January 2024

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JANUARY 14, 2024 • VOLUME 30 NUMBER 1

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Dugan resigns; Special Election for State Senate District 30 scheduled for Tuesday, February 13th

Qualifying for State Senate District 30

Longtime well-liked and well-supported State Senator Mike Dugan resigned immediately following the December unveiling of the new redistricted maps, and announced he’s running for Congress District 3

from press release Longtime District 30 State Senator Mike Dugan resigned January 4th in the wake of the redistricting maps made known in early December. Senator Dugan issued a strong and lengthy statement (see StarNews December 10, 2023 edition, pages 16 and 30) expressing his disagreement and strong disappointSee SPECIAL ELECTION page 14

Qualifying for State Senate District 30 seat is Ashley Kecskes Godwin, one of four candidates. Godwin lives in Carrollton, was valedictorian of Mt. Zion High, earned a BA in political science University of Florida and an MBA from University of North Florida.

Godwin qualified as a Democrat. Election is February 13th.

One week after decisive win as Villa Rica’s new mayor, Leslie McPherson is targeted by losing incumbent Gil McDougal and council with accusations of “malfeasance” McDougal bypasses City Attorney with Resolution to investigate McPherson

City Manager Tom Barber publicly threatens to quit if McPherson is elected

story by Sue Horn and Janice Daniel On Tuesday, December 12, 2023, after executive session, Mayor Gil McDougal and Council of the City of Villa Rica voted to re-convene their regular meeting for the purpose of

consideration of a Resolution to use investigative powers to determine if former council member and mayorelect, Leslie McPherson, was guilty act(s) of “malfeasance”.

See MALFEASANCE page 14

CANDIDATES DISTRICT 30 STATE SENATE

Democrat: ASHLEY KECSKES GODWIN Republicans: TIM BEARDEN ROBERT “BOB” SMITH RENAE BELL

Election will use NEW District 30 MAP

check website below after Jan 22. for your precinct location or if new boundary lines no longer include you in this district

www.mvp.sos.ga.gov

Commissioners adopt new State Senator Matt Brass “rolling” procedure for gains two Carroll County electing board vice-chair precincts in redistricting Each commissioner already assigned a turn as vicechair in the upcoming years beginning Jan. 2025 Vote was 4 to 3, with Commissioners Clint Chance, Tommy Lee and Ernie Reynolds opposing

story by Janice Daniel The Carroll County Board of Commissioners met on Tuesday, January 2, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. fora regular (monthly) meeting, the first of the new year.

In the annual election of commission board vice-chair, District 1 Commissioner Montrell McClendon made a motion that included two parts: 1: that District 4 Commissioner Steve Fuller serve as vice-chair for January-December 2024; and 2: instead of electing a vice-chair each year, that position would be rolled over automatically to the next commissioner yearly by district number; that in January 2025 the District 5 Commissioner would be vice-chair, in January

Brass’ District 28 now includes half of Carroll County geographically with one-fifth of the population

story by Wayne J. Reynolds Georgia State Senator Matt Brass represents Georgia District 28 which includes Coweta and Heard, as well as portions of Troup, Carroll and Fulton Counties. Under the redistricting recently approved by a federal judge, Senator Brass gained new voters in two precincts in Carroll County.

Senator Brass explained, “When I was Brass elected back in 2016, I had four precincts in Carroll, but two years ago in redistricting, I lost Carroll County. I now have two of those precincts back, including Whitesburg and the Kansas area. It is basically the area south of the City of Carrollton. This is about half the land mass of Carroll County, but a fifth of the population.”

See BRASS page 20

See COMMISSION page 9

Sec of State calls on General Assembly

believe it’s past time for Georgia to lead the charge by adding its name to the list. As Georgia’s 17th Agriculture Commissioner, I look forward to working with our Legislature to do just that during the upcoming legislative session to protect our farmers, our farmland, and our state’s number one industry.”

See AG COMMISSIONER HARPER page 4

In the wake of recent incidents across the country involving swatting and bomb threats, Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger condemned all acts of political intimidation, and called on the General Assembly to take up the original version of legislation he proposed in 2016. As a See FALSE PUBLIC ALARM page 7

State Ag Commissioner: protecting Georgia’s farmland through to pass bill to increase penalty for false public alarm legislation to restrict/ban land purchases by foreign adversaries anyone transmitting from press release

story by Wayne J. Reynolds Statewide, agriculture is Georgia’s number one industry. In a November 2023 article in James Magazine, State Agriculture Commissioner Tyler Harper said, “Over the past few years, dozens of states have passed legislation restricting or banning foreign adversaries from purchasing American farmland, and I

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Page 2 January 14, 2024 StarNews www.starnewsgaonline.com

C A R R O L LT O N G A . C O M / E V E N T S

Winter Events A LT O G E T H E R H A P P E N I N G

JANUARY 4 - FEBRUARY 12

JANUARY 18 I 7PM

JANUARY 20 I 7:30PM

FEBRUARY 5,6,8

FEBRUARY 9 I 7:30PM

FEBRUARY 16 - 17 I 7:30PM FEBRUARY 17 - 18 I 2PM

From This Mad Passion Exhibition

Daddy/Daughter & Mother/Son Dances

Family Night: Paperhand Puppets

Carrollton Symphony Orchestra Masterworks Concert

SPRING SPORTS AND PROGRAMS REGISTRATION

Register now for the upcoming sports, gymnastics, tumbling and more at carrolltonparksandrec.com

Top of the World: A Carpenters Tribute

Montgomery: The Musical

WINTER/SPRING ARTS CLASSES

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www.starnewsgaonline.com StarNews January 14, 2024 Page 3

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Page 4 January 14, 2024 StarNews www.starnewsgaonline.com AG COMMISSIONER HARPER

ownership, in perpetuity. It is funded 50% by the federal government, 25% by the county, Many residents living in and 25% by donation by the landowner.

Carroll County may not be Commissioner Harper said, “Earlier this aware of Carroll County’s year, Fufeng Group, a Chinese company with strong farming and agricul- deep ties to the Chinese Communist Party, ture presence. Carroll attempted to build a wet corn mill in North County’s Agriculture Dakota - 12 miles away from Grand Forks Air Census identifies 867 Force Base. In 2021, officials in Texas blocked farms that average 95 acres a similarly concerning development when a and generate a total farm Chinese billionaire with close ties to the CCP gate value of $240 million. attempted to purchase 100,000 acres near These, mostly family- McLaughlin Air Force Base. It’s clear that Harper owned, China’s end goal is to buy farms generate $540 million Commissioner Harper stated up U.S. farmland, control in annual economic output emphatically, “We cannot the nation’s food supply, and with 4,000 employees. let this happen in Georgia. force us to be fully reliant According to the Carroll Our agriculture industry is on the Communist regime County website, “Today, for our food production.”

Carroll’s rural roots remain the lifeblood of our state’s Commissioner Harper economy and a pillar of healthy as the county continstated emphatically, “We ues as an agricultural leader, American food production. cannot let this happen in boasting the largest cattleGeorgia. Our agriculture We must act swiftly and men’s association in the state industry is the lifeblood of decisively to protect our and continuing as a major our state’s economy and a state’s number one poultry producer.” pillar of American food proOne way Carroll County industry and our farmland.” duction. We must act swiftly has maintained their farmand decisively to protect our land is the agricultural conservation easement. state’s number one industry and our farmland.

This is a voluntary, legally recorded permanent Here at home, restricting or banning adversardeed restriction that is placed on a specific ies from purchasing American farmland is the property used for agricultural production. The first step in fighting back, protecting our food goal of an agricultural conservation easement is supply, and keeping Georgia’s number one to maintain agricultural land in active produc- industry successful for generations to come.” tion by removing the development pressures Paula J. Burke of UGA Extension Agent for from the land.

Carroll County reports that the 85,249 acres of Such an easement prohibits practices which its farmland produce a multitude of agricultural would damage or interfere with the agricultural products. Carroll County ranks in the top 16 use of the land as well as encouraging imple- out of 159 counties in Georgia for Total Farm mentation of good quality conservation farm- Gate Value. ing practices. Because the easement is a restricPoultry is the number one agricultural vention on the deed of the property, the easement ture in Carroll County. There are currently 493 remains in effect even when the land changes See SAVING GA FARMLAND page 13

from front page

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www.starnewsgaonline.com StarNews January 14, 2024 Page 5

State Representative David Huddleston begins his second year under the Gold Dome Retired from Carroll EMC and a fifth generation farmer, he lives on his family farm in Roopville where he and his son operate a cow-calf operation, chicken houses, hayfields and beehives story by Wayne J. Reynolds David Huddleston was elected in 2022 as State Representative for District 72. He began serving his second year on January 9, 2024 when the Georgia General Assembly convened for Day 1 of business. State Rep. Huddleston’s district includes portions of Carroll, Heard and Troup counties.

The Georgia General Assembly is older than the United States Congress, having been created in 1777 during the American Revolutionary War. The Georgia Senate, referred to as the upper house, has 56 members while the Georgia House of Representatives, the lower house, has 180. Members from each body serve for two years, but have no limit (a term limit) to the number of times they can be re-elected. Recently, Representative Huddleston reflected on his freshman year.

“In my first year, I learned so much. When I talk with people, I share with them I am not a typical politician. I am more of a servant - serving people,” Huddleston said. “People ask me if I’m going to make a career out of this. I respond by saying - I should have started before turning 58! People chuckle, and that is what I want. We can then have a conversation.”

Huddleston said that he received two valuable pieces of advice this past year. One was, now that you are elected, people will think you are an expert. Huddleston says he is far from it.

But, he began learning and establishing contacts so when people did have a question or problem, he knew where to direct them.

“For example, prior to the session last year, I went to the state budget department, met the department head, introduced myself and asked to meet the rest of the staff so as to learn their responsibilities. When I went back, they knew me. You need to be proactive, not reactive! When I talk to groups they ask me to share, and I ask them to share with me. I am your representative. It is amazing the people I have met across the district.

“The second piece of advice I received was, ‘You can’t be everywhere all the time.’ I struggled with that, but came to realize it is a marathon, not a sprint. You can be as busy as you want to be, but I try to be available to people. As I said, I am their servant.”

Huddleston said his biggest surprise was his second week in

the session which is when departments provide their budgets and Huddleston realized how much money it took to run the state. And the State of Georgia is a business.

Rep. Huddleston said, “We all pay taxes. and I want to make sure as a person, district, an area, we get a return on that tax investment. It may come in a variety of ways - suspension of the tax tax, community services, grants, equipment for law enforcement, education, etc. There are a number of ways that money may come back to the district. That is my biggest challenge, being an eagle’s eye to make sure those dollars come back to the district.”

He said he learned that, as a legislator, they create laws, they have no power to enforce them. Enforcement is up to the state agencies. People needto understand that. “But, also letting them know I am their voice.”

A Gwinnett legislator remarked to Huddleston that he can go across his district in 15 minutes. For Huddleston, he discovered it’s a one hour and fifteen minute long drive to cross his district: Hogansville to Carrollton. “I represent seven cities, seven different city councils, three county commissions, four police departments, and three sheriff’s departments. All in the same district, but each with different needs and different relationships.

I learn every time I do something.!”

Huddleston has learned to take advantage of opportunities to share such as the time when he dropped by a Hogansville council meeting and was given the opportunity to speak.

“People see me and know I am available. I work at gaining their confidence and then work at building on that foundation.”

