNE REYNOLDS

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Mr. Raffensperger’s visit to Carroll County and the importance of Carroll County voters In June of 1983, Rudy Giuliani was sworn in as United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York. I lived on Long Island at that time and saw Giuliani on the news just about every other day giving strong sound bytes about his mission to take down the EDITOR/ Mafia - truly scary people.

PUBLISHER In his six years in that powerful position and eight years following as NYC Mayor, Giuliani would clean the clocks on organized crime - The Mafia, The Mob, The Five Families, “Cosa Nostra”. His changes and policies reduced crime in the city by more than half. This was a man who stood up consistently and bravely to take down murderers. Admirable.

But, fast forward to June 2021 when a New York court suspends Giuliani’s law license in that state for making “demonstrably false and misleading statements” about the 2020 presidential election results to courts and the public at large. Giuliani got “pinched”, as they say in mob speak. Sad. Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffesnperger visited Carroll County recently. The focus of his talk centered on the 2020 elections’ many claims of voter fraud. Raffensperger - who is an engineer - detailed claim after fraud claim with explanations backed up with video, statistics, facts, and, simply, some logic. Raffensperger spoke briefly on what Giuliani had done that distorted the actual events shown on the State Farm Arena video. I didn’t write that part of Raffensperger’s talk into the story (see front page) because my mind began to wander a bit and I momentarily stopped jotting down notes. I was remembering the younger, boastful Giuliani on the news clips as he stood behind the press podium declaring war on the mobsters.

The former NYC DA/mayor meant it, and he carried his boasts to fruition. The five ruling organized crime families, Bonanno Colombo, Gambino, Genovese and Lucchese, were also called “the Commission” that can be dated back to 1931. Back in the day, they would have said “oobatz” (“you crazy”) if you thought your could run a business or carry out construction in New York without paying up a fee to the mob.

Ordinary people just trying to do their jobs were harassed, bullied down into submission. What a hero Giuliani was to successfully stand up to people so evil and callous to other humans that they have their own expressions for different types of physical harm, torture, killing: a “burn” murder, a “message job”, a “mock execution”, a “Moe Green special”.

But as I sat there listening to calm mannered Raffensperger sensibly and quietly relay key points, it became clear to me this was an account of yet another ordinary person just trying to do his job while enduring vicious bullying. There was widespread anger and biased attacks on the integrity of the state’s election system and Raffensperger himself.

What a terrible irony that Rudy Giuliani was one of those jamooks.

Raffensperger stood up to the man who stood up to the mob. Wow. What exemplary bravery.

The fact that the Secretary of State came to Carroll County to share his story with us - a national story that burst onto front pages unfairly in fits and spurts - tells me that we surely do count here in West Georgia. It says that our voters, no matter our political affiliation, carry weight in Atlanta, that what we think is important. And it was important to Raffensperger to tell us personally about the 2020 Elections.

He also predicts a record turnout in the State of Georgia for the upcoming 2022 mid-term elections. So, I guess we should all brace ourselves for an accompanying record number of political commercials employing prestidigitation tactics, a record number of social media bullies, and record number of misinformed Facebook users.

Oy, I can feel the agita coming on now.

SUE

HORN EVANS

Happy new year, and, the privilege accorded to us, the believers

As I opened the calendar for the More often than not, though, I celeNew Year 2022, it occurred to me that brated life with my family, friends this may be the year when I may get and neighbors. They were, as they are off the train of life. But, this thought now, the source of great joy and hapwas not with doom and gloom, as you piness to me. I am convinced that the might be thinking. Quite to the conLife was, and still is, worth living. trary, my mind raced off to the Home As I enjoy the company of caring AUTHOR and nonagenerian and loving fellow travelers, I look where family members and friends “The Wood preceded us some years ago. With a around my surroundings and find the Bracelet” smile, I silently greeted them all, one creatures in the natural habitat. There, by one. This is the privilege accorded vunc61@gmail.com too, I see the evidence of life that conthey encouraged, consoled, or stitutes the greater domain of creation. to us, the believers.

The secular world may never know reminded me of the Truth whenever In a larger sense, they are also fellow this because its residents live in travelers. the here and now only. But, I In the beginning, there was a great The world we know now believe that life is more than Creation. Science hypothesizes that there is embroiled with endless that. It is because I am living in quarrels, fights, and wars. was a Big Bang. Theology and science it, day by day, month after Tragedies spawn misery that augment, not contradict, each other, month. brings more sadness. To I heard that we, humans, are some, it may appear that I was told. They are the two wheels more than flesh and bone. We human history is about to that support the vehicle of progress. were told that we have soul and come to an end. The homo spirit within us. In my life’s sapience may be destined to journey, I often felt the presence of the occasion called for. Sometimes, destroy one another soon, some prethem, most especially when I was they even rebuked me when I went dict. People destitute of hope think of with the other fellow travelers who astray. It was a whip of love, and I self-destruction. Pessimism is their were like-minded as myself. At times, thanked them for the lash.

See DAN C. PAK page 22

DAN

C. PAK

2022 resolutions for Georgia small businesses

As another new year begins, it’s time for entrepreneurs to start thinking about resolutions for their small businesses. What goals should be set?

More importantly, what specific steps must business owners take towards meeting them?

The past year saw many of the same challenges impacting businesses as in 2020. However, the University of Georgia’s Terry College of Business Economic Outlook for 2022 predicts Georgia’s economic recovery from the pandemic will continue at an above average pace compared to the rest of the country. This is primarily due to economic development incentives in the state, access to ports, and increased spending by consumers who have accumulated savings during the pandemic and are ready to buy your goods and services.

With this promising outlook, con-

TERRI

DENISON DIRECTOR Georgia District Office of the Small Business Administration

sider the following resolutions to help you stay on track and prepare for a 2022: Re-evaluate your business plan: Developing a solid business plan isn’t the most exciting part of owning a small business but it’s one of the most important steps to set you up for success. A plan allows you to consider every aspect of running your business including marketing, managing, and financing. It will help you identify potential problems and help you better prepare for a range of scenarios-

challenges and opportunities.

Additionally, potential lenders will ask you for your business plan before considering a loan for your operation.

Now is a great time to revisit and update your plan with the latest financials, goals, competitor research, marketing ideas, and more so your business will continue to grow in 2022.

Get/keep your “house” in order: Small business owners are often focused on the daily operations of their business but should also ensure they’re keeping excellent records. The success of your business depends on creating and maintaining an effective record system, whether your business is a sole proprietorship, partnership corporation, or LLC. This includes employee information, payroll, tax forms, bank statements and insurance documents to name a few. You should See TERRI DENISON page 21

Illegal immigration under the Gold Dome: Reduced tuition for illegal aliens and elections security loophole The organized crime that is illegal immigration doesn’t seem to be on the minds of many conservative voters when it comes to state politics. It should be.

While most Republican state legislators hope it never comes up at county party meetings, the topic is woven into much of the agenda under the Gold Dome. And honest, complete coverage of that fact is seldom available in “the news” from liberal media.

Reminder: Georgia is home to more illegal aliens than Arizona.

We offer some insight and education to better prepare readers for the 2022 General Assembly session and the May primaries.

“Equity” in college tuition rates for illegal aliens - House Bill 120: The mighty Georgia Chamber of Commerce is openly pushing for lower tuition rates in Georgia’s public colleges for some illegal aliens who migrated here than what Americans

D.A. KING

PRESIDENT The Dustin Inman Society

404-316-6712 2615 George Busbee Parkway Suite 11 - Box 333 Kennesaw, GA 30144-1981 and legal immigrants who live in other states pay.

House Bill 120 would change state law so that illegal aliens who are recipients of the Obama-era DACA reward program could pay a new and reduced tuition rate. It passed out of the Republican-controlled House Higher Education Committee in the 2021 session. Voting with the Democrats were Republican Representatives Kasey Carpenter,

Clay Pirkle, Dale Washburn, Marcus Wiedower, Rick Williams, Robert Dickey, Bert Reeves, and Katie Dempsey. Because it did not advance out of the House Rules Committee, the tuition amnesty must now start the committee process over again.

Introduced by Rep. Kasey Carpenter (R, Dalton), HB 120 has more Democrat co-sponsors than Republicans.

Today, there are about twenty thousand illegal aliens living in Georgia with a deferral on deportation proceedings because they were brought to the U.S. as children. That number could soon zoom up because of Biden’s “ya’ll come!” policy on our southern border.

The Chamber-ordered tuition plot goes like this: Currently, the University System of Georgia offers essentially two levels of tuition rates instate and out of state. For academic year 2020-2021, the average tuition See D.A. KING page 21

Page 18 January 16, 2022

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COMMENTARY

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“The Heartbeat of West Georgia”

DUANE

HACK

West Georgia Right to Life PRESIDENT Duanehack46@gmail.com 470-370-2452

Greetings West Georgia-East Alabama ProLifers. I’m honored to be able to share with you monthly views and talking points pertaining to “Life-Issues” in West Georgia, the State of Georgia, and on a National level in America.

In addition, WGRTL would like to say thanks to Sue Horn and the StarNews staff for the great work they do. StarNews is an important educational resource for our community, a platform for allowing deep thought and important dialog on a plethora of different subjects we encounter daily.

So, where do we start? Let me first give you a quick glimpse of my personal history, and hopefully this sets the stage for you to understand the views I have, and why I’m proud to be a Pro-Life Christian!

I reside in Carroll County, been here on and off since 1979. At one time in the early 80s, I owned a bakery off the Square in Carrollton on Rome Street, the “Carrollton Bake Shop.” I have a deep appreciation for the small business owner, the long hours, sweat and tears they pour into their “business-dreams.” After working a long and tireless month, checks are writ-

ten and dispersed; the small amount left in the checking account makes one wonder: is this really worth it? I will elaborate more on this further down in this OP-ED. Fast forward a few years, I personally accepted Christ as my Lord and Savior in the mid 80s at Central Baptist Church, Carrollton.

This began a whole new “Outlook on Life” for me. As it’s stated in my KJV Bible in II Corinthians 5:17: “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature, old things are passed away, behold all things are become new.” I italicized the word all, to reinforce the thought, all things in the view of a born-again Christian become new and fresh every day, especially the Right to Life cause!

Our family moved around for a few years while I was in sales peddling bakery products living in Muskogee, OK, Montgomery, AL, and then the prodigal finally made it back home to Carrollton in the early 90s. It was in Montgomery that the seed was planted concerning the “Right to Life” movement. It was either a presentation at a church we were attending or a pamphlet I read; the hot embers of being Pro-Life started a forest fire in my heart and soul, and some 30 years later now that forest fire has turned into a fast-growing and blazing wild fire!

So much about me: who is West Georgia Right to Life? WGRTL is a chapter of Georgia Right to Life. GRTL is a 501(c) (4) Christian pro-life advocacy organization.GRTL was incorporated in 1971 by Jay and Cheryl Bowman. GRTL serves as the largest pro-life

organization in Georgia; with grassroot chapters in 30 counties in GA and has contact with more than 240,000 identified pro-life households. The fundamental purpose is “to engage in actions that will restore respect and effective legal protection for ALL human beings, from the earliest biological beginning until natural death.”

GRTL is also a National Leader in the Personhood Movement, which I will elaborate more in future writings, but if you get an opportunity, take a moment to read and study the 14th Amendment of our Constitution: “nor shall any State deprive any person of life, nor deny to any person within its jurisdiction the equal protection of the laws”. Halleluiah, the writers of our Constitution were the forerunners of our Personhood Movement!

WGRTL, as well as GRTL, is strictly a nonviolent organization. We oppose violence against babies in the womb as well as violence against the abortionist who kill them. We do not engage in civil disobedience or acts of violence. All activities fall within the legal bounds of the First Amendment. GRTL and WGRTL goals are to awaken the nation to the horrible injustice of abortion, with over 61,000,000 human lives killed through abortion since the Roe vs. Wade decision January 22, 1973.