He was also advised that it is not a part time job, but rather a full time job. “I am busier now than when I worked full time for Carroll EMC. I also learned that I don’t have to always agree with people. Together, we can sit down and listen and learn regardless of background or party affiliation.”

The 2023 General Assemby session featured 53 new legislators - -the largest freshman class ever and the leadership established a mentor program to mentor the new legislators.

State Represenative J Collins from Villa Rica was Huddleston’s mentor. “Jay did a great job of helping, sometimes just showing up and putting a hand on my shoulder to see how

La Trattoria

District 72 State Representative David Huddleston it was going. Also, the entire delegation from Troup and Carroll have been great in answering all my questions and offering advice.”

State Rep. Huddleston also announced he is running for reelection. “I have had a great time and have learned from the people. I have established the contacts and the experience to work for my district’s residents.”

See DAVID HUDDLESTON page 6

Page 6 January 14, 2024 StarNews www.starnewsgaonline.com Recall of specialty infant formula: Nutramigen Powder from stories on StarNews Online UReckitt/Mead Johnson Nutrition (MJN), a website at www.starnewsgaonline.com producer of nutrition products, announced that UWG hires new CFO of University it has voluntarily chosen to recall from the U.S. Foundations: Dan Stephens market select batches of Nutramigen Powder, a University of West Georgia has named a sea- specialty infant formula for the dietary mansoned professional with 35 agement of Cows Milk Allergy (CMA) in 12.6 years of experience as the and 19.8 oz cans, due to a possibility of conchief financial officer of tamination with Cronobacter sakazakii in prodthe UWG Foundations and uct sampled outside the U.S. All product in assistant vice president for question went through extensive testing by university advancement. MJN and tested negative for the bacteria.

Dan Stephens began as the Cronobacter bacteria can cause severe, lifefoundations’ CFO on Jan. threatening infections (sepsis) or meningitis (an 2, bringing a wealth of inflammation of the membranes that protect experience in financial the brain and spine). Symptoms of sepsis and leadership, particularly in meningitis may include poor feeding, irritabilthe higher education sector, ity, temperature changes, jaundice (yellow skin Stephens to the university. Stephens and whites of the eyes), grunting breaths and joins UWG from Illinois State University, abnormal movements. Cronobacter infection where he most recently served as vice presi- may also cause bowel damage and may spread dent for finance and planning. through the blood to other parts of the body.

As the foundations’ CFO, Stephens’ primary Nutramigen in 12.6 and 19.8 oz containers focus will be on ensuring financial stewardship was manufactured in June 2023 and distributed that aligns with the university’s strategic plan primarily in June, July, and August 2023. to emphasize financial stability in service to its Based on the limited availability of the remainnext-generation operating model. ing stock of this special infant formula, it is Before joining Illinois State, Stephens believed that much, if not all, of the products served as the associate vice chancellor of recalled in the United States have been confinance for the University of North Texas sumed. There are no reports of illnesses or System in Dallas. adverse events to date.

Prior to working in Texas, Stephens held The products were distributed through retail senior financial leadership roles with the stores nationwide. The batches in question can University of Idaho and Jacksonville be identified by the batch code on the bottom University in Florida, was the chief financial of the can. The following recalled product officer at Central Michigan University’s Off- batch codes and can size associated with each Campus Division, and spent 15 years in audit, batch were distributed in the U.S.: accounting and financial leadership roles for ZL3FHG (12.6 oz cans); several private corporations. Stephens earned ZL3FMH (12.6 oz cans); an MBA in finance from the University of ZL3FPE (12.6 oz cans); North Florida and his undergraduate degree in ZL3FQD (12.6 oz cans); accounting from Georgia Southern University.

ZL3FRW (19.8 oz cans); and ZL3FXJ (12.6 oz cans).

DAVID HUDDLESTON from page 5 Products have a UPC Code of He observed, “People watch on TV or hear 300871239418 or 300871239456 and “Use By about all the bickering among legislators, but I Date” of “1 Jan 2025”. want people to know there are a lot of good If parents have any questions, they should people working there. It reaches across the aisle regardless of party - and 95% of the time they consult with their pediatrician or contact us at are working together for the betterment of 866-534-9986 24/7 or by email at Georgia. Each representative is different, but consumer.relations@rb.com they can come together. We can all learn from one another.”

For this new legislative session, Huddleston said he had no agenda, but the agenda will find him. He will seek a way to add more large animal veterinarians. He thinks the legislature will revisit sports betting and school voucher bills as well as farmland preservation and healthcare.

In conclusion, Huddleston stated, “I represent almost 60,000 residents in my district.

When they call, typically they are in time of need or help. I don’t ask and they don’t tell me if they are a Republican or Democrat - and if it doesn’t matter. They are a constituent and that is all that matters. I alway give out my cell.

404-555-1110. I am always available.”

David Huddleston is a fifth generation farmer from Carrollton and currently resides on his family farm in Roopville, where he and his son, Andrew, operate their cow-calf operation, chicken houses, hayfields and beehives. His greatest accomplishment is working alongside his son and passing down the knowledge, expertise and drive that it takes to be a farmer.

As a state legislator, he is interested in legislation that would encourage small businesses and local economies, modernize law enforcement equipment, training and techniques, as well as securing resources for local school districts in District 72. Furthermore, he seeks to support rural communities through legislation that would promote farming, agriculture and enhancement initiatives, such as broadband.

NEWS RECAP -

Mixed Media Artist exhibit The Carrollton Center for the Arts presents “From This Mad Passion”, a collection of works by mixed-media artist Sarah Swanson, now through February 12th.

“Sarah’s skill at beautifully capturing the human figure shines through in the pieces on display,” said Carrollton Visual Arts

Coordinator Marcella Kuykendall. “ The added surreal elements of her work create a fantastical and mysterious atmosphere in each piece that I find fascinating.” Swanson relates to art being an obsessive passion. This exhibition features drawings and mixed media works Swanson hopes moves people’s minds using simple lines coming together.

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www.starnewsgaonline.com StarNews January 14, 2024 Page 7

NEWS RECAP -

from stories on StarNews Online website at www.starnewsgaonline.com

Quilt show “Sacred Threads” now through March 23rd: also yoga!

The Southeastern Quilt and Textile Museum invites you to experience the Sacred Threads Exhibit, which will be on display from January 2 - March 23, 2024, at 306 C Bradley Street, Carrollton, Georgia.

Sacred Threads features 38 quilts all centered around the themes of Brotherhood, Grief, Healing, Inspiration, Joy, Peace, and Spirituality.

The Sacred Thread community storytelling series will expand on the exhibit themes allowing for greater community involvement and connections. It will feature a mix of invited storytellers, along with a safe platform for audience participation. This series will be held starting at 7:00 pm on the third Saturday of each month from January through March of 2024. The series is geared for adult audiences, but everyone over the age of 12 is invited to attend. This is a free public event.

The community is also invited to join us in the Sacred Threads Exhibit Gallery for yoga on the first Sundays of January – March. This 45minute relaxing yoga practice will be led by FALSE PUBLIC ALARM from front page

member of the Georgia State House in 2016, then-Representative Raffensperger authored HB 790 which increased the penalty for transmitting a false public alarm to include prison time of one to ten years.

Secretary Raffensperger calls on all elected officials and community leaders to denounce any form of political violence or intimidation, and to create stricter protections using the language he proposed in 2016.

On Wednesday, at least eight Capitol complexes across the country received threats, culminating in a shocking incident of swatting against a senior staff member of the Georgia Secretary of State’s office. Raffensperger stressed that such actions have no place in a civilized society and go against the fundamental principles of American democracy.

“Cowardice never wins,” said Secretary Raffensperger. “It is deeply troubling to see a rise in swatting and other physical threats. We expect heightened tensions as we head into a major presidential election. We expect American citizens to engage in the democratic process- not resort to cowardly acts of intimidation. We’re committed to upholding our democratic principles and fighting for an environment in which citizens can freely and safely participate.”

The Secretary of State’s office is working closely with law enforcement to investigate the recent threats and hold accountable those responsible.

“The integrity of our elections is non-negotiable,” said Secretary Raffensperger. “We’re unwavering in protecting the values that underpin our democracy.”

The Secretary reaffirms his commitment to protecting the integrity of Georgia’s elections and upholding the public’s right to free and fair elections – free from any form of intimidation.

Georgia continues to set records for voter turnout and election participation, seeing the largest increase in average turnout of any other state in the 2018 midterm election and record turnout in 2020, and 2022. 2022 achieved the largest single day of in-person early voting turnout in Georgia midterm history utilizing Georgia’s secure, paper ballot voting system.

Most recently, Georgia ranked #1 for Election Integrity by the Heritage Foundation, a top ranking for Voter Accessibility by the Center for Election Innovation & Research and tied for number one in Election Administration by the Bipartisan Policy Center.

Angie. Please bring your own mat, donations are appreciated.

This project is supported by Georgia Humanities, in partnership with the Georgia Department of Economic Development, through funding from the Georgia General Assembly. This program is also supported in part by Georgia Council for the Arts through the appropriations of the Georgia General Assembly. Georgia Council for the Arts also receives support from its partner agency – the National Endowment for the Arts.

The Southeastern Quilt and Textile Museum is located at 306 C Bradley Street, in Carrollton, Georgia. The museum is open Tuesday - Saturday from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm.

Regular admission is $5.00, with group discounts available.

For more information go to sqtmuseum.org or contact us directly at 770-301-2187 or email us at southeasternquilt@gmail.com

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Page 8 January 14, 2024 StarNews www.starnewsgaonline.com

City of Carrollton and Carroll County’s “Fentanyl Stops Here” campaign hopes to spread information, prevention strategies, and support resources to those affected by substance use story by Wayne J. Reynolds You have most likely heard about the drug fentanyl, perhaps through news reports and the unexpected deaths associated with it - but what exactly is fentanyl?

According to the Georgia Department of Public Health: “Fentanyl is a deadly substance that can be made illegally and found in all types of street drugs, not just opioids. It is important to know that it is possible to have an opioid overdose from a stimulant (e.g., cocaine) that is laced with fentanyl.”

And more frightening is the fact that: “Drugs that contain fentanyl cannot be detected by sight or smell, and even a small amount can cause an overdose. If you have a drug that was not prescribed for you, be aware it could contain fentanyl. Fentanyl-related overdose deaths have been increasing in Georgia since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. Between May 1, 2020 and April 30, 2021, fentanyl-involved overdose deaths increased 106.2% compared to the same time period the previous year.”

In response to this growing fentanyl crisis, the Carrollton and Carroll County community have rallied in an unprecedented way. From local schools implementing educational programs to businesses supporting recovery initiatives, the collective response is a beacon of hope.

City of Carrollton Police Chief Joel Richards said, “We are passionate about our Fentanyl Awareness campaign. We are tired of seeing our generation perish. The leading cause of death for our 18-45 population is opioid overdose or as some say poisoning. We cannot ‘arrest’ our way out of this problem. We

must partner with our community in order to make a difference and save lives.”

The Carroll County Fentanyl Awareness Coalition, in collaboration with the City of Carrollton and Carroll County, is proud to announce the launch of the “Fentanyl Stops Here” campaign. Funded by a grant from the federal opioid settlement, this initiative aims to address the escalating fentanyl crisis in our community.