Our goal at WGRTL, in addition to those stated above at GRTL, are to Educate-EngageEncourage West Georgians-East Alabamians for the pro-life cause. This goal, for the past 18 years, has been manifested through numerous means of communications. Our WGRTL quar-

terly newsletter provides up-to-date information via email to our 450+ members email address book. Community Outreach functions such as our “Stand for Life” every October in Carrollton (18th SFL this past October,) church presentations during AM-PM church services or Sunday school classes. WGRTL participates in the “Bridges for Life” outreach every quarter in Atlanta reaching 100 thousand+ individuals at key interstate overpass bridges across the State of GA with Pro-Life messages!

On January 25th 2022 from 11:45 to 12:30, WGRTL will be sponsoring a FREE “Lunch for Life” event at American Pie on Maple Street. (See page 21.) In attendance will be Ricardo Davis, GRTL President, who will be sharing insights concerning the recent Roe vs.

Wade Supreme Court debate back in December, the Pro-Life Personhood movement that’s sweeping across America and touching on abortion and how it affects the black community! You won’t want to miss these informative insights Ricardo will share with the group!

Due to limited space, RSVP will be required, so please email me (duanehack46@gmail.com) or call my cell (470-370-2452) Let’s get back to the question I raised in the 3rd paragraph above. So is it really worth it?

What we do for the cause for life? Two situations come to mind regarding as to why we do what we do to protect the lives of the most vulnerable in our society the “preborn and the aged.” Several years back, at the conclusion of one of our Stand for Lifes, we were packing up See DUANE HACK page 22

past several years that a student’s learning environment has a big impact on differentiated learning styles. The onset of the global pandemic has also brought about engagement challenges associated with remote learning in many schools.

Therefore, the need for enhanced student engagement coupled with differentiated student learning styles has brought to focus the need for unique and engaging learning environment designs in our schools.

The traditional classroom arrangement positions all the student’s desks in the same forward-facing direction, and this design isn’t always ideal for all learning situations.

Independent Schools are embodying this awareness and creating purposefully designed

learning styles of today’s students.

Many Independent Schools are designing smaller learning spaces like paired reading cubbies. With a more secluded environment, the two students are less likely to be distracted by a large group and able to focus on critical thinking and engaging discussions with one another. When working in small groups, students benefit from desk clustering. This allows groups of four or more students to form an environment where peer interaction is focused in an effort to help foster the development of student’s collaborative learning skills.

For larger groups, Independent Schools are creating seminar-style rooms where students in different classes or grades can easily interact

and learn together. This type of learning space fosters socratic circle time where discussions are used to examine instructional materials through a series of question and answer sessions founded on the beliefs that all new knowledge is connected to prior knowledge and that all thinking comes from engaging discussions.

These are just a few of the more unique and engaging learning environments in our Independent Schools today that will become even more pervasive in 2022. Other popular learning spaces include outdoor laboratories, recreation centers, and makerspaces. These more specialized environments will be the key to unlocking student learning and engagement in 2022.

What’s new in Independent School Planningengaging spaces to accommodate the different

PATRICK

YURAN

Headmaster OAK MOUNTAIN ACADEMY

Each new calendar year brings about many changes in Independent Schools and 2022 will be no different. Word on the street is that the design of unique and engaging learning environments will be even more of a hot topic for the new calendar year than ever before.

It has been well-documented throughout the

90 Day Law: some arrested for crimes may simply be released

JASON

SWINDLE SWINDLE LAW GROUP, P.C. COVID has had a huge impact on the criminal justice system. However, judges, lawyers, victims, defendants, and other litigants are working hard to relieve the backlog of cases across the state. There has been improvement every day. The judges, defense attorneys, and prosecutors in Coweta, Carroll, Troup, Heard, Meriwether, Haralson, Polk, Douglas, and Paulding have particularly worked endlessly to attack the backlog. Today, the caseload is smaller than at the height of the virus.

But, these circumstances have caused an issue that affects everyone. Some people who are in jail may be eligible for release while they are awaiting indictment because of the backlog

through the court system.” of cases that have grown during the pandemic.

Willis said her office is prioritizing sexual In general, inmates who have been charged with crimes in Georgia are entitled to bond if predator and other serious cases. But the realthey are not indicted by a grand jury within 90 ity, she said, is that “there’s gonna be 400-500 defendants that we days of arrest. There are The “90 Day Law”” was enacted don’t make the clock some exceptions such in death penalty cases. by the General Assembly to ensure on, and they, without Although the “90 Day that due process of law (grand jury having the proper Law” was suspended dur- indictments) would be honored. . . evaluation by law, a judge will be maning the pandemic, it was expect to see more defendants dated to give them a reinstated over the sumreleased because they were not bond.” mer. That means some indicted within 90 days of arrest.

Willis said her defendants accused of office worked crimes are now eligible, or “around the clock” to make sure murder cases soon will be eligible, for release.

While west Georgia has a backlog, it is noth- were indicted before the September 28th deading compared to metro Atlanta. CNN recently line. Of the 224 murder defendants who’ve interviewed Fani Willis; the new District been charged but not indicted, more than 50 Attorney in Fulton County, which includes had to be indicted by this week to remain in Atlanta. I have known Willis for years. She is custody.

Some alleged victims of crime and their a dedicated, courageous public servant and prosecutor. She said, “We walked into an office loved ones are struggling with closure. “This is with an excess of 11,000 unindicted cases. In a serious problem,” said Brenda Muhammad, addition to that, we already had another 12,000 director of Atlanta Victim Assistance Inc.”The that were indicted and were working their way people that we represent, the victims of crime,

they will find out that the folks who committed the crimes against loved ones or against them, they will be out on the street. Dealing with a gang banger in their neighborhood, yes that is very disturbing.”

Then, there are the men and women, who have not been found guilty of any crime.

Regardless of what a person is charged with, they still have a right to be proven guilty without languishing behind bars for months or even years.

The “90 Day Law”” was enacted by the General Assembly to ensure that due process of law (grand jury indictments) would be honored. Without due process, the public would be at the mercy of arbitrary, political, and/or abusive government prosecutions.

There is certainly a balance to be found here.

However, expect to see more defendants released because they were not indicted within 90 days of arrest.

In the meantime, I can assure you that the legal community as a whole will continue to work tirelessly to ensure that Americans have the best legal system on Earth.

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A fondly remembered hero from so long ago

BILL

BOURIS digi@mindspring.com In the few times when I have devised a list of names of my personal heros, Mrs. Contrino’s is there, sometimes at the top.

About two lifetimes ago, around 1942, I attended first grade at P.S. 122 [Public School #122] in the lower East Side of Manhattan.

Because our family kept moving, I had somehow missed being registered for kindergarten and some of first grade. Our teacher was Mrs. Contrino. She would play the piano while we marched hand-in-hand, boy-girl, round and round in the play area next to the lunchroom.

Mrs. Contrino was a very nice and beautiful woman. I once dreamed I was sitting in her lap, and, once in class, I was excitedly raising my hand, competing against classmates to give an answer, when, in order to get her attention I called out, “Mama!”, and not “Mrs. Contrino”.

HAMILTON PROFESSOR Indiana University Center on Representative Government With a $1 trillion infrastructure package on the books and the Biden administration’s $1.8 trillion “Build Back Better” measure preoccupying the Senate after passing the House, government spending is very much on Americans’ minds. In public meetings, I frequently hear people say that government’s share of the economy is too big, and it’s likely that voters’ feelings about federal spending in particular will figure prominently in next year’s elections.

If you look ahead, even beyond the current debate on Capitol Hill, there’s no question that there will be intense pressure to expand even further. To deal effectively with climate

One marching song I remember was something that went, “We did it before and we can do it again...” It was all about winning the war.

World War II had just begun. How did such a song get to Mrs. Contrino in such short time? I mean into her hands - and she could play it without looking! Radio must have had a part in all this!

In class, we learned the alphabet. We had just learned something about “block lettering” and soon we could print our names at the top of a sheet of paper. The paper had to be creased (by folding) at the top of the sheet. That would serve as a “line” and guide, on which we would print the letters of our names, all in caps. Then, we could draw and color on the rest of the paper. Very soon, there appeared, in the boys’ drawings, fighter planes and bombers. This interfered with Mrs. Contrino’s plans for us, and she somehow managed to get us to forego such aggressive expression until we had first given our attentions to Nature and Home, and Family. I was learning a lot.

Then I got sick, and was out for most of the week. I loved being at home. My sisters were at their junior high school and my mother and father were at the store. I layed in bed and listened to the radio all day. Radio was a great

healer. Right after the lunch hour, Mama would come home and do her magic with soup and caresses. When she left, the radio went back on with the best of its offerings, which came in the afternoon.

By that Friday, I was all better and back in class. Next thing I know, Mrs. Contrino is passing out blank paper and saying something like we are to make a fold at the top. And then she said something that shocked me, and my confusion caused the girl sitting next to me (I think it was Eugenia Levitski) to explain: While I had been away, the class had learned to write, not print, but write their name! Mrs. Contrino did not teach the class cursive writing, but somehow was able to show us our names - in cursive. And I was lost! And desparate. Mrs. Contrino did not tell me about this and I felt therefore that I should be able to do this, write my full name in cursive. What to do, what should I do?

So, I copied the nearest name, which was Eugenia’s. I say “copied”, but it was more like I “drew” Eugenia’s name. When Mrs. Contrino came down the aisles checking each student’s name-in-cursive and came to me, she said in a whisper, “That is not your name.” I agreed. A blurry Mrs. Contrino moved on.

change, reckon with the impact of an aging population, handle the health care needs of Americans post-pandemic—these are problems that will demand a role for government. Which, in turn, will mean more spending, more bureaucracy, more opportunity for corruption, and less space for the individual enterprise that fuels economic prosperity.

The US is not alone in this. “On current forecasts,” The Economist wrote recently, “government spending will be greater as a share of GDP in 2026 than it was in 2006 in every major advanced economy.”

What other countries do about it will be up to them. What the US needs to do, however, is to take a hard look at where we’re headed. This will be extremely difficult. Inertia is powerful in government—once a program is established, it’s much easier just to let it continue, no matter how ineffective. And public interest in using government to solve real problems that people care about is a powerful force. Politicians quickly learn that not everyone who decries big government really means it; some people may oppose the idea in general, but when it comes

to cutting a government service or program that benefits them or addresses an issue they follow, they’ll storm the barricades.

It’s worth remembering that government did not grow big by accident. It was pushed by a desire to address real problems, to respond to the demands of real people—both wellmeaning and self-interested—and to meet the soaring visions of elected leaders.

The challenge, it seems to me, will be to develop a mindset that looks realistically at what government can and cannot do well and that appreciates that government’s ability to satisfy the demands it faces is limited. Overall, our goal should be to sustain a government that performs well, intervening where it can be effective and avoiding areas where it cannot be.

How do we do this? We have to focus on where government is being asked to intervene and ask whether it’s really necessary and whether there are market-based or other solutions that are preferable. We have to examine the effectiveness of public programs—at the federal, state, and local levels—by checking regularly on how they’re

operating, asking whether improvements can be made, examining whether the private sector could do it better, and, where a program is ineffective, either cutting or eliminating it.

To be sure, it’s baked into the American system to debate the proper role and scope of government. We’ve been doing it since the beginning. But turning debate into action is far more difficult. When I first entered politics, I thought that making government more efficient and effective was such a blindingly obvious goal that everyone would rush to embrace it. And, rhetorically, most people— both in and outside government—do. But regardless of their ideological hue, they all have their exceptions, places where they want government to expand—the military or health care or basic R & D or critical infrastructure.

Add those up, and you get a government that never stops growing.

What we need, in the end, is to lower our expectations of government. So far, we haven’t shown that we’re very good at it.

Lee Hamilton was a member of the U.S. House of Representatives for 34 years.

parents have more options for where to send their children to school. For example: traditional public schools have adopted more flexible enrollment policies. Charter school laws have passed in 45 states, including Georgia.

More families are aware they can choose public magnet programs, where kids receive education with a special focus, like STEM or the arts.

Today, all public school students in Georgia are eligible for an education expense tax credit, and students with special needs or a 504 plan may be eligible for a state-run scholarship program. Plus, a growing number of Georgia families are choosing homeschooling.

A second game-changer since when we were kids is that there’s now more community support for making school choices. There are also more resources for parents to help them find schools and learning environments that meet their children’s needs. I’ve worked in K-12 education for more than 15 years; over that time, I’ve seen dozens of parent-focused

organizations spring up to shine a spotlight on learning options in local communities. From helping parents find scholarships to private schools, to helping them figure out the process of transferring to public school outside of their zone, to offering bilingual application assistance, grassroots organizations are cutting the stress out of school searching.

You can visit schoolchoiceweek.com/georgia to find community organizations in Georgia.

Keep in mind that parents cite word-of-mouth as a key factor in what school they choose.

This means you have the power to help others by sharing your own school experiences.

Third, a plethora of online learning environments have developed since our school days.

These online schooling options are more comprehensive and focused than the emergency remote learning that many families experienced during the pandemic. For example, Georgia offers several free, full-time online learning options for students, including Georgia Virtual School, Georgia Connections Academy, and

Georgia Cyber Academy. Besides official online schooling, resources like schoolhouse.world offer free support to supplement in-person learning. All of these changes to K12 education are reasons for hope. With more options, Carrollton parents have more opportunities to find a free or inexpensive education personalized to their unique children.

If you are considering a new or different environment for your daughter or son for the next school year, though, the time to start evaluating your options is now. Don’t wait!

Begin the school search process during National School Choice Week (January 23-29, 2022), when 1,057 schools and homeschool groups in Georgia will be working together to raise awareness of opportunity in K-12 education. You won’t regret it, and your children will thank you.

Andrew Campanella is president of National School Choice Week and author of “The School Choice Roadmap: 7 Steps to Finding the Right School for Your Child”

School Choice Week is January 23-29, 2022

ANDREW

CAMPANELLA School Choice Week www.schoolchoiceweek.com If you’re reading this, chances are you’re a parent, or have friends or neighbors who are.

Baby Boomer, Gen X, or Millennial— the K12 school scene has changed so much since we were kids. Understanding these changes can help moms and dads guide their children to greater learning, success, and happiness. So: here are the three biggest changes affecting education across the U.S. today, and what these changes mean for your family.

First, school choice opportunities have broadened over the last generation. That means

January 16, 2022 Page 19

Oh, the girls were so mean. The boys ignored me.

Mrs. Contrino could play the piano without looking at her hands. She just stared straight ahead over that grand piano at the opposite wall, while we marched around and around by the side of that big and loud sound. But, she knew who among us was not marching properly. “Arthur Schwartz! I see you!” And she was right. “Schwartzy” was trying to get something from Anthony Provenzano, alias “Muzzo”, who was marching with his partner just behind Schwartzy - and all of this was taking place at that point in the circular march when those boys and their girl-partners were behind Mrs. Contrino’s back. Mrs. Contrino was not only talented and beautiful, she was all-seeing! I was sure that her all-seeing ability had helped her with her piano-playing.

Actually, it is in my recall of those days that I refer to some classmates by their nicknames.

The truth is that the nicknames came in later years as we grew up together. In first grade, we were much more formal. Boys called me by my last name and girls called me by my first name, “William”, not “Bill”. And the boys addressed the girls by their first names, rarely by their last names.

Reigning in government spending will be very tough

LEE

StarNews

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Confessions of a Riverkeeper

SYBIL

ROSEN THOMAS

River Rambles syllabil@aol.com Cold wet winter morning. Widening spirals of fog coming off the Chattahoochee River tell me it will be a warm day. I go down to the river with a bridge sampler, a small ingenious contraption designed for gathering freshwater samples when the water source is a ways below you. The gadget comes via Chattahoochee Riverkeeper (CRK) - a piece of necessary equipment in their Neighborhood Water Watch program (NWW), for which I’m now a weekly volunteer.

The bridge sampler is a 2 1/5” long piece of plumber’s pipe 2” in diameter and anchored on both sides by two long heavy metal screws. A slender 50 foot nylon rope attached at each rounded end. A Whirl-Pak - a 3 x 9” sturdy plastic bag with built-in twisties forming the opening at its top - is pushed through the pip-

ing and affixed to the screws with the twisties.

Once the bridge sampler is lowered into the river, the Whirl-Pak will hopefully fill with water.

Many NWW water monitors live in cities within the branching Chattahoochee watershed where there are plenty of bridges from which to drop a bridge sampler, not unlike drawing water from a well. I have no bridge. To collect water in the wild requires me to perch on a tiny mounded beach 10 feet above the river where last summer’s Joe Pye-Weed has shriveled to shaggy brown clumps among some fruiting nutgrass. Finding my footing in withered brambles, I swing the bridge sampler over my head like a rodeo lasso and let ‘er rip.

The Technical Program Specialist for CRK, Ashley Desensi assured me I’d get the knack with practice. She admitted to conking herself once when first collecting, and another time breaking the bridge sampler on a rock. I should be wearing a hard hat.

Managing to get the bridge sampler out over the water without injuring myself or it, I’m rewarded with a satisfying kerplunk! The Whirl-Pak inflates with water. Now the trick is to get the thing out. My only recourse is to drag it up the side of the beach through prickly

vegetation. In hand, the twisties come off; the the numbers fall in normal ranges. Finding the heavy Whirl-Pak slips from the bridge sampler. test results on the CRK website, I feel a bit like Then, holding the twisties tautly at either end - the hospital nurse who slipped into the river’s and using the weight of the water inside for room to draw blood and is now reading her momentum - the pack is The patient continWeekly sampling forges a chart. literally whirled around the ues to heal. data baseline for a location; spine of the twisties five The non-profit CRK slotimes until the bag is propgan reads “Keeping Watch dramatic shifts in numbers erly sealed. One down. alert Riverkeeper staff to toxic Over Our Waters Since A second sample comes 1994.” The mission: “To out of the inlet stream in spills, sewage. . . Finding the educate, advocate, and the floodplain where I can secure the protection and test results on the CRK gather water directly. Kept stewardship of the website, I feel a bit like the cold, the samples are Chattahoochee. . . its lakes, driven to another NWW hospital nurse who slipped into tributaries, and watershed, volunteer who drives them the river’s room to draw blood in order to restore and conto a CRK lab in LaGrange. and is now reading her chart. serve their ecological There they’ll be tested for health for the people and E.coli and other bacteria; turbidity, or how wildlife that depend on the river system. . ..” muddy the water appears due to undissolved The heartbeat of these aspirations is the watersediments; and specific conductivity which quality monitoring implemented by NWW. looks for dissolved heavy metals, detergents, Here it is again: A way to give the river her cosmetics, and chemical pollutants. voice. Mind you, the river already has a voice.

Weekly sampling forges a data baseline for a She sings and buckles and chortles; she talks to location; dramatic shifts in numbers alert us in her own language. When we humans Riverkeeper staff to toxic spills, sewage, and speak of giving her a voice, we’re really talkclogging runoffs caused by erosion natural and ing about our own, and even that feels metaman made. So far, the water here looks good; See SYBIL ROSEN THOMAS page 22

seriousness concerning them. Many say they hope the new year will be better. For many, the current year may have been filled with pain, suffering, loss and grief. I understand their sentiment. We have all had “bad” years in human terms. But the end of one year doesn’t mean the trials stop. Proverbs 27:1 “Do not boast about tomorrow, For you do not know what a day may bring forth.” A new year doesn’t change this. We do manage good and bad years on what happens, I understand that.

But, what I am coming to learn is, every day is a day the Lord has made. Ecclesiastes 7:14 “In the day of prosperity be happy, But in the day of adversity consider, God has made the one as well as the other.” It’s not easy to grasp because we don’t like troubles. You will have times of prosperity (not wealth only) where you are on the mountain so to speak. But, there will be times of difficulty. In those times, God hasn’t left or is unattainable. He is God, He is in control, and He ordained everything. It’s not a game of chance.

I am not opposed to resolutions. I am opposed to empty ones, at a specific time rooted in human philosophy. Jonathan

Edwards was known for his 70 resolutions.

And they didn’t begin on the first day in January. As we grow in Christ, we see our need for deeper knowledge of God. We see a need to adjust and change our thinking and life. It is always for the better. The process of sanctification is a glorious one, as we see God molding our life to reflect holiness, to be more like Him. Yes, we need to lose weight, eat better or not worry so much, but don’t start those on the first day of a new year every year. Start them now, or tomorrow.

The third resolution Jonathan Edwards made was “Resolved, if ever I shall fall and grow dull, so as to neglect to keep any part of these resolutions, to repent of all I can remember, when I come to myself again.” If there’s a place we may have been or are at, it’s here. I do at times grow dull, calloused. I don’t intend to do so. We grow dull of hearing God. We grow dull of reading His word. We grow dull of mercy. As you see this happening, resolve to change.

For me, Resolution 5 is important: “Resolve never to lose one moment of time; but improve it the most profitable way I possibly can.” In

the day of social media, we often spend hours looking at what other people say about things, watching videos and wasting much of our life.

Really, we could use that time for more productive things, such as reading the word of God. I am not against social media, but one should look at the time spent on it versus the time spent on spiritual growth. And by the way, tv and other mediums are time wasters, too.

Consider those as well.

So, as yet another year is upon us, I want to make the best of the time I have left, and who knows how long that is. I want to honor God in my time, my thoughts and my efforts, that they are fruitful for the kingdom and for His glory. I have looked and seen what shortcomings I have had over the past year, and I want to resolve those. I want to commit myself to the areas of reading and study where I’ve fallen short. I resolve to read the Scriptures more, to be sensitive to the needs of others around me. I resolve to use my time better for the advancement of my spiritual mind.

If in mid-march you see areas you’ve resolved to improve slipping, recommit to them. Don’t wait until 2023.

your mind as you remember the times you pledged allegiance to the Bible? When a person pledges an allegiance to something that means they are committed to it.

More than ever before, we need to be committed to the Bible because it is God’s love letter to us. God loves you and is pursuing you with a love relationship that is real and personal. God wants you to tremble at His word.

Isaiah 66:2 tells us what kind of person God is looking for. He says, “…a man will I look, even to him that is poor and of a contrite spirit, and trembles at my word.” God wants to interact with you on this earth. He has something to say to you NOW! In Matthew 4:1-11 we find the temptation of Jesus Christ. He had just been baptized and His Father says He is “well pleased” with Jesus. He is immediately led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil. Jesus had fasted 40 days and nights and was hungry.

There was a wonderful time of communion between the Father and the Son as Jesus fasted.

We can learn a big lesson looking at Jesus and that is the Heavenly Father wants His children to communion with Him. I call this a quiet time with the Lord. What is a quiet time? It is a time that you daily set aside to be alone with God to get to know Him through the Bible and prayer. It is a time that your love for Him grows deeper and deeper. You get to know Him and experience Him in a more intimate way.

Have you ever been stood up by someone who you cared for? Maybe that person you were dating or a person you were going to play golf with and you get to the location and they never show up. How did that make you feel?

Everytime we do not show up to spend time with our Heavenly Father we stand Him up.

You say, I would never do that! The sad reality is that many believers do not show up to spend a quiet time with Him. We meet with Him because we love Him. There needs to be a new commitment to a quiet time with the Lord. This time should be your top priority in your schedule.

Why? Because, we were created to have fellowship with God. Second, Jesus died to make a relationship with God possible. Third, personal time alone with God was Jesus’ habit.