The coalition of community leaders representing a cross section of the Carroll County community includes Joel Richards, Jodie Goodman, Meredith Browning, Bruce Guthrie, Ashley Hulsey, Chris Dobbs, Craig Dodson, Greg Falls, Gyla Gonzalez, Michael Mansour, Keith Hancock, Herb Cranford, Meagen Thompson, Laurie Fleck, and Terry Jones.

Carroll County Chairman Michelle Morgan stated, “I am thankful for the work of Tisinger Law Firm in going after the opioid settlement funds to enable Carroll County to use the money to help deal with the tremendous problems brought on by the opioid crisis. I am proud to be a part of a united effort between Carroll County Government, Carroll County Sheriff Office, Carrollton City and Carrollton PD along with many public servants to address the epidemic of opioid addiction and its consequences to our citizens.”

The campaign is a response to the urgent need for awareness and education about the dangers of fentanyl, a potent synthetic opioid responsible for a significant rise in overdoses and fatalities.

“Fentanyl Stops Here” campaign is dedicated to providing vital information, preven-

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tion strategies, and support resources to those affected by substance use disorders.

Key elements of the campaign include educational outreach, social media engagement, and community events. These efforts are bolstered by partnerships with local schools, healthcare facilities, and law enforcement to maxi- Carrollton Police mize reach and Chief Joel Richards effectiveness.

“The jail has approximately 25 people on detox daily, for a variety of different drugs, and fentanyl is an issue, but unfortunately many fentanyl users overdose (OD) and pass away before jail even becomes an option as a gateway for them to get help or a loved one can get them into a rehab facility. The Deputies Carroll County Sheriff Terry use Narcan on a conLangley sistent basis when they encounter a possible fentanyl overdose, and unfortunately most of those individuals refuse medical treatment. The biggest goal for us is educating the public, our citizens, and espe-

cially the youth in our community to the dangers of fentanyl and how deadly it is. We are proud to team up with the City of Carrollton, Carroll County, and the Carrollton Police Department to share this awareness campaign that hopefully will save lives,” Carroll County Sheriff Terry Langley added.

The Department of Public Health says symptoms of an opioid overdose include: unconsciousness, or inability to wake up, limp body, falling asleep, extreme drowsiness, slow, shallow, irregular or no breathing, pale, blue, cold and/or clammy skin, choking, snoring, or gurgling sounds slow or no heartbeat.

Drugs that contain fentanyl cannot be detected by sight or smell, and even a small amount can cause an overdose. If you have a drug that was not prescribed for you, be aware it could contain fentanyl.

If you suspect a drug overdose, call 911 immediately, provide the location of the overdose and stay with the individual until help arrives. Georgia has a medical amnesty law that protects individuals who may be experiencing an overdose and callers seeking medical attention for drug overdoses.

Naloxone reverses the effects of an opioid overdose and can be obtained from pharmacies in Georgia without a prescription under a standing order from the Commissioner. Drug prevention and recovery are possible with the appropriate support.

For more details about the “Fentanyl Stops Here” campaign, including how to participate or access resources, please visit www.fentanylstopshere.com. StarNews will be writing about this Fentanyl problem throughout 2024.

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www.starnewsgaonline.com StarNews January 14, 2024 Page 9 COMMISSION from front page ment. Smith stated that no killing of animals Licensed & Insured 2026 the District 6 Commissioner would be for the meat would be done on the property, but vice-chair, et cetera, until each commissioner he would like to have the butcher shop and serves one year as vice-chairman without a kitchen to prepare stew, etc. to be sold in the nomination and vote each year. Chairman store. Store will be 30x40 enclosed structure.

Michelle Morgan seconded the motion.

Request was approved 7-0 by the board with a Professional Power Washing and Surface Cleaning Motion passed with a vote of 4-3 with stipulation that any other use in the future will RESIDENTIAL SERVICES McLendon, Morgan, Fuller, and District 6 have to go back before the board for approval.

COMMERCIAL SERVICES Building Commissioner Danny Bailey voting to Special Presentations were given to Warden House approve. Opposing were District 2 Otis Wilson who finished 40 hours of training Dumpster Area Deck Sealing to 2000sq ft Commissioner Clint Chance, District 3 in Pre-Command and Deputy Warden Alex Parking Decks Deck Cleaning Commissioner Tommy Lee and District 5 Rainwater for 40 hours in Security, Finance CLEANED for Restaurants Driveways Commissioner Ernie Reynolds. and Administration at the Georgia Department Gum Removal Pool Area ONLY $149.99 Financial Update showed Y-T-D income at of Corrections Administration Academy.

Drive Thrus Painting With Coupon Only. Some $38,798,677, being 53% of budget; expendi- Warden Wilson also graduated from the Shopping Center Concrete restrictions may apply.Offer Lawn Care tures at $29,506,410, or 40.3% of budget.

University of West Georgia. Chief Counselor Ends Feb 9, 2024 Gutter Clean Out Leaf Clean Up Public Works Superintendent Danny Yates Sherry Kimball received her Certification in updated the board on bids for the crushing of the On-the-Job Certificate Program. concrete and debris at the College Street Board voted to go into executive session and www.dannyspressurewashinc.com admininstration building. He said that the regular meeting was adjourned.

Complete Demolition Services proposed to charge $1.00 (one dollar) for their in-kind services if the county will provide trucking of the > edwardjones.com | Member SIPC crushed concrete to their property at 330 Cross > edwardjones.com | Member SIPC Plains Hulett Road. A savings will be realized for the county on trucking the material. In response to a question by Commissioner Fuller, Yates said, yes, that some of the crushed mate- Your goals are as unique as rial will be kept on the site for base use. you.

This proposal was approved unanimously by Whether it’s investing some extra income, the board.

Chief Judge John Simpson made an ARPA preparing a future for your family with it’s investing retirement secured, or saving for asome extra income, presentation regarding the request of $313,600 yourWhether home or education costs, we’re here preparing a future for toyour family with funded by ARPA for technology in the superior you through it. courthouse Rooms A, B and C, which is part of coach your retirement secured, or saving for a Derick T. Newton, AAMS® Fred O’Neal, AAMS® a larger project to modernize the courthouse Financial Advisor Contact us today to start creating a financial home or education costs, we’re here to Financial Advisor and complete the fifth floor. He requested that > edwardjones.com | Member SIPC 937B Maple Street tailored to your specific needs. the money fronted by the county for this Audio strategy 410 College Street Photos to pull from coach you through it.

Carrollton, GA. 770-832-9515 Visual project does not count against the Marketing Hub image library Carrollton, GA. 770-832-2141 Derick T Newton > edwardjones.com | Member SIPC $500,000 ceiling for ARPAgoals expenditures AAMS™ as Your areprior as unique Contact to reimbursement.

Financial Advisor us today to start creating a financial Street Judge Simpsonyou. said that the Office of 937b Maple strategy tailored to your specific needs.

Planning and Budget and the Administrative Carrollton, GA 30117 Photos to pull from 770-832-9515 Whether it’s investing some extra income, Office of the Courts are in bureaucratic battles MKD-8652E-A AECSPAD Marketing Hub image library preparing a futurereimbursefor your family with Derick T Newton which has resulted in the ARPA yourtoretirement secured, or saving AAMS™ for a ments lagging by two three months, but, in answer to Commissioner he costs, said hewe’re here home or Bailey, education to Financial Advisor feels comfortable coach that theyou county willit.get the Whether it’s investing some extra income, through 937b Maple Street reimbursements due. He said the reimbursepreparing future for your family with Carrollton, GAa30117 ments have been Contact approvedusattoday different levels to start creating a financial 770-832-9515 your retirement secured, or saving for a already. strategy tailored to your specific needs.

MKD-8652E-A AECSPAD 20927264 Photos to pull from home or education costs, we’re here to Judge Simpson gave appreciation and credit Marketing Hub image library to Sydnie North forDerick her work on this project, as T Newton coach you through it.

Joey L. Key, CHFC®, CLU® Tiffany D. Middleton AAMS™Chairman Morgan, well as Robert Evans, Financial Advisor Financial Advisor Financial Advisor Finance Director Alecia Searcy, and Keith Contact us today to start creating a financial 937b Maple 937B Maple Street West. He said the forms and Street procedures created 105 Somerset Pl,Suite A Carrollton, GA 30117 by them are now being used all over the state in strategy tailored to your specific needs.

Carrollton, GA. 770-832-9515 Carrollton, GA.to 678-890-1067 770-832-9515 Photos pull from handling this grant.

MKD-8652E-A AECSPAD Marketing Hub image library A Resolution to Set and Publish the Derick T Newton Qualifying fees for the 2024 Election for AAMS™ County Offices have been set as follows: Financial Advisor

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The Resolution was passed by the board unanimously.

Zoning Request Z-23-12-01 was presented to the board, a request to rezone 4.83 acres located at 815 Roopville Road from Agricultural to Commercial by applicant Jeffrey Smith, to open a mercantile store with a kitchen where he will sell USDA and Health Department inspected meat, along with plant seed, fertilizer and feed, and used farm equip-

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Page 10 January 14, 2024 StarNews www.starnewsgaonline.com

County school board voted to accept new district line adjustments, any students affected may remain in their current school if desired but must provide their own transportation story by Janice Daniel The Carroll County Board of Education met on Monday, December 11, 2023, at 12:00 noon for a monthly regualar meeting. Board Member Bart Cater was absent. Board Member Kerry Miller was present by phone.

All others were present in person at the meeting. The meeting was pushed forward from 5:30 p.m. to 12:00 p.m. to allow those who wanted to see the State Championship football game at Bowdon to be able to attend.

Under Business Items, Superintendent Scott Cowart reported that he had met with the principals and all affected by the proposed District Line Adjustments, and said they were not surprised, but after many questions, accepted that it is the right thing to do. He said the adjustments need to be approved quickly due to all clusters’ connection to the budget process in allocation of teachers, et cetera. He also advised that any student who wishes to stay in their current school will be allowed to do so, but must provide their own transportation. He also said a lot of time was spent with the transportation department to get them in line with the changes. In a roll-call vote, the Board accepted the District Line Adjustments unanimously.

Delene Wolfe gave the Financial Report as follows: General Fund Revenues $41.4 million General Fund Expendi $14.4 million General Fund Balance $45.9 million $4.3 million in encumbrances She reported that the SPLOST5 expenditures were $250,900 with a balance of $1.9 million for upcoming projects. Wolfe also reported that the school system had a clean audit report with no findings of error.

The Board Meeting Calendar for 2024 was approved unanimously, as well as the 2023

Master Plans for every site owned by the school system. Cowart will now work on getting plans updated on the system’swebsite.

Cowart reported that Open Bids were in for a 4-classroom addition and connection of the science hall with the music hall at Villa Rica High School, and also 2 new classrooms on the CCA, which will free up the 2 classrooms they are now using, and give the Villa Rica High School even more space. As part of the Bid on this project, the VRHS cafeteria and media center will be renovated.

J&R Construction won the bid at a construction cost of $6,890,000 with fees and contingencies bringing the total to $7,369,000, which is actually about $300,000 less than had been anticipated. Mr. Cowart said this project will start in January if approved, which it was unanimously approved in a roll-call vote.

In his discussion about the bid for Phase II of the Operations Center, Cowart said they’re using a Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP) Construction Management Process due to the project being broken into several different pieces. First was purchase of the property, second was the work on the drive and road. Now the bid is coming before the board for renovation of two metal buildings that were on the property when it was purchased. The larger of the two will be the bus garages and space for maintenance and repair on the buses, and the smaller one will be office space and a training center for the transportation people.