Next, people who have been effective in ministry for God developed this habit. Last, you cannot be a growing Christian without quiet time.

I watched a recent boxing match and one of the contenders threw a right hook and knocked the opponent out cold. The devil wants to defeat the believer by temptation. This is what you find him doing to Jesus. Three times he tempts Jesus. Three times Jesus used the Word of God during the temptation. Every time Jesus is tempted he says, “It is written.” In Matthew 4:4 he said, “It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.” Each time Jesus began with “It is written,” and each time Jesus quoted God’s truth and silenced the enemy.

Christians must know what God’s Word says. They also must be willing to trust His See JOHN LEMMINGS page 15

I am not opposed to New Year’s Resolutions, only to the empty ones

BRAD

HORTON PASTOR Mt. Carmel Baptist Church TEMPLE, GA

770-562-4049 mcbctemple@gmail.com www.mcbaptistchurch.net It has become a joke for many to talk about resolutions for the new year and then breaking them by late January, if not sooner, then resolving to do better the next year, which produces the same result. I am not opposed to being resolved to do something different, especially if it means better spiritual development and discipline.

Man’s idea of the New Year’s Resolutions is to live as he wants until the end of the year, attempt to make changes, then fall back to living again like he wants to until the end of the year, then…repeat. It never ends. A cycle of failure brought on by man’s lack of self control. Thus, a resolution, as defined by man’s standards, doesn’t work. Just look at the lack of

A new commitment to the Word of God

JOHN

LEMMINGS

PASTOR Journey Fellowship Baptist Church www.journeyfbc.com johnlemmings316@gmail.com One of my highlights during the year is teaching people the Word of God at Vacation Bible Schol. Do you remember the pledges that we do at the opening rally of VBS? We pledge allegiance to the American Flag, the Christian Flag, and to the Bible. The pledge to the Bible went like this, “I pledge allegiance to the Bible, God’s Holy Word. I will make it a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path and hide its words in my heart that I might not sin against God.” Are the memories of the past flooding

www.starnewsgaonline.com TERRI DENISON from page 17 also review your legal compliance and ensure your licenses and permits are current. As a mentor once shared with me, organized and diligently maintained financial records and business legal recognition make the difference between operating a business and having an expensive hobby.

Re-evaluate your market: Are there needs in the marketplace that are not being met that your business can fill? Is there an opportunity to better define your competitive advantage (price, quality, efficiency, adaptation for a particular niche)? Are there new business activities that your business can begin to engage?

The federal government is often dubbed the world’s largest customer. By law, the annual goal for federal contract spending with small business is 23%.

Resources such as the Georgia Tech Procurement Assistance Center can help evaluate if you have goods and services that the public sector purchases.

D.A. KING from page 17 and fees for colleges in Georgia was $4,739 for instate and $17,008 for out-of-state according to experts at collegetuition.com. It’s pretty simple: Georgia residents pay less to attend Georgia’s public universities and Tech colleges than a student from Michigan or New Jersey, for example. Carpenter’s bill creates a rather Orwellian title for a third tuition tier: “Opportunity Tuition.” The new rate would apply to illegals living in Georgia with DACA status.

They would be renamed “Opportunity Students.” HB 120 says they won’t pay more than 10% above the instate tuition rate.

A federal court has ruled the DACA scheme to be unlawful.

Readers who don’t want illegal aliens to pay lower tuition in Georgia’s taxpayer-funded colleges than U.S. citizens and legal immigrants from other states should tell their state legislators that HB 120 does not sit well with proenforcement constituents. And now is a good time to ask every candidate for governor if they would sign such a bill into law.

Election security and “proper identification” for voters - HB 228: Consider this: The driver licenses and official ID Cards that Georgia issues to foreign nationals are almost exactly like the ones commonly given to U.S. citizens. The difference between the ID credentials for citizens and non-citizens - like guest workers, green card holders, foreign students, DACA recipients (yes, DACA recipients) - is that the foreign nationals get a card with the words “LIMITED TERM,” printed across the top.

Fact: There is nothing in state law that says the “LIMITED TERM” credentials are excluded from acceptance as “proper identification” for voting purposes.

Last year, Republican Rep. Charlice Byrd and a long list of cosponsors introduced a simple, commonsense bill (HB 228), to address this bizarre fact and change the election law.

Byrd’s legislation would also require the state Department of Drivers Services (DDS) to add language “BEARER NOT U.S. CITIZEN NOT VOTER ID” to all licenses and ID cards issued to foreigners.

To address mail-in voting issues, HB 228 would require DDS to change the numbering system of these “LIMITED TERM” IDs so the first two characters are “NC” - clearly denoting “non-citizen.” Alabama is ahead of Georgia on this no-brainer move.

To begin to comprehend the power of the special interest groups in the state Capitol consider that HB 228 was not allowed a vote in the ‘Special Committee on Election Integrity’ last year. But it is still alive and can be passed this

Another business growth activity is exporting. 95% of the world’s customers and about two-thirds of its consumer purchasing power is outside the U.S. Improved, cheaper telecommunications and technology makes it possible for smaller businesses to sell abroad. The U.S. Export Assistance Center and UGA Small Business Center International Trade department can assist in exploring this possibility is a good fit for your business and help equip you to pursue it.

Harness technology to your advantage: The pandemic dramatically boosted the use of online and digital services. Consider using ecommerce to widen your customer base. Start or revamp your social media presence to help boost your brand exposure and to make it easier to communicate with your customers. You can also use software to optimize your record keeping and project management.

Leverage SBA resources: Over the past 20 months, you have heard about SBA COVID-19 relief programs. However, the SBA has contin-

Byrd’s legislation would also require the state Department of Drivers Services (DDS) to add language “BEARER NOT U.S. CITIZEN - NOT VOTER ID” to all licenses and ID cards issued to foreigners. . . Alabama is ahead of Georgia on this no-brainer move. year with a determined effort from educated, vocal voters.

HB 228 can be helped along now by asking your own state rep to sign on as a cosponsor.

Documenting “the undocumented” - HB 833: It helps to see into the possible future to know that Rep. Bee Nguyen of Gwinnett County, a Democrat candidate for Secretary of State, has introduced a bill (HB 833) to give all illegal aliens in Georgia - yes, future arrivals too - a ‘driver’s card’ and a state ID. D.A. King has assisted state lawmakers with related legislation since 2005. He is not a member of any political party.

ued to have a toolbox of standard programs and resources for small businesses. Working with the SBA, small business owners and entrepreneurs are empowered to succeed with access to capital and surety bonding, valuable counseling and education, government contracting assistance, and the right expertise for each stage of

StarNews

January 16, 2022 Page 21

the business lifecycle. Take advantage of our free online learning platform that contains dozens of courses about planning, launching, managing, marketing, or expanding your business.

You can get mentorship and counseling from our SBA Partner Network or register for a training course by visiting our website.

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Page 22 January 16, 2022

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phorical, too elusive to be a true objective.

How do we make audible what cannot be heard? The manifestations are surprisingly pragmatic. Maintaining the upkeep of the Chattahoochee watershed, CRK takes her measure, looks for pathogens and any thickening of flow.

Week after week CRK staff and volunteers let the river tell them who she is. Data in hand they can then move to locate and remedy any disturbance in her health. They listen and they respond.

There’s another more recent life situation carrying. I thanked him for the donation, and off never to be seen again.

You see, the pain of abortion physically involving a star running back currently on the told him I was truly sorry for his pain and will Georgia Bulldog’s football team. keep him in our On January 25th 2022 from 11:45 to 12:30, WGRTL will be sponsoring A praying grandmother and prayers. I gave a FREE “Lunch for Life” event (See page 21.) In attendance will be mother overruled a medical dochim a few of our Life hand- Ricardo Davis, GRTL President, who will be sharing insights concerning tor’s suggestion to abort his birth.

He was given a few weeks to live outs with scripthe recent Roe vs. Wade Supreme Court debate, the Pro-Life tures on for- Personhood movement that’s sweeping across America and touching on after birth, but a loving God’s grace and direction paved the giveness, and way for his inspirational story of he turned and abortion and how it affects the black community RSVP will be required, overcoming all odds on his road so please email me duanehack46@gmail.com or 470-370-2452 walked away to success. Who is that star runslowly back to his car in the Wal-Mart parking lot, then drove affects the baby in the womb, but also has last- ning back? You’ll have to find out in next ediing emotional and spiritual effects on both par- tion of StarNews “The Heartbeat of West So much of my connection to the ents, the mother and the father of that child. Georgia” Op-Ed for more details…

Chattahoochee has been as devout observer: Scripture is loaded with verses that presents So it is it worth…why do we do what we light on water, wonderment on firmament.

Christ’s forgiveness of sin: I John 1:9 “If we do….Jude 1:22… “and of some have compasNow I get down in the shoreline flora and confess our sins, he is faithful and just to for- sion, making a difference!” fauna; I get my hands in the river (even with give us our sins, and to cleanse us from all Blessings and Selah… Make it a great day! plastic gloves); I feel up close her unstoppable unrighteousness.” Psalms 103:10-14 and Faithfully serving Carroll, Douglas, Heard and force. That deeper intimacy naturally leads to Hebrews 8:12 are both verses that show the Haralson for those who have no voice….the the protective care we willingly take for anyone forgiveness granted by our loving Savior! pre-born and the aged. and anything we love.

Interested in volunteering for Chattahoochee Riverkeeper’s Neighborhood Water Watch program? Want to learn more about Riverkeeper’s educational and advocacy programs? See https://chattahoochee.org

DAN C. PAK from page 17 diet. But there are others who do not share the same negativity. I happen to belong to this group of positive thinkers.

In the beginning, there was a great Creation.

Science hypothesizes that there was a Big Bang. Theology and science augment, not contradict, each other, I was told. They are the two wheels that support the vehicle of progress. I learned that the science helps theology not to degenerate into superstition and theology sanctifies science by giving it a meaning.

Most of us average human beings need to be alert to both fronts to avoid falling into a pitfall.

To be sure, I am neither a theologian nor a scientist, merely a student of both. I only strive to remain an enlightened soul to the end.

As I contemplate these matters, a new day is dawning. With it, a new hope is opening up.

The life ebullient with its vigorous spirit is about to begin in a new day. To such a positive spirit, there is no room for pessimism. All is well, as the hymnal book noted.

Let us begin the New Year with full of hope and celebration for life!

DUANE HACK from page 18 to leave, and a gentleman walked up and approached my wife asking, “Who’s in charge of this event?” I heard part of the conversation, and my first thought was that this may not turn out well. He and I spoke casually for a few minutes, and then he reached into his pocket pulled out a wad of bills, handed it to me, and said, “Use this as you see fit. I forced my girlfriend to have abortion years ago, and to this day it still torments me.”

I looked him in the eyes and could see the pain and tears. I could feel the burden he was SYBIL ROSEN THOMAS from page 20

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January 16, 2022 Page 23

City of Villa Rica cash/CD balance at $27.37M; water bill for average user to increase about 86 cents a month At December council meeting, mayor recognized the 64th Anniversary of Dec. 5, 1957 natural gas explosion in Villa Rica: 12 people died

by Janice Daniel The Mayor and City Council of Villa Rica met on Tuesday, December 14, 2021 at 3:00 p.m. for their monthly work session at the HoltBishop Justice Center, 101 Main Street in Villa Rica.

Finance Director Jennifer Hallman presented the October 2021 Financial Report to council and mayor. October being the first month of the City’s fiscal year. Total cash and CD balance was $27,373,052. Business Activity Water /Sewer showed a net loss of $58,455, while Sanitation/Solid Waste showed a net income of $86,576. Hallman advised council that GFL’s invoice for October will be paid in November in the amount of $73,215, resulting in a true net income of about $13,000. The Self-Funded Insurance bank balance was $799,024 and Residential Growth was still significantly below October 2020 numbers. Pine Mountain Ghost Train revenue came in at just under $50,000, with 3,811 tickets having been sold.

Hallman also presented three budget amendments which were approved unanimously by council (mayor has the power to vote only in the event of a tie vote).

Deputy Director of Community Development presented three amendments to the Villa Rica Zoning Ordinance: 1. Section 8.02(2)t regarding accessory structures in residential zoning districts. The revised text aims at addressing size, scale, orientation, siting, and determination of an accessory structure to ensure the integrity and aesthetic quality of new construction is maintained within the city.

Council approved unanimously.

2. Section 8.03(2)c regarding temporary construction, sales, or leasing trailers/offices, in order to ensure that the integrity and aesthetic quality of new construction is maintained within the city.

Council approved unanimously.

3. Chapter VIII-Supplementary standard for specific uses-Subsection 8.02(2)(p) Solar Energy Conversion Equipment and (q) Wind Energy Conversion, in order to add regulations to ensure that solar panels and solar farms are regulated to the extent that they do not have an adverse effect on aesthetics, safety, and wellbeing of surrounding properties and uses. The amendment also includes height standards related to wind energy conversion systems.

Council approved unanimously.

Council heard a presentation on the City’s Livable Centers Initiative (LCI) study, which has developed a list of projects to improve the downtown area and the Fullerville Mill District. City officials have said the LCI program allows funding of various projects which city leaders and residents have been discussing for several years, which would make downtown more pedestrian-friendly. As the first item of a Consent Agenda for the regular meeting, council approved the adoption of the Villa Rica Livable Center’s Initiative Study.

Twelve other items of business were discussed and Councilmembers agreed to put them on the Consent Agenda.

2. Request to purchase a Yancey Power System 175kw natural gas generator that can supply the entirety of the Police Department and the Courthouse with power during an outage, replacing the two separate generators that are more than 15 years old. Last year, the police department’s generator failed and could not be repaired, so staff recommended upgrading the remaining generator with a larger one that would supply both buildings with power.

Yancey holds a state contract with Georgia.

Their quote of $92,721.00 includes project management, delivery, operator training, twoyear warranty and start-up. Price does not include installation, that request will come later.

3. Appointment of Sandy Minor to a fouryear term on the Downtown Development Authority to fill the expired term of Jerry Doyal.

Minor is a local Associate Broker/Business Center Manager at Keller Williams Cityside, and she is a resident of Villa Rica.

4. Re-appointment of Bradford Hegler to serve a three-year term on the Main Street Advisory Board.

5. Request for approval of a professional services agreement with RCS Productions, Inc. of Dunwoody, Georgia for 2022, providing professional sound and lighting at the six (6) Main Street concert events at the MILL Amphitheater. The city may benefit from the vendor’s network of entertainers and equipment providers, and take advantage of their knowledge of competing venues around the state. The budget for RCS Productions’ services is not to exceed $104,500. They would handle the West Georgia Jazz Festival on Saturday, April 30th; the Summer Concert #1 on Saturday, June 4th; the Thomas A Dorsey Birthplace Festival on Saturday, June 25th; the Summer Concert #2 on Saturday, July 9th; the Summer Concert #3 on Saturday, August 6th; and the Gold Rush Summer Concert #4 on Friday, September 9th.

6. Request to approve an agreement with Health 180 to provide biometric screenings for city employees: $95 each on-site, $110 each off-site.

7. Request approval for Parkson Corporation to perform the refurbishment of two drum screens at the West Water Plant for a budgeted amount of $56,606.

8. Request for approval for Goforth Wlliams to supply replacement parts for the Vibins Road pump station at a budgeted amount of $20,941.

9. Request for approval of a 5.6% increase in volume rates for water use. The increase does not affect the base rate for water. This would result in a $0.86 per month increase for the average user of 4,000 gallons/month.

Average seniors using 3,000 gallons/month can expect a $0.63 monthly increase. Average commercial users of 10,500 gallons/month may see a $2.49 monthly increase, and industrial users who require 300,000 gallons/month can expect to pay an additional $71.06.

10. Request to hire Falcon Design Consultants, at an amount not to exceed $20,000 to assist with conceptual designs for the proposed Eastside Connector (previously called the Mirror Lake Connector). A portion of the roadway will be part of the Fuque Development project on Punkintown Road, which is a mixed-use retail and housing project to be built across from the Mirror Lake Community, and which will be the anchor project for the city’s first Tax Allocation District (TAD).

11. Request to approve a proposal from Keck & Wood, at an amount not to exceed $19,500, for additional design and engineering services for the North Bypass related to the project’s archeological review.

12. Request to approve a professional services agreement with Mark Teal of TE2, LLC to perform engineering services for the City on various future projects, assessing and dealing with the rapid population growth the city expects within the decade. Teal’s quoted rate is

$155/hr. and $0.56/mile. tries, investing them into rentals, and that the 13. Request to approve a $124,800 work city should take notice of this. order with Brennan Jones to design and build In a mayoral appointment, Tom Flowers was sewer line improvements near Nalley Road, an appointed to the Housing Authority Board to area where the sewer collection system is serve the remaining term of Monroe Spake. inadequate for expected residential Council voted to approve a resolution in supdevelopment. port of the City’s Livable Center Initiative These 13 items were approved in a single (LCI) Implementation Grant, and to affirm its council vote during the regucommitment to fund Dr. Michael McPherson $286,000 (20% of the prolar meeting which began at thanked Captain Michael ject costs) should the City 6:00 p.m.

This meeting was opened Young for his service to our be selected for funding.

by Rev. L.M. Speer, Pastor of country and to the City of The grant which the City is the Pleasant Hill Methodist applying for is an opportuChurch of Carrollton since Villa Rica as council member. nity provided through the 2000. Reverend Speer is a Mayor McDougal stated that A t l a n t a Regional retired educator who also it had been an honor and a Commission (ARC) which coached high school football will pay the remaining privilege working with and basketball, and retired as 80% cost for planning, Principal of Villa Rica High Councilmember Young and transportation, School after 21 years. During thanked him. Young received streetscapes, and other the Invocation, Rev. Speer infrastructure improvea round of applause. asked for a moment of silence ments. However, the in recognition of the death and devastations at mayor did remind everyone this is still in the Mayfield, Kentucky by tornadoes the prior “concept” phase, and will not happen unless weekend. The Pledge of Allegiance was lead Villa Rica is chosen to receive one of these

by Sgt. Drew Fowler of the Villa Rica Police ARC grants which will be awarded in the Department.

Spring of 2022 and would be a 2023 budget The seniors of the Villa Rica High School item.

Wildcats, under the leadership of Coach of the In zoning matters, Starlight Homes, LLC of Year Tim Barron, were present at the council Alpharetta, GA has requested a rezoning of a meeting for recognition of making it to the vacant parcel totaling 29.21 acres from third round of the quarter-finals. The team is Industrial Medium Density (I2) to Singlethe first group of VR Wildcats to make it to Family Attached (SFA). The applicant proregion playoffs since 1998. Coach Barron said poses to construct 268 “for sale” townhomes that Villa Rica football players had a reputation with amenities, private roads, 12% open space, for being a “rowdy” bunch, but he found them rental rate not to exceed 15%. Jeff Matthews, to be polite, respectful young men whose owner of the property (located at 215 W. growth from week one to the end of the year Bankhead) bought the property in 2001 and met their goal of “leaving it better than you marketed it as Industrial with no success. He found it”. Mayor Gil McDougal expressed his stated that the back side of the property is solid pride in them for the great year they had. blue granite, making the property problematic Mayor McDougal read a Proclamation of for industrial use.

Remembrance for the 64th Anniversary of the In the Public Hearing JoAnn Herrell December 5, 1957 natural gas explosion in expressed concern about the underground Villa Rica which killed 12 people, injured 24 sewer lines running through the tract of propmore, and leveled several buildings in the erty in question, whether these lines could be downtown area. Each year, the City of Villa damaged during the construction of the townRica sets aside a day to remember the lives homes and cause interruption to the public lost, along with their loved ones, and the way sewer system serving her property and the the community came together to help in the re- neighbors behind her. building of lives.

After several minutes of discussion the counThe mayor then recognized former Villa cil voted to approve Starlight’s request with the Rica Mayor Monroe Spake for 48 years of condition that the developers include gates at service to the city in various roles, including each end of the private street which has two mayor from 1992 to 2004. Spake stated that it outlets into county roads. had all been a labor of love.

In a second zoning consideration, MMCC, Jerry Doyal was recognized for his 18 years LLC of Villa Rica has requested a rezoning of of service on the Downtown Development three vacant parcels totaling 16.89 acres from Authority Board, and Alyssa J. Hyatt for five Multifamily Low Density (MF1) and years of service with the Villa Rica Police Commercial Medium-Density (C2) to Department.

Multifamily Medium-Density (MF2) and C2.

In Public Comments Dr. Nancy Mims of The applicant proposes to construct 305 apartCarrollton thanked Bobby Elliott for taking ments on the parcel, along with a national sitdown the dangerous sign in front of the Pilot down chain restaurant within an out-parcel Truck Stop, which she had brought up in the along Commerce Drive. These are proposed last meeting. high-end apartments by a developer with a very Dr. Michael McPherson thanked Captain good reputation. The proposed mix is 160 oneMichael Young for his service to our country bedroom apartments, 121 two-bedroom apartand to the City of Villa Rica as council mem- ments, and 24 three-bedroom apartments. ber. Mayor McDougal stated that it had been an The request was approved by council continhonor and a privilege working with gent upon the recording of the final survey Councilmember Young and thanked him. identifying the proposed parcel boundaries, and Young received a round of applause. the conditions that there will be no more than In other comments, Councilmember Leslie 25 three-bedroom apartments, and the develMcPherson expressed her concern about the oper will open Meadow Lark Drive if the difficulty of middle class families being able to opportunity to do so presents itself. buy houses. She said that a huge company Council went into executive session, called Black Rock is buying up developments returned, and meeting was adjourned. and houses all over the U.S. and other coun-

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Page 24 January 16, 2022 StarNews www.starnewsgaonline.com Page 16 August 2019 Star News www.starnewsgaonline.com Page 16 August 11, 11, 2019 Star News www.starnewsgaonline.com

J.J.HoytHoytTThomashomas FUNERALHOME HOME FUNERAL

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Our 26-acre perpetual memorial 26-acre perpetual carecare memorial parkpark Those we love don’t go away Those don’t away OurJ. Collins Those wewe lovelove don’t gogo away J.developed Collins to serve was was developed to serve this this areaarea nownow and and for for Our offersday, a Theywarm, walkfuneral besidehome us every They walk beside every They walk beside us us every day,day, UNERAL generations to come.West Georgia generations to come.West Georgia HOM UNERAL HOM comfortable, familyis divided beautiful ParkPark is divided into into beautiful &Memorial CREMATION SERVICE &Memorial CREMATION SERVICE oriented environment with Unseen, unheard, but always Unseen,unheard, unheard,butbut always gardens Unseen, always gardens including our traditional including our traditional up-right Funeral Directors & Undertakers Funeral Directors & Undertakersup-right traditional architecture and headstone section in Garden the Garden of Memories near, still LOVED, STILL MISSED section in the of Memories near, LOVED, STILL MISSED headstone near, stillstill LOVED, STILL MISSED tasteful interior decor. Our as well as flour flat bronze memorial section as well as our at bronze memorial section facilities our Mausoleum in Garden the Garden and and our Mausoleum in the andaccommodate VERY DEAR! all types VERY DEAR! andand VERY DEAR! of Cross our Family Estates Garden. of Cross and and our Family Estates Garden.

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“A beautiful place for memories”

Collins J.J.Collins

Our 26-acre perpetual care memorial park was developed to serve this area now and for generations to come.West Georgia Memorial ParkSERVICE is SERVICE divided into beautiful & CREMATION & CREMATION gardens including our traditional up-right Funeral Directors & Undertakers Funeral Directors & Undertakers headstone section in the Garden of Memories as well as our flat bronze memorial section and our Mausoleum in the Garden of Cross and our Family Estates Garden.