Cowart said the site utility work had to come in on this phase, and it greatly increased the anticipated cost, actually by double. He said the City is requiring a larger water line than had been anticipated, and the site utilities has to include the anticipated School Nutrition Center as well as the Alternate School, which are slated to be put at the Operations Center at

story by Janice Daniel The Carroll County Board of Education met for a monthly work session Tuesday, November 14, 2023, at 5:30 p.m. All were present, Board member Kerry Miller by phone.

Financial Report showed Year-to-Date Revenues of $28,669,765, or 16% of Budget, and Expenditures of $39,573,529, or 22% of Budget, resulting in a new Fund Balance of $18,896,563; $4,627,334 in encumbrances.

Probate Judge Edie Haney was present for the swearing in of Interim District 4 School Board Member Lawana Knight.

Heather Dukes gave an explanation of the grants the School District received from the U. S. Department of Education: - Title I, which goes toward the academic achievement of students who are economically and educationally disadvantaged. All elementary and middle schools in the Carroll County District are Title I Schools - Title II, which is used to increase academic achievement of students by improving the effectiveness of teachers, principals, and other school leaders - Title III provides a supplement for English learners and their teachers and families, beyond the local obligation - ESSER-American Rescue Plan is provided to support areas where the academic and nonacademic components of school districts had learning loss impact due to COVID-19.

- McKinney Ventro Education for homeless children and youth, to address the problems homeless children and youth face in enrolling, attending and succeeding in school.

Jenny Edwards, principal of Bowdon

Elementary School, was there to let the board know about the success of Parent Night, an event where non-English-speaking parents and children met with teachers and other school workers to try and establish better communication for this group. Edwards said there were over 200 people in attendance for the special night of involving parents with teachers and methods that are available. They introduced Pocket Talks, a translation device that is able to translate over 70 languages simply by speaking into it in English and the device will immediately translate what was said into the language chosen. April Price and Cindy Wilson were also recognized for working with the children and parents facing language barriers.

Terry Jones said the Phase II bid for renovating the buildings at the Operations Center should be ready by the December meeting. He also asked that the field trip requests and fund raising requests be placed on consent agenda.

Jones also advised the board that the Temple High visitor side bleachers have a value greater than $10,000, and he has to get the board’s permission to take them out due to the new water main that has to be installed there. He said the new bleachers will be raised up higher than the old ones were, and that the old ones would cost about as much to disassemble, remove and reassemble as new ones, so he doubts anyone could use them. He asked this item to be put on the consent agenda.

Jones also reviewed a new Transportation Communication System Request to replace the CB radio-type system in the buses currently.

He reported that AT&T’s First Net Service will

County school board hears presentation on “Pocket Talks”: translation device to aid students with language barriers

See COUNTY SCHOOL BOARD page 23

a later time. J&R Construction also won this bid at a cost of $6,373,000, and with architect and other fees and contingencies, the total is $6,800,000.

Wolfe then presented Budget Amendment #1 to the Board, advising them of the updates to revenue and expenditures. She said the most significant amount, $4,000,000, was due to bringing outstanding purchase orders into the correct fiscal period, and the new additions to the Operations Center accounted for $2,700,000. She said the storage building for the District Office, the purchase of mobile pods and the cost of moving them, with cost coming out of SPLOST funds, was $262,400.

In answer to a question by Board Member Bernice Brooks, Cowart advised that the cap of what the School District could spend from

SPLOST was $102 million. In a roll-call vote the Board approved this Budget Amendment.

After going into Executive Session, the board came back to regular session and voted to approve the personnel actions presented by Superintendent Cowart.

Board Member Brooks gave a report on the last Georgia School Boards Association (GSBA) conference which she attended, and said the subjects were: Legal Workshop, Removing Books, Student Discipline, Parents Rights , and AI (Artificial Intelligence). She remarked, “We have to be mindful of book rights” and thinks the possibility of school districts being involved in lawsuits may become higher.

With no further business to discuss, the meeting was adjourned.

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www.starnewsgaonline.com StarNews January 14, 2024 Page 11

Carroll EMC hosts annual Power Breakfast event to share current state of co-op: “the electric grid is changing - from fossil fuel to renewable generation” from press release Local and statewide stakeholders of Carroll Electric Membership Cooperative (EMC) had keen ears at the annual Power Breakfast held Tuesday, Dec. 12, 2023, to hear of the coop’s current state of affairs and endeavors that will impact them and their constituents going into the new year.

Carroll EMC’s President and CEO, Tim Martin, touched on industry insights like Martin grid reliability, clean energy and infrastructure security as well as more localized efforts relating to work order automation and broadband. But before diving into the big topics, Martin wanted to remind the room of the cooperative’s purpose in formation and purpose in continuation.

“I don’t do this often, and I don’t think it’s shared enough,” said Martin. “And that would be our mission statement. Our vision is to enhance the quality of life in the communities we serve. In 1936, that was bringing electricity to rural West Georgia. Now, we’re doing this with broadband.

“We don’t want to be just an electric utility,” he added. “We want to really provide innovative solutions for our members that are safe, reliable and affordable.”

Shifting the focus to reliability, Martin highlighted the cooperative’s individual efforts to keep constant power flowing to members.

Since implementing distribution automation in four will be online the end of first quarter 2024. major milestones for fiber buildout.

2015, which in short allows system operators This will increase the amount of carbon-free Crossbeam, the residential broadband company to isolate outages and energy we’re able to for SyncGlobal Telecom and the cooperative’s “Exciting news is nuclear,” Martin purchase and serves as partner in building the fiber network, conrefeed power from a difcontinued. “Vogtle three is now ferent direction while a more sustainable nected its 1,500th customer in November. repairs are being made, online, and Vogtle four will be online source than some “It’s lifechanging,” said Martin. “If you talk the average outage time the end of first quarter 2024. This renewables.” to the members who now have access to broadhas been reduced by 77 In closing, Martin band speed internet, they didn’t realize life will increase the amount of carbon- highlighted the coop- could be so good. It allows them to do things minutes per meter.

Employees have also free energy we’re able to purchase erative’s solar and elec- from home that they weren’t able to do before, worked to streamline and serves as a more sustainable tric vehicle advance- and that’s why we’re doing this. It’s all for our and digitize the work ments, including the members.” source than some renewables.” order process to better installation of a solar Carroll EMC is a Member-owned cooperaorganize data and keep members updated on flower at the Carrollton office and a public-fac- tive providing electricity to approximately their projects. ing charging station at the Chick-fil-A in 54,000 homes and businesses. The co-op “That’s something to really be proud of,” Bremen. serves Members in Carroll, Haralson, Heard, Martin said. “It’s taken us years to get here, but He ended on a high note by outlining the Paulding, Polk, Floyd and Troup counties. it benefits the members more than they know.”

Not all aspects of reliability are in the cooperative’s direct control, though. A year ago, the Newton was one of 18 individuals chosen this year from 52,000 associates electric grid faced record-high demand when from press release Keziah - will remain in Carroll County, where temperatures dropped below freezing for a conDerick T. Newton, Derick will continue to serve investors. secutive number of days. This resulted in load who has served as an In addition to serving local investors, he shed across the south, but fortunately, EMCs in Edward Jones financial serves as an Edward Jones regional leader, Georgia were unaffected. However, concerns advisor in Carrollton the promoting the health, growth and leadership for grid capacity remain as the resource mix past 18 years, has been development of 36 branch teams. shifts to natural gas and renewables and quesnamed a Principal Newton’s office is located at 937B Maple tions arise if those resources can meet the (General Partner) with Street, Carrollton, Georgia,. 30117. He can be increased energy demand. the firm’s holding reached at 770-832-9515.

“The electric grid is changing,” said Martin. company, The Jones Edward Jones is a financial services firm in “Generation is changing from fossil fuel to Financial Companies, the U.S. and through its affiliate in Canada. renewable generation, which is great, but as we LLLP. He was one of 18 The firm’s more than 19,000 financial advisors do that, it has to be done in a thoughtful manindividuals chosen this serve more than 8 million clients with a total of ner and can’t be done too fast. We have to year from 52,000 $1.8 trillion in client assets under care at the Newton make sure we have the capacity to meet all the associates across the end of September 2023. needs for our members.

United States and Canada to join the firm’s Edward Jones website is at “Exciting news is nuclear,” Martin contin- principals. edwardjones.com, and its recruiting website: ued. “Vogtle three is now online, and Vogtle Derick Newton and his family - Chell and careers.edwardjones.com. Member SIPC.

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Page 12 January 14, 2024 StarNews www.starnewsgaonline.com

City of Villa Rica reviews zoning; mayor gives emotional exit speech after losing reelection story by Janice Daniel In their regular monthly meeting, the Villa Rica Mayor and City Council approved the Consent Agenda prepared in the work session and also voted unanimously to offer the position of Solicitor to Robert James Harker for a term of one year. They also addressed some items under “Zoning” as follows: - VA-12-23, 133 W. Bankhead Highway, applicant Charles Bishop, asked to reduce the number of drive-thru queuing spaces for his business, Pelican Snow Cones. His request was approved unanimously under the conditions that the drive-thru can only be used for a restaurant, and that the drive-thru must be adequately lit, paved with a hard, dustless material, and properly demarcated.

-VA-14-23, applicant Flourney Development Group, requested two (2) variances for their development of 56 townhomes on a currently vacant lot adjacent to Villa Rica Parkway to the north. After agreeing to 6 conditions requested

by Staff, their request was approved by the Council 3-2 (Council Members Warmoth and McCoy opposed).

- VA-09-23, 11 Gordon Street, applicant Kenneth Wood of PEC+ requested variances to encroach into the City’s 75-foot undisturbed stream buffer by 34,000 square feet, and to encroach into the 50-foot impervious stream buffer by 9200 square feet. The applicant pointed out the difficult topography constraints they’re facing with developing this property, and the Council approved his request unanimously - TA-02-23 was a Text Amendment to the C2 zoning district to establish a Zoning ordinance amendment for wholesale businesses in the City. The Council voted to add the appropriate text and put a 35,000 square- foot- limit

on the size of any building in that category.

- CU-04-23, 419 Main Street, applicant Brandon Thompson of Carrollton requested a Special Exception Use to operate a Food Hall/Shared Kitchen operation constructed using shipping containers, an increasingly popular method for small business to be able to afford structures on small lots. Mr. Thompson described his intentions to have two or more small-scale restaurants run their businesses here, using a shared Food Hall (seating area) and a shared kitchen for cost reduction purposes. He envisions his unique business to be where “inner urban meets Villa Rica,” where “fusion foods”, noodle bowls and other related fare will be available. Noting that he will still have to comply with all ordinance requirements, the Council approved his request unanimously.

Finance Director, Jennifer Hallman, reported that cash in the General Fund is up due to booking the bond proceeds of $20,985 for the Eastside TAD, making the Cash Fund Balance come in at $48,170,054 as of 10-31-23.

Building Permits came in at 40, compared to only 3 this time last year. The self-funded insurance saved $36,564, total bank balance of $1,777,672, and Pine Mountain Ghost Train and Haunted House brought in almost $50,000.

After the business portion of the meeting, Mayor Gill McDougal addressed the public and the council in a sober, somewhat emotional speech: “Villa Rica has grown, and it will continue to grow. No person can stop that growth,” he began, but then went on to talk about the political turmoil the city experienced in the 1980s and 1990s, when a large portion of land was annexed into the city. After many people complained, the city de-annexed a lot of land.