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Alexander, ageJr.,71, Tiffanee Dawne Cook, Shirley F.94, Alexander, age 71,Jerry Tiffanee Dawne “Tiff” Cook, Shirley F.Joe Alexander, age 71, Tiffanee Dawne “Tiff” Cook, Dil G. Barnett, age died Thursday, December Master Danny Jones, Jr., Jerry Joel Wayne Kelley, age 69,Shirley born AprilF. 17, 1952, Master Danny JoeJoe Jones, Jerry Scott Shedd, age ”Tiff” Cook, Scott Shedd, age“Tiff” 53,53, Cook, Master Danny Jones, Jr., Master Danny Joe Jones, Jr., Scott Shedd, age 53, Jerry Scott Shedd, age 53, Gene William Payne, age 81, born August 1, 1940, born November 27, 1947, died age 45, born October 12, 1973, born November 27, 1947, died age 45, born October 12, 1973, born November 27, 1947, died age 45, born October 12, 1973, age 2 months, born May 2019,died age 2 months, born May 16,16, 2019, died Monday, July 8, 2019 2, 1973, Monday, July 8, 2019 r 12, 1973,age 16, 22021 months, born May 16,16, 2019, age 2 months, born May 2019,died Monday, 8,8, 2019 died Monday, July 2019 diedJuly Saturday, December 18, 2021 Sunday, July 14, 2019 died Friday, July 12, 2019 died Saturday, December 25, 2021 Sunday, July died Friday, July 12, 2019 Sunday, July 14, 2019 died Friday, July 12,Simpson, 2019 died Thursday, July 4, 2019 died Thursday, July 4, 2019 David Ronald Simpson, 9019 David Ronald Simpson, ageage died Thursday, July 4,14, 2019 died Thursday, July 4, 2019 David Ronald age David Ronald Simpson, age Hilda Anne Buchanan, age2019 74, born February 16, Donna Victoria “Vicki” Lovvorn, ageBishop, 73, born Dwight Jr., age 62, James Dean, age Dwight Bishop, Jr., age 62, James B. Dean, age 92, Dwight Bishop, Jr., age 62, James B. Dean, age 92, “Marjorie” Nell Lovvorn, age “Marjorie” Nell Lovvorn, age 70, born July 21, 1948, died July 92, ageage92,92, “Marjorie” Floreta70, Barrow age 87, died Wednesday, born Phillips, July 21,B. 1948, died July Nell Lovvorn, age “Marjorie” Nell Lovvorn, age 70, born July 21, 1948, died July 70, born July 21, 1948, died July 1947, died Saturday, December 11, 2021 November 22, 1948, died Sunday, December 12, 2021 born September 28, 1956, died born September 02, 1926, died born September 28, 1956, died born September 1926, died86,86, born September 28, 1956, died born September 02,02, 1926, died born August 1932, died09, born August 3, 3, 1932, died 2019 26, died 2019 1926, died86,86, born August 3, 3,1932, died born August 1932, died 09, 2019 09, 2019 December 1,09, 2021 born December 26,2019 1933 Tuesday, July 9, 2019 Wednesday, July 3, Jonathan Daniel Caldwell, age 76, born August Cortny Maddox, age 41, bornJuly March 18, Tuesday, July 9,2019 2019 Wednesday, July 3, 2019age Tuesday, July 9, 2019 Wednesday, July 3,Rehshane 2019 Wednesday, July 2019 Sylvia Phillips, Wednesday, 10,10, 2019 Zellie Fred Sprewell, 94, died Zellie Fred Sprewell, ageage 019 Wednesday, July 10, 2019 Wednesday, July 10, Zellie Fred Sprewell, 94, Zellie Fred Sprewell, age 94, age 72, born on Dickerson, May 9,94, 1927, Donald Brasseal “Don” Bonner, Barry Bushon age Donald Brasseal “Don” Bonner, Barry Bushon Dickerson, age 1945, died Tuesday, January 4, 2022 Donald Brasseal “Don” Bonner, Barry Bushon Dickerson, age 1980, died Saturday, December 18, 2021 Andra Dixon McGill, age 76, Andra Dixon McGill, age 76, born February 28, 1925, died son, ageage 13, born February 28, 1925, died kerson, Andra Dixon McGill, age Andra Dixon McGill, age76,76,born bornFebruary February28, 28,1925, 1925, died died age 76, born June 05, 1943, died 68, born September 7, 1950, died Saturday, December 18, 2021 age born June 1943, died 68, born September 7, Wysner 1950, died age 76,76, born June 05, 1943, died 68, born September 7, 1950, died bornage October 1941,died diedSaturday, born October 18,18,1941, Saturday, July 2019 950, died July 27,27, 2019 , 1950, diedborn Carolyn New Fodor, age 83,05, born May 24,Saturday, 1938, October 18, 1941, died born October 18, 1941, died Saturday, July 27, 2019 July 27, 2019 Linda Louise Maxwell, 75,July born Wednesday, 10, 2019 Friday, July 19, 2019 Emily Kathleen Prather, age 44, born February Wednesday, July 10, 2019 Friday, July 19, 2019 Wednesday, July 10, 2019 Friday, July 19, 2019 Wednesday, July 17, 2019 Wednesday, July 17, 2019 Daniel Lance Walker, Daniel Lance Walker, ageage 40,40, 18, Wednesday, 17,17, 2019 Wednesday, July Daniel age 40, DanielLance LanceWalker, age 40,John died Thursday,July December 9,2019 2021 October 18,Walker, 1946, died Monday, December 13, 2021Jr., age 53, D. Brown, Bobbie Jean Dodderer, age 84, John D. Brown, Jr., age 53, Bobbie Jean Dodderer, age 84, John D. Brown, Jr., age 53, Bobbie Jean Dodderer, age 84, Eugene Parker Mullis, Jr., age Eugene Parker Mullis, Jr., age 1977, died Wednesday, December 8, 2021 born September 18, 1978, died , ageage 84,84, Eugene born September 18, 1978, died erer, Parker Mullis, Jr., age Eugene Parker Mullis, Jr., age born September 18, died born September 18,1978, 1978, died Mary Elizabeth Jordan Hardeman, age 98, born Charles Allen Murrah, age 86, born March 17, born August 18, 1965, died July born July 9, 1935, died Monday, born August 18, 1965, died July born July 9,21, 1935, died Monday,70,70, born August 18, 1965, died July born July 9, 21, 1935, died Monday, born December 1948, died born December 31,31, 1948, died Sunday, July 2019March 1, 1929, Monday, Sunday, July 21,21, 2019 ed Monday,70,70, born December 31, 1948, died born December 31, 1948, died Sunday, July 2019 Sunday, July 2019 Jane Harper Riden, 92, born 22, 2019 July 22, age 2019 May 27,22, 1923, died8,Saturday, December 18, 2021 1935, died Saturday, 25, 2021 22, 2019 July 2019 2019 July 22,22, 2019 Monday, July 8, 2019 died Monday, Monday, July 8, 2019 Deborah “Debbie” West, Deborah “Debbie” West, Monday, July 8, 2019 Monday, July 2019 Deborah “Debbie” Ann West, Deborah “Debbie” AnnDecember West, December 2021AnnAnn Marie Elizabeth Phillips Bryce, Anna 27, Marsella Fazio, age Brenda Gail Craven Hattaway, age 75, died Marie Elizabeth Phillips Bryce, Anna Marsella Fazio, Marie Elizabeth Phillips Bryce, Anna Marsella Fazio, ageage Neighbors, Carolyn Virginia DuBose ageLee 87, born Randy Nichols, Randy Lee Nichols, ageage 66,66,ageage died July 2019 io, ageage Randy 58,58, died July 22,22, 2019 Fazio, Lee Nichols, age 66, Randy Lee Nichols, age 66, age 58, died July 22, 2019 age 58, died July 22, 2019 age born 89, born September 14, James 1929,Michael 85, born on Jan 1, age 1934, died “Mike” Stephenson, 78, age born September 14, 1929,85, 85, born on 1, 1934, died age 89, born September 14, 1929, born on JanJan 1, 1934, died June died Friday, born June 24,24, 1953, died Friday, Wallace Allen Worthan,age ageborn 34, died Wallace Allen Worthan, 1934, diedborn Thursday, December 9, 2021 June 24,89, 1953, died Friday, born June 24, 1953, died Friday, Wallace Allen Worthan, age December 15, 1933, died Sunday, December 12,1953, 2021 Wallace Allen Worthan, age died Saturday, July 20, 2019 Monday, July 8, 2019 March 4, 1943, died Thursday, January 6, 2022 died Saturday, July 20, 2019 Monday, July 8, 2019 died Saturday,Billy July House, 20, 2019 Monday, July 8, 2019 July 26, 2019 July 26,November 2019 died Monday, July 2019 56,56, died Monday, July 15,15, 2019 July 26,26, 2019 July 2019 died Monday, July 15, 56, died Monday, July 15,2019 2019 Retired Lieutenant age 67,56, born June Joyce Lewis Prater, age 83, born Earl Wayne Carden, age 80, Harris Nell Griffin Jennings, Earl Wayne Carden, age Harris GriffinJennings, Jennings, Earl Wayne Carden, age 80,80,Carol Harris NellNell Griffin Lynda Walton, ageChapman, 74, bornage November Sanders, AraAra BellBell D. D. Sanders, ageage 79,79,Bishop Carol Judith age ennings, Carol Judith Chapman, 55,55, 19, Jennings, 17, Ara Bell D. Sanders, age 79, Ara Bell D. Sanders, age 79, Judith Chapman, age 55, Carol Judith Chapman, age 55, 1954, died Sunday, December 26, 2021 October 29, 1938, died age 83, died Tuesday, July 2, 23,1938, died Friday, January 7,born 2022 bornOctober October 1938, died 83, died Tuesday, July 2,born born 29,29, 1938, died ageage 83, died Tuesday, July 2, born August 1939, died July August 06,06, 1939, died July born June 1964, died Sunday, July 2, 2,born born June 24,24, 1964, died Sunday, ay, July August 06, 1939, died July born August 06, 1939, died July born June 24, 1964, died Sunday, born June 24, 1964, died Sunday, 1947, died Friday, December 3, 2021 June 2019 Norman Anthony “Tony” Hudgins, age 65,2019 born Billy Joe Payne, age 72,Friday, born April 20, 28, 1949,2019 died Friday, June 2019 2019 Friday, June 28,28, 2019 2019 24,24, 2019 July 7, 2019 July 7, 2019 24,24, 2019 2019 July 7, 2019 July 7, 2019

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May 11, 1956, died December 20, 2021

Thursday, January 6, 2022

Joyce Elaine Lassetter Kiser July 31, 1938 - November 30, 2021

Ronald Ray Russell

January 23, 1953 - November 26, 2021

Joyce Elaine Lassetter Kiser, age 83, of Carrollton, Georgia, passed away peacefully on November 30, 2021. She was born July 31, 1938, daughter to Flora Patterson and Millard Lassetter in Hulett, Georgia. Following graduation from Villa Rica High School in 1956, she married This summer Disney cruisers will enjoy not one, This summer Disney cruisers willGeorgia, enjoy not one, Thisand summer Disney will enjoy not one, Charles Kiser moved tocruisers Atlanta, but two stops at Castaway Cay! What makes but two at Castaway makes but two stops at Castaway Cay!Cay! WhatWhat makes where she became a stops medical secretary.

She Castaway Cay so special? There are uniquely so special?

There uniquely***Magical Vacation Planner is a professional Castaway Cay Cay so special?