The mayor at that time, Teddy Lee, lived in the

portion that was de-annexed. Council asked him to resign as mayor, because he now lived outside the city, but he refused, saying he had not moved - the city had. It was a time of turmoil. Some weeks the city had to borrow money to meet the payroll. In a series of events that led all the way to the Supreme Court, Mayor Lee was finally removed from office.”

McDougal continued, “In spite of those bad times, in the last 20 years Villa Rica has grown from a dot on the map of 4,000 people to a population of 19,000, with quiet, competent growth of more than one billion dollars in the tax base. We’ve come a long way since those days. That doesn’t mean we haven’t had drama, but since the terms of Jay Collins, Jeff Reese and myself, we have not seen that level of conflict.”

McDouga said that the City Manager Tom

Barber works for the council, not the mayor. In response to those who say that Barber overestimates his value to thecity, the Mayor responded “Tom Barber has never asked for a salary increase, even though he is underpaid by more than 25% according to every salary study.” In addition, McDougal said, “The institutional knowledge gained by our city manager cannot be understated,” and he went on to say that “uncil member after council member have been coming to him, asking, what it will take to keep Tom Barber. Is there a dollar amount? Many have personally asked Tom not to leave, but his office is cleared out, and his intention is to leave.”

McDougal opined that without Tom Barber and his immeasurable knowledge of the heart of Villa Rica’s problems, his role in solving so See McDOUGAL EXIT SPEECH page 23

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www.starnewsgaonline.com StarNews January 14, 2024 Page 13 SAVING GA FARMLAND from page 4 commercial poultry houses in Carroll County.

The on-farm production of those houses is approximately $79 million of the Farm Gate.

Livestock is a significant part of Carroll’s agricultural economy. Carroll ranks 4th in cattle, with 2nd in beef cattle.

In addition, its other livestock are a rising commodity including goats, pigs, sheep and honey- bees. Livestock production accounts for just under $24 million on the Farm Gate. Row and Forage Crops -over 12,000 acres of row and forage crops such as corn, soybeans, sorghum, hay and silage account for $4.3 million in annual production value. Carroll is in the top 16 counties for hay and silage production.

Commissioner Harper stated, “When you go to the grocery store or pick up a new pair of jeans at the mall, you probably don’t put much thought into where that product came frommuch less who produced it. But if the pandemic taught us anything, it’s that our supply chains and food production are far too dependent on foreign countries-and producing more of our own food, fiber, and shelter here at home will be critically important over the coming years.

“While it may not be top of mind for most Americans, agriculture and food security are vital parts of our national security. Americans have access to the safest, most affordable, and most abundant food supply in the world thanks to the tireless work of American farmers who provide the food, fiber, and shelter we all rely on.”

Burke also reported that Agritourism is also

a rising commodity in Carroll. Activities such as school tours, camping, hayrides, equestrian trail rides and fishing accounted for $2.4 million dollars. Horticulture is a growing component inCarroll’s agricultural production. Carroll boasts several Christmas tree farms. The County has an abundance of turf grass ranking in at two bringing a value of $10,010,000 to Carroll County.

Harper said, “Here in Georgia, agriculture is our number one industry, generating more than $70 billion in economic impact annually and employing more than 400,000 Georgians. Our state is also one of the most agriculturally diverse. Our farmers grow a wide variety of crops on more than 9.9 million acres that account for more than two percent of all U.S. agricultural sales.”

“However, if we cannot produce that food, fiber, and shelter right here at home, within our own borders, we’re less safe as a community, less safe as a state, and less safe as a nation.

Chinese ownership of U.S. agricultural land is increasing at an alarming rate, and this increase poses a significant threat not only to the livelihoods of American farmers and producers but to America’s national security. In the past decade, Chinese investors and business entities have increased their holdings of American farmland by over 1,000%, from $81 million in 2010 to more than $1.9 billion in 2021.

Chinese landowners currently control 383,000 acres of US farmland, and their investments are only growing.”

District 72 Georgia State representative and farmer David Huddleston spoke on the just opened Georgia Legislature Session, “I think

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you will see this legislative session address farmland preservation, but also look at programs to preserve the next generation by looking at programs for our youth. Here in my district, which runs from Carrollton down through Heard and Troup counties, all 72 of my middle schools and high schools have ag programs. These type of programs are building the foundation for the future in agriculture and our farmland which is the next generation. We need to bring awareness to agriculture.”

Representative Huddleston also said that the state would be implementing a program similar to the easement program in Carroll County through SB 220. This Georgia bill aims to create a Purchase of Agricultural Conservation Easement program, or PACE program. Many other states use these programs to protect farmland susceptible to development.

Huddleston also suggested the legislature may look at programs and funding for ag programs for Technical colleges, but they must

be the programs for the right fit because technical colleges like to have 100% job placement. Locally, Huddleston is working with West Georgia Technical College (WGTC) on studiy choices. He emphasized that both the county and state must not only work to protect current farmland, but also build a foundation for the future by helping make future generations aware of the opportunities’ in agriculture. As one Carroll County resident relayed to Representative Huddleston, “There is no culture without agriculture.”

For more information visit Georgia Department of Agriculture at: www.agr.georgia.gov | www.georgiagrown.com carrollcountyga.com David.huddleston@house.ga.gov or 404 535-1110 Paula J. Burke 770-836-8546, pjburke@uga.edu extension.uga.edu/county-offices/carroll

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Club is seeking used prescription eyeglasses and sunglasses CARROLLTON Member FDIC. © 2023 United Community Bank Member FDIC. © 2023 United Community Bank 119 Maple Street | 770-838-9608 from press release As we enter a new year, the DOUGLASVILLE Villa Rica Golden City Lions 6670 Church Street | 770-942-5681 are asking you to look through your drawers and closets for As of December 1, 2023, the state has allowed tags to be placed on VILLA RICA used eyeglasses and donate multipurpose off-highway vehicles.

485 West Bankhead Hwy | 770-459-3100 them to the Lions Recycle for These are utility vehicles that are primarily used in agriculture, Sight program. construction, or industrial setting. This does not include golf carts, offDuring January through road recreational vehicles, such as dune buggies and sand rails or any March 2024, the Villa Rica vehicle designed or manufactured for on-road use or mini-trucks.

Golden City Lions Club will be Member FDIC. © 2023 United Community Bank These vehicles must be manufactured after January 1, 2000. Must have the collecting used prescription ability to transport people, cargo or both, minimum cargo capacity of 350 eyeglasses and prescription and non-prescription sunglasses as lbs., and a gross vehicle weight less than 4,000 lbs., contain a non-straddle part of a unique recycling seat, speed requirement 25 - 65 mph, overall width of 80 inches, 4-wheels program. The collected glasses or more, and a steering wheel is required for steering controls. will be cleaned and prepared for Must be equipped with: Headlights, brake lights, taillights, rearview mirdistribution in developing ror, and safety belts. countries where eye care is often To register a MPOHV you must have proof of ownership. This includes a unaffordable and inaccessible. bill of sale, an MSO if you have it, a T-22B (form for law enforcement to “We need everyone to donate verify the vehicle identification number), a MV-OHV form which can be Gina Brandenburg is “Recycle for Sight” their used eyeglasses,” said Gina printed online. This form must be filled out completely by the owner and project chair, Villa Rica Golden City Lions Club Brandenburg, project it must be notarized before coming into the office. It must have insurance chairperson. “In most developing countries, an ginabrandenburg2022@gmail.com just like a vehicle and not on a homeowner policy. The insurance compaeye exam can cost as much as one month’s The Villa Rica Golden City Lions Club ny must enter the insurance just like a vehicle and if sold the registration wages and a single eye doctor may serve a meets on the 4th Monday of each month at must be cancelled. If you do not cancel the registration, you will be subject community of hundreds of thousands of noon at the Olive Tree Restaurant. Lions Clubs people.” are a group of men and women who identify to fines.

The donated glasses will be brought to the needs within the community and work The first time registering the MPOHV you must show proof of insurance with a binder or declaration page because we must scan the insurance into Georgia Lions Lighthouse Foundation where together to fulfill those needs. they will be cleaned, categorized by For more information or to get involved the system. prescription, and prepared for distribution by with the Villa Rica Golden City Lions Club, There will be a $20 tag fee, no title will be issued, and no taxes will be charged at this time.

Lions and other groups. email membership chair Stacy Orr at: Use is restricted to COUNTY ROADS but are allowed to CROSS OVER To donate used glasses (including sunglasses ity@gmail.com. and reading glasses), place them in the Facebook at: www.facebook.com/ city & state roads and a tag will be issued for an Off-Road Vehicle plate that states: FOR COUNTY ROAD USE ONLY specially marked Lions Recycle collection VillaRicaGoldenCityLionsClub boxes located in Villa Rica locations including Lions Club International is the world’s Other information can be found on the Ga Dept of Revenue website or for Vision Source, United Community Bank, largest service club organization with more other questions you can contact our office at 770-830-5826.

Olive Tree, Southern Dance Precision, RWB than 1.3 million members in approximately Vickie Bearden Tax Service, Evans BBQ, WalMart Vision 45,000 clubs in 205 countries around the Center, Fairfield Plantation POA office and world. Since 1917, Lions clubs have aided the Carroll County Tax Commissioner Villa Rica City Hall. blind and visually impaired and made a strong 432 College Street You can donate them year-round by contact- commitment to community service and Carrollton, Georgia 30117 ing Gina Brandenburg at: serving youth throughout the world.

A Message from your Tax Commissioner

Vickie Bearden

770-830-5843

Page 14 January 14, 2024 StarNews www.starnewsgaonline.com The Resolution states that then-Council MALFEASANCE from front page This executive session, December 12th, was Member McPherson “may have” disclosed held just seven days after the Tuesday, information discussed in the January 11, 2022 December 5, 2023 Runoff Election in which Executive Session of the Mayor and Council Mayoral Candidate and past City Council regarding potential litigation, thereby violating Member McPherson came out the strong win- the City Charter Code of Ethics.

The motion for adoption of this Resolution ner against Incumbent Mayor Gil McDougal.

McPherson received 66.55% of the vote; on December 12th was made by Council McDougal received 33.45%. McPherson had Member Danny Carter, seconded by Council Member Anna McCoy, and approved unaniresigned as council member to run for mayor.

City Manager Tom Barber stated publicly in mously by council including Council Members a letter dated November 21, 2023 and mailed to Matthew Momtahan and Shirley Marchman.

Special Called Executive Session the homes in the Augusta Woods subdivision, was held Monday, January 8, 2024 that: “I have made it clear that if Mrs. Villa Rica City Council posted on Friday, McPherson wins next month’s runoff, I’ll have to look for another job. I simply have no inter- January 5th, Special Called Executive (secret) est in working with someone who.... will be Session 4:00 p.m., Monday, January 8th - the day before the Tuesday, January 9th council ineffective. . . “ McPherson won December 12th; was sworn work session and regular meeting - for the purin as mayor December 29, 2023 (a swearing-in pose of discussing the “Resolution to Investigate a Public Officer”. Meeting was held ceremony was held Tuesday, January 9th).

And as of the Tuesday, January 9th work ses- in council chambers, Holt Bishop Justice sion and regular meeting, Tom Barber had not Center, 101 Main Street, Villa Rica. Present: made good on his threat to quit and, in fact, was council members Matthew Momtahan, Shirley present, in his chair, at the council meeting Marchman, Danny Carter, and Stephanie Warmoth. Absent: Anna McCoy. (receiving pay).

Mayor McPherson gaveled the meeting to Malfeasance is defined as “an act that is illegal and causes physical or monetary harm to order. Approximately 25 people attended (not another; an act that is intentional conduct, espe- counting the ouncil, mayor, city personnel, and law enforcement who were present). City cially by officials or public employees”.

The accusation of malfeasance, according to Attorney David Mecklin stated that council the Resolution, stemmed from an executive ses- would be meeting in executive session for “the purpose of meeting with legal council to dission two full years ago on January 11, 2022.

Although City Attorney David Mecklin was cuss pending threat of litigation under the attorasked to read the Resolution at this meeting, he ney (Mecklin) - client (city council) privilege”.

McPherson recused herself from the secret did not write nor was involved in any way with the creation of the Resolution. This is unusual, session, stepped down from the mayor’s seat, as a city’s attorney is already under contract for and took a seat in the audience.

The Resolution stated that city council has payment for services. The Resolution was presented at the meeting by Mayor Gil McDougal. legislative and investigative power under the A StarNews source shared said that Georgia Code and the city charter to conduct McDougal was the one who drafted the resolu- inquiries regarding any department, office or agency of the City of Villa Rica, including the tion and did so by using a “template”.

right to subpoena witnesses and/or evidence to clarification on what the city attorney reported determine whether the Code of Ethics applies. from the executive session. Mecklin responded In executive session, Momtahan, Marchman, to Lang’s request. This is unusual, as Public Warmoth and Carter, Comments are just that, City Manager Tom Barber stated a comment from a citiand were, to make a decision: to take publicly in a letter. . . that: “I have made zen and then the citizen action, as in steps to it clear that if Mrs. McPherson wins leaves the podium. investigate next month’s runoff, I’ll have to look for Citizen Peg Taylor comMcPherson; or, take mented she was glad another job.” McPherson won no action. Mecklin that council took no and council went into December 12th. . .as of the Tuesday, action, as that will save the executive session January 9th. . . Tom Barber had not taxpayer money. The room at 4:02 p.m. and made good on his threat to quit. . . Resolution had stated: returned at 5:35 p.m.

“Council may hire attorMecklin reported that “There was no action neys, legal research assistants and/or third partaken at the meeting other than the city attorney ties.” Special Called Meeting was adjourned. was directed to meet with the mayor to consult At the next day’s (Jan. 9th) work session, and attempt to reach a resolution on the mayor and council were present with the exceppending matter that would potentially result in tion that Council Member Anna McCoy left a recission [equitable remedy to cancel] the early. During Public Comments, Citizen Doug exisiting Resolution.”

Lang spoke, addressing the issue of the City Mayor McPherson resumed her seat at the Manager Tom Barber’s threat that he could not center of the council table. Public comments work with Mayor McPherson. were next. Citizen Irene Carlo remarked on the Lang said the point of his public comment confusion of the Resolution and asked for more was to get some clarification and understanding transparency in the Villa Rica government. of the “now infamous, so-called, Tom Barber Citizen Doug Lang asked for more context and See “BYE BYE BARBER” page 17 SPECIAL ELECTION from front page Qualifying fee was $400.00. ment with the new boundary lines. Dugan Advance in-person absentee voting will immediately announced he would run for begin on Monday, January 22, 2024.

Georgia’s 3rd Congressional District currently Candidates who qualified for the District 30 held by Drew Ferguson who had announced he State Senate are: would not be seeking reelection.

DEMOCRAT: Georgia Secretary of State gave notice that a Ashley Kecskes Godwin Special Election will be held Tuesday, February Occupation: Georgia Film Industry 13, 2024, in Carroll, Douglas, Haralson and REPUBLICANS: Paulding counties. Run-off, if needed, will be Timothy J. Bearden held Tuesday, March 12, 2024.

Occupation: Government Affairs Qualifying was held at the Georgia Secretary Renae Bell of State’s Office at 2 MLK Jr. Drive, Suite 802, Occupation: Real Estate Broker Floyd West Tower, Atlanta, on Monday, Robert “Bob” Smith January 8, 2024, Tuesday, January 9, 2024, and Occupation: Consultant Wednesday January 10th.

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Shirley F.Shirley Alexander, age 71, age Tiffanee Dawne “Tiff” Cook, Master Danny Jones, Jr., Jerry Scott Shedd, age 53, age William Jr., age 90, born March 5, 1933, Marcus Dorrell Austin, age 46, born November 18, Elmo Legrand Garmon (affectionately known as Joe Moe), F. Alexander, 71, Scott Tiffanee Dawne “Tiff” age 71, Tiffanee Dawne “Tiff” Cook, Master Danny Joe Jones, Jr., Martin Jerry Scott Shedd, 53, Master Danny Joe Jones, Jr.,Cook, Jerry Scott Shedd, age Delvous 53, Cook, Master Danny Joe Jones, Jr., Jerry Shedd, age 53, born November 27, 1947, died age 45, born October 12, 1973, age 2 months, born May 16, 2019, died Monday, July 8, 2019 born November 27, 1947, died age 45, born October 12, 1973, December 15, 2023 47, died age age 45, born born October 12, 1973, died 1977,2died December 31, 2023 age 85, born8, November 1938, died December 2023 age 2 26, months, May 16, 2019, died Monday, July 8, 2019 age 2 months, born May 16, 5, 2019, died Monday, Julyborn 8,died 2019 1973, months, May 16, 2019, Monday, July 2019 Sunday, July 14, 2019 2019 14, 2019 died Friday, July 12, 2019 died Thursday, July 4, 2019 DavidMorgan, Ronald age Sunday, died Friday, July 12, 2019 died Friday, 12, died July 4, 2019Clayton David Ronald Simpson, Thursday, July 4, 2019 Donald age Simpson, 88, born May 22, 1935,age Ronald Simpson, age Jacky DonaldJuly Bradley, ageJuly 68, born April 18, died 1955, James Calvin Garmon, age 63, bornDavid May 25,Thursday, 1960, died Thursday, July 4, 2019 David Ronald Simpson, age Dwight Bishop, Jr., age 62, James B. Dean, age 92, “Marjorie” Nell Lovvorn, age 70, born July 21, 1948, died July Dwight Bishop, Jr., age 62, James B. Dean, age 92, age 62, died James B. Dean, age 92, “Marjorie” Nell Lovvorn, age 70, born July 21, 1948, died July “Marjorie” Nell Lovvorn, age e 92, 70, born July 21, 1948, died July “Marjorie” Nell Lovvorn, age 70, born July 21, 1948, died July died December 17, 2023 December 28, 2023 died December 13, 2023 born September 28, 1956, born September 02, 1926, 86,died born86, August 1932,3,died 09,died 2019 09, 2019 born 02, September 28,died 1956, died born September 02,died 1926, born 3, August 1932, 56,died died 86, bornborn September 1926, died 86, born August 3, 1932, died 6, 09, 2019 August 3, 1932, died 09, 2019 Pamela Ann Smith, age 73, born Mayage 12, 1950, died Beverly BridgesTuesday, Belk,9,age 76, born September Wednesday, 4, Gerry Sharp Herndon, age 86, born JanuaryJuly 3, 1937, Tuesday, July 2019 July 3, 2019 Wednesday, 10, 2019 Zellie Fred Sprewell, 94, age July 9, 2019 Wednesday, 3,age 2019 Wednesday, July 10, 2019 Zellie Fred Sprewell, 94, Wednesday, July July 10, 3, 2019 Wednesday, July 10,July 2019 Zellie Fred Sprewell, age 94, Wednesday, 2019 Zellie Fred Sprewell, 94, Andra Donald Brasseal “Don” Bonner, Barry Bushon Dickerson, age December 31, 2023 Dixon McGill, age 76, born76,February 28, 1925, 1947, died January 5, Donald 2024 died December 27, 2023 Brasseal “Don”born Bonner, Barry Bushon Dickerson, age Andra Dixon McGill, age born February 28, died 1925, died Bonner, Barry Bushon Dickerson, age n, age Andra Dixon McGill, age 76, born February 28, 1925, died Andra Dixon McGill, age 76, February 28, 1925, died ageWilliam 76, born June 05,born 1943, died 68,died born September 7, 1950, died born October 18, 1941, Saturday, Julyage 27, Annie Strickland, 91,2019 born 27, November Bice, age 86, April 16, 1937, Rebecca Ann Hawthorne, age 68, born October 29, 27, age 76, born June 05, 1943, 68, born September 7, 1950, died born October 18, died 1941,Lee died Saturday, July 2019 14, 1932, 43,died died born 68,Charles born September 7, 1950, died 0, born October 18, 1941, died Saturday, July 2019 October 18, 1941, died Saturday, July 27, 2019 Wednesday, July 10, 2019 Friday, July 19, 2019 Wednesday, July 17, 2019 Daniel Lance Walker, age 40, age 40, Wednesday, July 10, 2019 Friday, July 19, 2019 Wednesday, July 17, 2019 Daniel Lance Walker, died December 15, 2023 died December 1955, diedWalker, December 12, 2023 9 Friday, July 23, 19,2023 2019 Wednesday, July 17, 2019 Daniel Lance Walker, age 40, Wednesday, 17, 2019 Daniel Lance age 40, Eugene JohnJuly D. John Brown, Jr., age 53, Bobbie Jean Dodderer, age 84, Parker Mullis, Jr., age born September 18, 1978, died D. Brown, Jr., age 53, Bobbie Jean Dodderer, age 84, Eugene Parker ageWynn born September 18,June 1978, died age84, 53, Bobbie Jean Dodderer, age 84, age Eugene Mullis, Jr., died age LouiseJr., (Lucy) Turner, age 78, born 20, 1945, born September 18, Mullis, 1978, died Eugene Parker Mullis, Jr., Marie Carolyn Brown Hammond, ageage 81, born May Ret. Chief Master CMSgt, USAF Stephen H. Sudduth, born September 18, 1978, born August 18, 1965,18, died July born Julyborn 9,Parker 1935, died Monday, 70, born December 31, 1948,31, died Sunday, July 21, 2019 born August 1965, died July July 9, 1935, died Monday, 70, born December 1948, died Sunday, July 21, 2019 died July 70, born July 9, 1935, 27, died Monday, onday, 70, born December 31, 1948, Sunday, 21, 2019 December 31, 1948, died Sunday, 21,born 2019 died December 14, 2023 “Debbie” Ann West, 29, born 1942, died December 2023 age 73, June 21, 1950,died died December 15,July 2023 22, 2019 July 22, July 2019 Monday, July 8, 2019 Deborah 22,2019 2019 July 22, 2019 Monday, July 8, 2019 Deborah “Debbie” Ann West, July 22, 2019 Monday, July 8, 2019 Monday, July 8, Deborah “Debbie” Ann West, Deborah “Debbie” Ann West, MarieChandler, Elizabeth Phillips Fazio,Elliott, age Bernon age 86, August 24, 1937, Crystal Leigh age 42, died Bryce, December 28,Anna Marsella Robert William Sr., ageage 98, born Lee December 17, Nichols, Randy Nichols, age Charles 66, age age 58, Webb, died July 22,born 2019 Marie Elizabeth Phillips Bryce, Anna Marsella Fazio, Randy Lee 66, age 58, died July 22, 2019 Anna Marsella Fazio, age ,s Bryce, age Randy Lee Nichols, age 66, Randy Lee Nichols, age 66, age 58,24, died Julydied 22,Friday, 2019 age 58, died July 22, 2019 age 89, born September 14, 1929, 85, born on Jan 1, 1934, died born June 1953, Wallace Allen Worthan, age died December 26, 2023 2023 1925, died December 15, 2023 89, born September 1929, 85,24, born on Jan 1934, died Wallace born June 24, 1953, died Friday, Wallace Allen Worthan, age 4, died 14, 1929, born 85, born on Jan 1, 1934, died 14, June 24, age 1953, died Friday, born June 1953, died1,Friday, Wallace Allen Worthan, age Allen Worthan, age died Saturday, July 20, 2019 Monday, July 8, 2019 July 26, 2019 56, died Monday, July 15, 2019 died Saturday, July 20, 2019 Monday, July 8, 2019 James “Richard” Smith, age 83, born February 14, 1940, July 26, 2019 Terry Allen Canady, age 54, born April 4, 1968, died Glenis Earl Julye, age 85, born December 10, 1938, 56, died Monday, July 15, 2019 019 Monday, July 8, 2019 July 26, 2019 Julydied 26, Monday, 2019 July Jennings, 15, 2019 56, Bell diedD. Monday, July Earl Wayne age 80,56, Harris Nell Griffin Ara Sanders, age15, 79,2019 Carol Judith Chapman, age 55, Earl Carden, Wayne Carden, age 80, Bell Harris Nell17,Griffin Jennings, Ara Bell Chapman, D. Sanders, age55, 79, died December 26, 2023Carol Judith Chapman, age 55, 25,Nell 2023 died December 2023 nnings, age 80, December Harris Griffin Jennings, Ara Bell D. Sanders, age 79, Carol Judith Chapman, age 55, Ara D. Sanders, age 79, Carol Judith age born October 29, 1938, died age 83, age died83, Tuesday, July 2, July born2,August 06, 1939, died July born June 24, June 1964,24, died Sunday, born October 29, 1938, died died Tuesday, born 06, 1939, died July born 1964, died Sunday, July 2, born 8, died age 83, died July 2, November August 06,Tuesday, 1939, died born 24, 1964, dieddied Sunday, born August 06, 1939, July JuneAugust 24, died Sunday, Susan Anne Cleghorn Taylor, age 96,July born Hitesh Kantibhai Patel, age 24, 45, born died December 13, 1964, Friday, June 28, 2019 2019June 2019 July 7, 2019 Friday, June 28, 2019 2019 24, 2019 July 7, 2019 2019 24, 2019 July 7, 2019 24, 2019 July 7, 2019 2023 5, 1927, died December 18, 2023