There are are uniquely helpCastaway others through her work in the designed areas for kids, adults, and families! ***Magical Vacation Planner is continued a professionalto designed ***Magical Vacation Planner is a professional designed forakids, adults, and families! concierge service that provides the ultimate areasareas for kids, adults, andowner. families! school system and ultimately as business Explore the island by bike, choose a new water concierge service provides the ultimate Explore concierge service that that provides the ultimate Explore the island bya bike, choose alady new theJoyce island by bike, choose a new waterwater customer service experience for guests A timeless beauty, was remarkable adventure, soak up the sun on a white sandy customer service experience for guests customer service experience for who guests soak upinsun theher sun a white up the onfamily. aonwhite sandy instilled adventure, heradventure, quietsoak strength Shesandy traveling to various Disney destinations, island beach, and so much more! Everything island beach, so much more!

Everything island beach, and and so much more!

Everything traveling to various Disney destinations, traveling to various Disney destinations, you need for a perfect day at the beach is devoted her life to her children and grandchildren a perfect the beach you you needneed for aforperfect day day at theat beach is is cruise vacations, and all-inclusive resorts. cruise vacations, and all-inclusive resorts. cruise vacations, and all-inclusive resorts. included, even an all you can eat buffet lunch!

- nothing made her happier than spending time with them. Though she worked included, all you eat buffet lunch! included, eveneven an allanyou can can eat buffet lunch!

Contact me for your FREE, tirelessly, she was always there for their special moments. on her Contact meyour forpassed your Contact me She for FREE,FREE, Ronald Ray Russell died at home in Carrollton,no Georgia, onquote November 26, obligation unwavering patriotism, integrity and love of family to those her.

An avid noaround obligation quote no obligation quote 2021. “Ron” was a heavy equipment operator and had lived in Carrollton for learner, Joyce was an accomplished artist who also enjoyed reading, music, and the past fifteen years. He previously lived in Buford, Georgia, and Orlando, traveling.

Florida. Ron was born on a cold snowy day in Sulphur, Travel Oklahoma, Agenton January Joyce was predeceased by her parents, Flora and Millard Lassetter, and her Travel Agent Travel Agent 23, 1953, son of Florence Ruth Whittle Russell and John Russell, both of whom brothers James and Alvin Lassetter. She is survived by her children, Lisa Kiser preceded him in death.

Ron was a twin.

His twin brother Ronnie Russell died in Camlibel of Powder Springs, Georgia, Michelle D’Avanzo of Marietta, Georgia, 1996. Brothers Freddie Russell and Jerry Russell also preceded him in death. and Sharon Smallwood of Snellville, Georgia; her brothers, Bob, Steve, and David Ron is survived by his only daughter Courtney Russell of Dacula, Georgia, Lassetter; her sister, Lynn Teel; as well as her grandchildren, Jaclyn Benton, and granddaughters: Mya Johnson, Chloe Johnson, and Jade Russell, along with Sydney and Samantha Smallwood; and her great grandchildren, Dominic and his only surviving brother Kenneth Russell of Pleasanton, Texas.

Olivia Benton.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Ron was a member of the Choctaw nation of Oklahoma. Ron was proud of Alzheimer’s Association, so that a cure can be found. his Indian heritage.

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Master D age 2 month died Thursda “Marjorie” 86, born Au Wednesday, Andra Di born Octob Wednesday, Eugene P 70, born Dec Monday, July Randy Le born June 2 July 26, 201 Ara Bell born August 24, 2019

www.starnewsgaonline.com

StarNews

Jamuary 16, 2022 Page 25

The significance of a cemetery

ELLEN & SCOTT

McBRAYER JONES-WYNN FUNERAL HOME When you hear the word “cemetery”, what comes to mind? For some, it will be the vision or memory of flowers on a loved ones’ grave, or a memory of that cold February day from years ago when your beloved grandmother was laid to rest. In some cases, a cemetery may provide you with the only peace of mind you can find right now, simply being close to your loved one as you grieve their loss one moment at a time.

In this reading, we will take a look at the value a cemetery provides for your grief journey, no matter what the journey looks like.

For many years, cemeteries and memorial grounds were areas that properly received a casket in a final resting place. The thought of burying an urn was foreign, and the idea of having a small above ground space, or niche,

for a final resting place for an urn was almost nonexistent. However, as time passes and needs change, the options that cemeteries now provide has grown and evolved into numerous creative and viable solutions.

One of the more popular decisions that we are seeing today is that of burying an urn in an already existing grave space. In most cases, this option is referred to as an inurnment and can be achieved by what is referred to as a second right of interment or a second right of inurnment.

A second right of interment refers to opening a double depth grave space a second time to properly bury a second person in the same grave space when the loved one is in a casket.

A second right of inurnment refers to opening an existing and occupied grave space a second time for the purpose of burying an urn in the ground space above the previously placed casket or urn. A second marker is required to keep grave identification and location accurate.

Other solutions would include stone front or glass front niches that can be located inside or outside. Families that have held onto urns for many years could be approaching that moment

Carroll County Department of Public Health

that has not been properly planned for in to scatter the cremated remains of a loved one previous conversation. “What do we do with in a natural setting. The grounds are reverent the urns for mom and dad? I don’t really think and sacred areas where families can return my kids or grandkids are when the need arises and they One of the more popular want to visit with their loved going to feel comfortable decisions that we are taking on the care of the urn ones.With the many changes seeing today is that of when something happens to in our society, cemeteries are burying an urn in an already stepping up to meet the me.”

This question is perhaps the existing grave space. .. this challenges that families face most common one we hear. option is referred to as an on a day to day basis.

Cemeteries have companion For any further questions inurnment and can be glass front niches and side by you and your family may have achieved by what is side stone front niches that can regarding final resting place referred to as a second solutions, please contact our satisfy the needs of your right of interment or a family. For years to come, you experienced and caring team will have a special place to second right of inurnment. at Meadowbrook Memory visit on special dates Gardens for further help.

(Birthday, death dates, Christmas, Jones-Wynn Funeral Homes & Crematory Thanksgiving, Easter, etc.). Having this place “A Family Serving Families® ...Since will not only provide a neutral location that is 1950” 770-459-3694 - 770-942-2311 always available to visit, but it also provides www.jones-wynn.com clarity, peace of mind, and a family-friendly Meadowbro o k Memory G a rdens solution for the long term place of rest for their https://www.facebook.com/MeadowbrookMem loved one. oryGardens Other options include scattering grounds and www.facebook.com/WynnMcBrayer gardens within cemeteries that allow a family caringbridge.org/visit/mcbrayer

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

restaurant health inspections scores

12/20/2021: Fam Kitchen and Bakery 434 Newnan Rd Carrollton 100 previous 100 12/29/2021: Simply Catering 1625 Bankhead Hwy Carrollton 100 previous 91 12/13/2021: Burger King 690 Bankhead Hwy Carrollton

100 previous N/A

12/17/2021: Store Grandez 1745 Bankhead Hwy Lot 66B Carrollton 100 previous N/A 12/30/2021: Cathy’s Asian Fusion 207 Brumblelow Rd Carrollton 100 previous N/A 12/27/2021: Sammy’s Midnite Grill 1201 A Maple St Carrollton 99 previous 99 12/10/2021: China Foods 1330 S Park St Carrollton

99 previous 97

01/04/2022: Carroll 168 Donuts 928 S Park St Carrollton

98 previous 96

12/02/2021: Subway 114 Hwy 61 Villa Rica

98 previous 92

12/07/2021: Chick-Fil-A 1156 Bankhead Hwy Carrollton

97 previous 96

81 previous 91 12/20/2021: Leopoldo’s Pizza Napoletena 102 Adamson Sq Carrolton 77 previous 73

12/01/2021: Zaxby’s 1125 S Park St Carrollton

Violations: Previous Inspection Score not posted. Some foods in coolers and freezers stored without coverings, and dried foods not requiring refrigeration have broken allowing potential contamination. Employee cup without lid stored on ice machine sliding lid in bar area. Keep drinks in designated area and with a lid and straw to prevent potential contamination. Alfredo sauce holding at 125F and cheddar cheese sauce holding at 132F. Discard any sauce out of temp for over 4 hours. Ice build-up in freezers. Defrost and clean thoroughly. Back doorin basement area has large gap allowing light to pass through. Large number of flies and gnats are congregating around used greasy towels. Contact pest control to handle pest issue and reseal door to keep pests from entering.

12/09/2021: Shuckers Oyster House 481 Rome St Carrollton

tourist accomodation inspections scores 97 previous 88 12/14/2021: Woodland Christian Camp 90 Woodland Camp RD Temple 98 previous 100 98 previous 91 96 previous 100 12/10/2021: Hampton Inn 28 Price Creek Rd Bremen 96 previous 94 12/15/2021: Holiday Inn Express 100 Cooley Way Villa Rica 97 previous 95

12/09/2021: 4AM Coffee Roasters 401 Maple St Carrollton

96 previous 92

01/04/2022: El Tio Mexican 118 Hwy 61 Connector Villa Rica

95 previous 100 prevent build-up. New violation.

95 previous 99 12/30/2021: Econolodge 124 Hwy 61 Connector Villa Rica

12/21/2021: Jack’s 1109 N Park St Carrollton 01/04/2022: Gypsy Rabbit 9 W Johnson St Temple

12/02/2021: AGW Ice Cream 201 Newnan Rd Carrollton 12/01/2021: Atl Chicken & Seafood 816 S Park St Carrollton

95 previous 94

12/08/2021: Zaxby’s 1195 Bankhead Hwy Carrollton

95 previous 94

12/20/2021: La Trattoria 120 Alabama St Carrollton

94 previous 94

12/09/2021: Kentucky Fried Chicken 575 Bankhead Hwy Carrollton 94 previous 93

Violation: Mold build-up in ice machine in kitchen. Clean baffle more often to

96 previous 97

12/28/2021: Hometown Lodge 120 Hwy 61 Connector Villa Rica 95 previous 99 12/29/2021: Quality In 128 Hwy 61 Connector Villa Rica

94 previous 94

12/08/2021: Holiday Inn Express 125 Hwy Bypass Bremen

92 previous 93

Violations: Mildew stain on ceiling in shower in room 207.Clean and repaint. Mold

12/02/2021: Waffle House 592 Hwy 61 Villa Rica

91 previous 90

12/01/2021: Dairy Queen 300 S Park St Carrollton

90 previous 99

12/21/2021: Moe’s Southwest Grill 1766 Hwy 27 S Carrollton

90 previous 92

12/01/2021: McDonald’s 1101 S Park St Carrollton

90 previous 91

12/10/2021: Pupuseria la Gloria 500 Newnan Rd Carrollton

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12/29/2021: Wendy’s 139 E College St Bowdon

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12/17/2021: Jefferson’s 342 Maple St Carrollton

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12/04/2021: Martin’s 612 Bankhead Hwy Carrollton

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12/20/2021: Comfort Inn 132 Hwy 61 Connector Villa Rica

01/04/2022: Stix 660 W Bankhead Hwy Villa Rica

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Violations: Mold build-up on ice machine. Clean ice machines more often.

12/06/2021: Steak N Shake 1460 Hwy 27 S Carrollton

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12/01/2021: Crown Inn 102 Crown Ct Carrollton

and debris observed around window seals. Clean and repaint.

12/28/2021: Alden Motel 973 E Hwy 78 Temple

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12/03/2021: Microtel Inn 104 Price Creek Rd Bremen

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Violations: Mold build-up on ice machine shield on third level. Clean ice machine more often. Juice dispenser in kitchen/buffet area holding ambient temperature at 50 degrees. Discard juices and discontinue use of machine until fixed.

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Page 26 January 16, 2022

StarNews

www.starnewsgaonline.com

Should inflation affect your investment moves?

JOEY KEY

FINANCIAL ADVISOR

As you know, inflation heated up in 2021, following years of pretty stable – and low – numbers. And now, early in 2022, we’re still seeing elevated prices. As a consumer, you may need to adjust your activities somewhat, but as an investor, how should you respond to inflation?