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Page 16 January 14, 2024 StarNews www.starnewsgaonline.com

COMMENTARY

Page 17 January 14, 2024

StarNews / StarNews Online www.starnewsgaonline.com

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Bye, bye, Barber: Be kind to your city, Tom Barber, and resign as city manager

SUE

Our front page story (story jump below) on Tom Barber, City of Villa Rica’s city manager, reveals examples of his abuses of power, his disdain for those who disagree with him, his vaingloriousness. I am familiar with Barber, as he has been in that hired position for many EDITOR/ years. Today, I will share my opinion.

PUBLISHER Please note, dear reader, that my criticisms are not lengthy only because my space is short today.

Tom Barber may know about governmental rules and contract details, but he is a smug operator and has exhibited rudeness and condescention often in his official role: this is extremely undesirable behavior for a city’s main business representative. There are equally knowledgeable city manager candidates out there who ALSO possess basic civilized interpersonal skills. Tom Barber conducts himself by a double standard. He instructed employees not to “engage in any political campaign activities while on duty” and then he did just that (Augusta Woods letter). That’s a hypocrite.

Tom Barber used his position as a threat (that he would resign) if enough citizens did not vote for the mayoral candidate of HIS choice. I have to wonder if/ how often, he may have used squeeze tactics like this to obtain business arrangements for the city? Or, perhaps lose business for the city?

Most importantly, Tom Barber publicly announced: “I have made it clear that if Mrs. McPherson wins next month’s runoff, I’ll have to look for another job. I simply have no interest in working with someone who.... will be ineffective”. I believe him. I believe that he has no interest in working with the new mayor. So, now, how can any city business be accomplished?

And for a clear message of “no interest in working with” the new mayor, when asked by Mayor Leslie McPherson for the usual monthly City Manager’s Report at the Jan. 9th meeting, Barber - sitting at his work seat replied he did not have one to present. That is a very clear message.

Tom Barber, be kind to your city and make good on your threat to quit.

Bye, bye, Barber.

HORN EVANS

“BYE BYE BARBER” from page 14 resignation letter. The Times Georgian reported, ‘Villa Rica City Manager Vows to leave if McPherson wins runoff’’ and that the City Manager Tom Barber confirmed that a letter circulating in the Augusta Woods neighborhood in Villa Rica is indeed from him and is authentic.” Lang pointed out what he believed are two direct violations per the Employee Handbook, “I have made it clear that if Mrs. McPherson wins next month’s runoff, I’ll have to look for a job’. He then went on to imply that Mrs. McPherson lied and that she would be ineffective as mayor. I see this as being a direct violation of campaigning on behalf of any candidate. Whereas the Handbook states, ‘city employees may not engage in any political campaign activities while on duty, while in the workplace’.” Lang said, “I now read the second violation from Tom Barber’s ‘resignation letter’: ‘Please feel free to call me at City Hall if you have any questions at 678-840-1203’. I direct your attention to the handbook relating to the use of city time and property.”

StarNews obtained a copy of Barber’s August 5th 3:32 p.m. email to city “staff” in which he instructs them that “no Villa Rica employee may assist a candidate. . . in any aspect of his/her campaign.”

Lang concluded with, “Last, I hope council will hold a special meeting on this matter to check into any potential wrongdoing and so we, the city can determine where we stand with a city manager and actively manage this situation. As the mayor said, it was a rough election and now is the time for all of us to pull together and get back to running the city.”

At the regular meeting at 6:00 p.m., when asked by Mayor McPherson for the usual monthly City Manager’s Report, Barber - sitting at his work seat - replied he did not have one to present. Despite this and Barber’s prior behavior, council voted to continue Barber’s employment with a 5-0 vote. Per the city’s charter, the mayor’s seat is a non-voting seat.

Transgender

“The Transgender movement is pressing its agenda everywhere. Most publicly, activist teachers are using classrooms to propagandize on its behalf and activist health professionals are promoting the mutilation of children under the euphemistic banner of ‘Gender-affirming care.”

- Christopher F. Rufo, Author, America’s Cultural Revolution The above is the opening line of a talk given at Hillsdale College as part of the AWC Family Foundation Series. Please read the entire lecture if you are interested in the actual surgeries and lifetime consequences that result. My suggestion is to not read this lecture before dinner.

Transgender is only the latest expression of the sexual revolution/liberation dating back to the 1960s, which was a social movement that challenged traditional behavior about sexuality and personal relationships. The normalization of The Pill, public nudity, premarital sex, alternate

may remember the protest chants like “We’re here! We’re queer! Get used to it!” By this time, a group of academics had established the disciplines of “transgender studies” and pushed gender to be a formative social construct.

Early 1990s, the transgender scholGEORGIA TECH arship movement blossomed with Beta Theta Pi conferences and awards such as the tpittman4787@comcast.net Kessler Award for significant impact forms of sexuality, and the legaliza- on the field of LGBTQ Studies, and tion of abortion slowly became the first Queer Theory Conferences at accepted. By 1976, French philoso- Yale and Harvard.

In 2008, Susan Stryker, a male-topher Michael Foucault had published The History of Sexuality, Volume I female professor currently at the (three more to follow), which set out University of Arizona, advocated that to frame the argument that sexuality “transgender ideology was a spiritual was a historical, societal construct, resource for social and environmental transformation.” The movement figand not biological.

In the 1980s, even though “Queer ured out that to get accepted by the Theory” had mainly been used in mainstream, they would have to hitch academic settings, the derogatory their wagon to a star. They would term was reclaimed as a general have to get money and power while activist position for those who did not getting aboard the train of the identify with heteronormativity. You See TRAVIS PITTMAN page 19

“While conservative Republicans wage an annual battle under the Gold Dome to stop other Republicans from changing state law so as to award instate college tuition to Georgia’s “undocumented” foreign high school grads, it looks like we are paying for zero-cost college tuition as well as fees and books for the illegal aliens who haven’t yet graduated our taxfunded high schools.” So went part of a letter to the editor published in the Brunswick News last week from retired Border Patrol agent and INS agent, Robert Trent.

Trent, a St. Mary’s resident and active member of the Camden County Republican Party, was writing about Georgia’s Dual Enrollment program which, for taxpayers who are funding the program but who may not be aware, is best described by the Georg i a Student Finance

unsustainable. About 45,000 Georgia students participated in dual enrollment last year according to reliable news reports.

This writer has been asking a variety of politicos since 2020 to point to a provision in the law or Georgia Student Finance Commission eligibility policy governing the DE program that excludes illegal aliens. A result was that the then-pending DE-related House bill saw a surprise and rushed, unscheduled vote that resulted in the bill passing before we were able to send out too much information.

Earlier this month, I sent an Open Records Request to the Georgia Student Finance Commission asking for a copy of any record or document that illustrated an exclusion for illegal aliens in the DE program or a verification system to check immigration See D.A. KING page 19

TRAVIS

PITTMAN

What’s better than instate tuition for illegal aliens?: Georgia’s Dual Enrollment Program

D.A. KING

PRESIDENT The Dustin Inman Society 404-316-6712

Commission: “Georgia’s Dual Enrollment Program provides students enrolled at an eligible public or private high school or home study program in Georgia the opportunity to earn high school and college credit at a participating eligible postsecondary institution in Georgia.”

Now capped at thirty semester hours, prior to changes pushed by Kemp in 2020 designed to lower costs, some students were reportedly taking 60 to 70 hours - which was making the program financially

Finding the “common good” requires compromise

LEE

Making decisions about public polJohn Adams, our second president, icy is no simple task. It requires balwrote, “Government is instituted for ancing interests, exercising our values the common good… and not for and making choices among competprofit, honor, or private interest of any ing ideas. When we vote, should we one man, family, or class of men.”

PROFESSOR favor candidates who will cut taxes or James Madison wrote in the Indiana University Federalist Papers that governments those who will improve services?

Center on Should we support a strong American should identify wise leaders in search Representative presence in the world or keep our of the common good.

Government focus on domestic issues? The But, what do we mean by the comanswers aren’t easy. mon good? The founders left some starting point.

And where do we look to develop In fact, the idea of the common hints in the Preamble to the the values that shape these decisions? good runs through public life in the Constitution. They sought “a more For many of us, they start with our United States. It was a key concept perfect union” that would promote families, friends and colelements of the common good: And where do we look to develop leagues. Faith and community justice, domestic tranquility, the the values that shape these organizations play a role. We common defense, the general decisions? For many of us, they start often look to people whom we welfare, and the blessings of admire: examples from hisliberty. with our families, friends and tory, influential figures in pubThese phrases are meaningcolleagues. Faith and community lic life and admirable individuful, but they leave room for organizations play a role. als we have known. debate. What is the “general Ultimately, we should return to this for the Enlightenment philosophers welfare.” What happens when guiding standard: Will our decisions who influenced America’s founders. domestic tranquility conflicts with advance the common good? We They connected it to the ideal of citi- individual liberty? In today’s world, won’t all agree on what the common zenship, the notion that people should does the “common defense” include good is, but the question should be a engage in public life.