First, it helps to know the causes of this recent inflationary spike. Essentially, it’s a case of basic

economics – strong demand for goods meeting inadequate supply, caused by material and labor shortages, along with shipping and delivery logjams. In other words, too many dollars chasing too few goods. Once the supply chain issues begin to ease and consumer spending moves from goods to services as the COVID-19 pandemic wanes, it’s likely that inflation will moderate, but it may still stay above pre-pandemic levels throughout 2022.

Given this outlook, you may want to review your investment portfolio. First, consider stocks.

Generally speaking, stocks can do well in inflationary periods because companies’ revenues and earnings may increase along with inflation.

Carroll County marriage licenses

But some sectors of the stock market typically do better than others during inflationary times.

Companies that can pass along higher costs to consumers due to strong demand for their goods – such as firms that produce building materials or supply steel or other commodities to other businesses – can do well.

Conversely, companies that sell nonessential goods and services, such as appliances, athletic apparel and entertainment, may struggle more when prices are rising.

Of course, it’s still a good idea to own a variety of stocks from various industries because it can help reduce the impact of market volatility on any one sector. And to help counteract the

DECEMBER 1-31, 2021

effects of rising prices, you might also consider investing in companies that have a long track record of paying and raising stock dividends.

(Keep in mind, though, that these companies are not obligated to pay dividends and can reduce or discontinue them at any time.)

Apart from stocks, how can inflation affect other types of investments? Think about bonds.

When you invest in a bond, you receive regular interest payments until the bond matures. But these payments stay the same, so, over time, rising inflation can eat into your bond’s future income, which may also cause the price of your bond to drop – a concern if you decide to sell the bond before it matures. The impact of inflation is especially sharp on the price of longer-term bonds because of the cumulative loss of purchasing power.

However, Treasury Inflation-Protected Securities (TIPS) can provide some protection against inflation. The face value, or principal amount, of each TIPS is $1,000, but this principal is adjusted based on changes in the U.S. Consumer Price Index.

So, during periods of inflation, your principal will increase, also increasing your interest payments. When inflation drops, though, your principal and interest payments will decrease, but you’ll never receive less than the original principal value when the TIPS mature. Talk to your financial advisor to determine if TIPS may be appropriate for you.

Ultimately, inflation may indeed be something to consider when managing your investments.

But other factors – especially your risk tolerance, time horizon and long-term goals – should still be the driving force behind your investment decisions. A solid investment strategy can serve you well, regardless of whether prices move up or down.

Joey Key financial advisor, Edward Jones, 105 Somerset Place, Suite A, Carrollton, GA 678-890-1067

Carroll County pistol permits

Number of Weapons Carry Permits applied for: DEC. 1- 31, 2021: 292

Carroll County jail population

(The Jack T. Bell Detention Center, 1000 Newnan Road, Carrollton)

Total population as of JANUARY 5, 2022: 429 Males: 377 Females: 52

Carroll County prison population

Total population as of JANUARY 5, 2022: 240 Capacity: 246 Males: 100%

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

Carroll County cattle receipts

Carroll County Sales Barn 225 Sales Barn Road, Carrollton January 3, 2022: 303 December 27, 2021: CLOSED December 20, 2021: CLOSED December 13, 2021: 487 December 6, 2021: 964

Carroll County births

December 1- 31, 2021: Tanner Medical Center, Carrollton: Girls: 53 Boys: 56 Tanner Medical Center, Villa Rica:� Girls: 23 Boys: 30

www.starnewsgaonline.com

StarNews January 16, 2022

Page 27

Republican David Huddleston announces candidacy for Georgia House of Representatives from press release Carroll County native, David Huddleston, has announced his candidacy for election to the 72nd District of the Georgia House of Representatives following the retirement announcement of Chairman, Randy Nix. Huddleston’s campaign centers on advocating for small business, pro law-enforcement, education and agricultural preservation.

As an area farmer and recent retiree after 36 years with Carroll EMC, Huddleston is a lifelong steward to the community. During his career he was responsible for materials and warehousing, fleet and automotive, and later became purchasing manager prior to adding special projects and managing agribusiness

BRAD RAFFENSPERGER from page 10 itage Foundation]. You should be very proud of that.”

Raffensperger said, “I encourage everyone of you to volunteer to be a poll worker. Society needs you, your neighbor needs you. Elections happen at the county level, at the precinct level.

As long as there is personal integrity in the system, the system works. That why we all walk that line of integrity, just like law enforcement does. They walk the thin blue line. We walk the red, white and blue line for integrity for elections.”

He took questions from the audience, and StarNews asked the Secretary what the end result was for the 74 felons who voted and the four people who voted using names of deceased.

Raffensperger said, “In Georgia, once you have served your sentence, you can then ask for your voting rights to be restored and be put REACH from page 14 needs. The end result is, they receive a $2500 scholarship for a total of $10,000 over four years that Carrollton City School System donates as part of the partnership the college may match.”

Dr. Albertus said, “We offer in-depth guidance to the REACH students as well as to all students. REACH is another package we can offer like the HOPE or PELL programs to help our students. Also we always need more mentors who understand there is quite a commitment to these REACH students.”

In conclusion, Dr. Albertus stated, “It is a hands up program, not a hand out program.”

efforts for the co-op. As owner and operator of cattle, chicken-houses, hayfields, and beehive operations, he knows the insand-outs of running a successful business and preserving natural resources.

“Mentoring youth and volunteering in the community have been my Huddleston past-time for many years,” said Huddleston. “It wasn’t until my agribusiness role at Carroll EMC and attending UGA’s Advancing Georgia Leaders in Agriculture that I realized what an impact I

could make serving in the General Assembly.

Now, the timing is right with Chairman Nix announcing his retirement. He has served this district with amazing integrity and honesty.”

Huddleston is still actively involved with ten area FFA and 4-H programs and assists Carroll EMC with its annual FFA Day where the co-op hosts 300+ students from the region. He is also affiliated with or holds leadership positions with the Carroll County Planning & Zoning Board, Georgia Cattleman’s Association, Carroll and Heard County Cattleman’s Associations, Carroll County Young Farmers, Carroll County Chamber of Commerce Agribusiness Counsel, Carroll and Troup County GOPs, and Heard and Carroll County High School Ag Advisory Boards. on the voting rolls. And all of those voters [74 Other platforms of interest for Huddleston felons] had done that. And, typically it is a include supporting area law enforcement and spouse who votes for the deceased spouse. the modernization of law enforcement equipThose four will come before the state election board to face fines, but not jail time.”

Raffensperger was thanked by two club BID AWARD from page 14 members, one of which who said, “Mr. under the RFP criteria. The 2022 Food Truck Secretary, thank you for being here today, and Court Annual Review was presented for those thank you for defending the integrity of who received Special Use Permits in accorGeorgia’s elections.” dance with the food truck ordinance that was Raffensperger said, “At the end of the day, if adopted in October of 2020. Brooks reported you dig deep enough you find out what’s really that staff reviewed each permit and found no important to people: objective standards. So we issues, so the following Food Court Trucks went to photo ID for voting. Minnesota has were issued 2022 permits as listed: been doing using for now 11 years - a 120 North Park Street, Moore’s Chapel Democrat state. It’s an objective criteria that’s United Methodist Church why it’s so important. And Texas copied us 401 Bankhead Highway, Pelican SnoBall did you hear that? Texas copied us,” 1654 Maple Street, Jill Duncan State Farm Raffensbuerger laughed. “I think a photo ID is 302 South Street, Cheers non-partisan and bi-partisan. People can under1101 Alabama Street, Citgo Gas Station stand objective standards.”

1655 Highway 27 South, Lowe’s 110 North Park St, Southern Home Ranch Dr. Abertus was named superintendent of Council approved re-appointment to the the Carrollton City School System in 2016.

Previously, he had been the principal of Carrollton High. He graduated from Presbyterian College and has masters, specialist, and doctoral degrees from the University of Alabama. He also served as an officer in the U.S. Army. In 2019, he completed AASA National Superintendent Certification program.

Albertus and his wife, Rebecca, reside in Carrollton and have four daughters.

For more information: reach.org or locally to cjhs.carrolltoncityschools.net. If you wish to donate to the REACH scholarship, contact CCS Education Foundation 770-832-9633.

CARROLLTON BAPTIST ASSOCIATION churches. The Georgia Baptist Convention also from page 7 provides access to train for the pastors. The ticipate and on what level. On Monday, we ask next training session for VBS early bird clinic members to adopt a school and pray for them. is Tuesday January 23 for pastors and VBS On Tuesday, the churches select a fire or police directors,” said Dockery.

The Association also partners with the Troup station to pray for. On Wednesday, the churches pray for a hospital and a specific unit in the County Baptist Association and the Western hospital. Thursday, May 5th is National Day of Baptist Association to provide a camp in Heard County - Rock Ridge. Rock Ridge is a 163 acre Prayer.”

Another event is SPLASH. Youth ministers site complete with hotel, cabins, dining hall, and students help teachers ready their individ- chapel, pool and lakes. It not only provides ual rooms for the school year. In August, Rev. summer camps, but also retreats.

“I meet with the pastors regularly either in Dockery publishes a list of schools to pray for luncheons or on zoom, which works well for and perhaps assist them with specific needs.

“We also provide backpacks for children in the small church pastors. I ‘pastor the pastors’ Appalachia, in Hawkins County, Tennessee. so to speak. I listen to their concerns and needs We acquire the backpacks in October and and offer friendship, and I certainly pray for return in December with filled backpacks. This them. Also, the Carrollton Baptist Association was our 6th year doing it and we collected has never done a fundraiser for ourselves. The 1200 backpacks. In November, we were the churches provide all the financial support we collection site for Operation Christmas Child need I am proud to say.”

The Carrollton Baptist Association is located where we collected shoe boxes with items for children, which we have been doing for 21 at 736 Stewart Street in Carrollton. Feel free to years. This year we collected 3623 boxes to call them at 770-834-3451 or visit them at send all over the world. One year we collected www.carrolltonbaptistassociation.com.

You may not know them by name, but you 5400.

“We also provide Vacation Bible School and and people around you have felt their prayers Sunday school training for our smaller and generosity!

ment, training and techniques. He is also interested in supporting legislation that encourages small business and stimulates local economies along with securing resources for local school districts and empowers local decision-making.

Lastly, David Huddleston will enhance and expand agriculture and rural communities by supporting legislation that promotes or protects farming and exploring ways to enhance the region, like area broadband.

“I had the opportunity prior to retiring to be directly involved with the co-op’s broadband project,” said Huddleston. “We called on area businesses and farms and determined what our need was and then gathered signatures to support the steps and investments that were about to be made. Fortunately, it was our district that qualified for Phase I and we’ll be the first to have fiber-optic cable ran directly to our homes and farms.”

Planning Commission Board as follows: Sandra Houston, Jay Nix, and John Jackson.

Jason Smith did not wish to serve another term, so Jonathan Hardesty was appointed to replace him. All of these are three-year terms.

The 2022 Mayor and Council meeting schedule was approved.

An Oath of Office was also presented to the 12 members of the City of Carrollton Youth Council, a group of students recruited by Sgt. Meredith Browning from the 9th, 10th, 11th, and 12th grades of the school system who will be given an opportunity to participate and learn about the inner-workings of city government. An Oath will be signed by each student and recorded in the official minutes of the City of Carrollton.

There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned.

Turner Pharmacy

“Carrollton’s Prescription Headquarters”

821 Dixie St. Carrollton, Ga 30117 (770)-832-7076 •Drive Thru Service • Gifts • Free Delivery Locally owned. Locally operated. Locally loved.

Page 28 January 16, 2022

StarNews www.starnewsgaonline.com

TWO YEAR

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FEBRUARY 6, 2022

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