See LEE HAMILTON page 19

HAMILTON

COMMENTARY

Page 18 January 14, 2024 StarNews www.starnewsgaonline.com

You live in the woods - trees fall on you

SYBIL

ROSEN THOMAS

River Rambles syllabil17@aol.com At first, I think the tree is imploding. The snag stood in the floodplain about 50 feet from the cabin. I’d been watching it for a very long time: extremely tall with a straight thick trunk topped by a candelabra of bare branches. A tree so long dead there were no leaves to identify it, and all its bark lay on the ground in a puddle of melted cellulose. For years I had begged it, “Please, when you fall, could you fall towards the river away from the house?” Apparently, it had other plans.

At my desk by the window facing the water, I hear a sharp crack that seems to come from right outside the glass. Those of you who live beside trees - that’s most of us in Carroll County - know that snap, the ominous foretell that precedes treefall. Instinctively, with a concerning lack of self-preservation, I turn toward the sound. The trunk has broken off about three feet from the ground and what I originally thought was implosion is actually the huge bole bouncing several times before heading toward the house - and me.

The rest is literally a blur. Shearing off several limbs of a slim hornbeam, the dead tree

A new year, a new you

TRACEY

PITTS

Millennials Christian Ministry (MCM) Out with the old and in with the new.

2024 is a new year… a new you.

Give your every burden to Jesus Christ.

He loves you. He bled and died for you to live a stress-free life.

So, put your past behind you.

You can move forward by looking back.

You have a bright future if you hearken

slams into the fiberglass porch-awning.

Fortunately, it’s so dead, the trunk breaks instead of the house. The branches fall onto the roof where they remain to this day, while the falling trunk tears off edges of fiberglass and porch floor before hitting the ground with a ferocious kaboom! The end of the shattered tree lies under the house as the ripped-off branches of that innocent hornbeam sweep up against the porch railing and stay there, conceivably as dazed as myself.

And then it is over. Quiet descends. It happened so fast I can hardly breathe. In the living room, the dog prances with jitters expressed for us both. Not until the next day did I realize that my desk was covered in what I can only call tree detritus: tiny particles of trunk propelled through cracks in the walls and gaps around the window, the only barriers separating us from catastrophe.

Despite this bizarre phenomenon, the cabin sustained relatively little damage. I guess the saying “The deader the better” is as apt for falling trees as it is for vultures’ diets.

“You live in the woods, trees fall on you.”

My late husband Glyn was fond of quoting that comforting little homily, especially when surveying the trees in the floodplain. To which I would predictably reply, “Could you please stop saying that?” As a writer, I can’t be blamed for believing that words have power, and intention.

But, of course, he was right. I want to know what happens in that moment when a tree can no longer stand up on its own. What’s the tip-

ping point (pun intended)? It mystifies me every time. What makes the trunk hold up in one moment and in the next collapse? Is it a small shift of earth or wind, the pull of gravity, or some othger nameless thing - a letting go, a giving up, the willingness to get on with the inevitable transformation into soil?

This wasn’t the first tree-induced terror I’d experienced here. Once, during a fierce thunderstorm, we heard that heart-stopping crack and knew immediately it was the enormous pin oak leaning over the kitchen where we were eating. There followed that horrifying whirring noise that usually comes in cartoons before the cry “Timber!” We were certain the oak was going to fall on us. Crouching together for impact, we stared into each other’s eyes for what might be the last time. And then nothing.

Naturally, we were grateful, but perplexed.

After the storm, we went out to look. A tremendous branch had broken off and would have smashed through the roof except that it was miraculously caught and held by lower branches, dangling helplessly about three feet above the shingles - like an arrow frozen in mid-air mere inches from its bullseye.

The floodplain is a dynamic, changeable place, littered with fallen trees. Legally, a floodplain cannot be logged-out, so the trees that grow there can get to be very old and large.

Awed by the height and girth of the giant sycamores (known as widowmakers for obvious reasons) and the sweetgums in our surrounding swampland, I worry about them, too. Subjected

to flood after flood, their roots continually saturated, their fiber can weaken, affecting the ability to stay upright. Yet, I also can’t help wonder if all that root-watering might not be contributing to their impressive size?

Echoing Glyn’s dire prediction, I did have a tree fall directly on my head a few years ago.

Seriously. Rather inconveniently the accident occurred the afternoon of the opening night of “The Belle of Amherst” at the Whitesburg Public Library, the one-woman show by William Luce I was scheduled to perform as a fundraiser for the library. I was walking through the woods with a friend, when he scrambled up a boulder, putting his foot on a leaning tree to give himself some heft.

The tree was deader than he knew and fell towards me under his weight. I saw it coming as if in slow-motion, a medium-size brown shaft landing squarely on my skull before bouncing off to the ground. Again, because the tree was dead, I was not. The brittle trunk was mercifully light.

Curious, the things you think about in moments like these. My first observation was that I didn’t see stars, which I took as a positive sign. Secondly, I hoped that whatever brain injury I might sustain, it wouldn’t cause all the lines of the hour-long play to vanish from my memory.

Stumbling home, I balanced an ice pack on my head. Then we filled up the car with the costume and set, and took off for the library.

Trees may fall on you but the show must go on.

to God. He will surely keep you on track.

Just keep going, and don’t look back.

Don’t look back.

Forgive those who have offended and betrayed you.

Remember that this is a new year… a new you.

Watch the words that proceed out of your mouth both night and day.

The adversary of your soul wants you to use negative, harsh, and heartless words.

So be very careful of what you say.

There will be things that transpire and things that will get on your nerves.

Pray, fast, and study God’s precious word.

Love God, love others, and for Him will you faithfully serve.

A new year… a new you.

Give to the less-fortunate and make sure that every endeavor is done in love in all that you do.

Prophecies are being fulfilled each and every day.

Develop a deeper relationship with Jesus that’s all that this Christian poet is trying to convey.

A new year…a new you, put ALL of your trust in the Savior, the only one that is pure, faithful and true.

Many lost a lot in 2023. Some lost family members, jobs, homes, sleep, and so much more.

Put all of your cares to Jesus, and watch your faith in Him grow in 2024.

Albert Einstein once said, “Insanity is doing the same thing over

and over and expecting different results.”

Come on, people of God, let that not be us.

We must leave the bad habits, thoughts, and deeds…

We must. We must. We must.

A new year… a new you forgetting those things that are behind and focusing on what’s ahead.

Forget the past!

Forget the past! Did you hear what I’ve said?

A new year… a new you…

2024 will be a great year filled with God’s love, mercy, and great grace.

Make your mark for Jesus in the lives of others… ones that can never be erased.

Remember- it’s a new year… a new you.

service. Feel free to reach out and let us know how we can be of further assistance to you and your church!

What’s the definition of the sanctity of life?

The Sanctity of Life is a belief that human life carries intrinsic value, from conception to that of natural death. Sanctity of Life is a principle of implied protection regarding aspects of life that are said to be Holy, Sacred and of value.

This belief stems from the very beginning of creation when we see how God created Adam and Eve, the first man and woman: “So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female created he them.” Gen 1:27 KJV “Before I formed thee in the belly, I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb, I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations.” Jeremiah 1:5 KJV As humans made in the image of God, we are imprinted with the sanctity of life simply by the Creator of Life creating us in His image.

We see in other areas of the Bible, God’s Word to us, how the image of God in our lives as

humans shows our innate worth to our Creator.

King David wrote: “I praise thee, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Marvelous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well” Psalms 139:14 KJV The incredible miracles of life from conception to a baby’s birth to the body’s ability to heal after injury or surgery, and even the fragile parting of death show there is a sacredness in living this life. Life is truly a gift, so then what is our responsibility as we consider this issue?

How does the sanctity of life ethic speak to the issue of abortion? The sanctity of life ethic tells us that no one has the right to take an innocent human life - including that of a preborn child. The writer of Proverbs encourages the reader to: “Open thy mouth for the dumb in the cause of all such as are appointed to destruction” Prov. 31:8 KJV We cannot be silent as abortion has harmful effects on women, men and ends the life of a developing baby. As biblical-based Christian

prolife individuals and leaders, we must “stand and be a voice for those who have no voice, the preborn and the aged.”

2024 Session: State of Georgia Pro-life Legislation. GRTL and WGRTL will again be presenting two prolife bills in the 2024 Legislative session, which would move to end abortion in Georgia once and for all!

HB 496 Georgia Prenatal Protection Act HB 413 Personhood Resolution-Amendment to Georgia Constitution Both of these bills will be going into House committee hearings, where they will be reviewed and discussed with possibilities to move forward to a House legislative vote. The 2024 Georgia Legislation session starts January 9th, so time will be of the essence to present our Prolife convictions and requests to our respective House and Senate representatives.

More defined action plans on how we can make Georgia a “true prolife state” will be forthcoming from GRTL and WGRTL! Blessed, safe and prosperous new year to you and yours!

January is “Sanctity of Life” month

DUANE

HACK

West Georgia Right to Life PRESIDENT “The Heartbeat of Georgia” Duanehack46@gmail.com 470-370-2452

Sanctity: “the state of quality of being holy, sacred and pure.”

January has been designated as “Sanctity of Life” month throughout the nation and Sunday January 21st, 2024, is “Sanctity of Life Sunday”, where numerous churches across the country use this day to deliver prolife messages. and sermons to their respective congregations. West Georgia Right to Life still has dates open in January, to be a resource and assist in delivering an educational, enlightening and engaging Life message to your congregations, either through a Sunday school lesson, morning or evening service, or a mid-week

www.starnewsgaonline.com StarNews January 14, 2024 Page 19 D.A. KING from page 17 status. I received a reply essentially telling me to see the laws and eligibility guidelines for myself.

I also sent a request for comment for this column to the media department at GSFC. As of deadline yesterday, there was no response.

I direct readers to the GSFC Dual Enrollment FAQ page, #7: “Is there a residency requirement to participate in Dual Enrollment?

A: “There is no residence or citizenship requirement to participate in the Dual Enrollment program.” An online GSFC tutorial is careful to explain that a Social Security Number is not required for DE participation.

The DE program was the object of legislation in 2020 (HB 444) when it was renamed and in 2023 with SB 86 and a sixteen-member Joint Study Committee created in SR 175 which was sponsored by twenty-two of the thirty-three Senate Republicans. At the outset of the latter endeavor, Co-Chair Rep. Matt Dubnik (R-Gainesville) explained that “We’re not trying to fix something that’s broken, We’re simply trying to take a good program and make it even better.” Georgia taxpayers may disagree when educated on the DE program. Sen. Matt Brass (R-Newnan) was lead sponsor of the above Dual Enrollment Senate legislation in 2023.

None of this legislation dealt with the fact that according to federal estimates only six states host more illegal aliens than Georgia. Or that the far-left Georgia Budget and Policy Institute says about 3000 illegals gradate from

Georgia high schools each year. Using that number, it is logical to assume that the combined number of the now DE eligible 11th and 12 grade students in the U.S. illegally is around 6000 in any one school year. Ensuring that they are not draining the state education budget by benefitting from the tax-funded, discretionary DE free-college program seems like a nobrainer.

For more information on the current state of the Dual Enrollment program see the Oct. 13, 2023 James Magazine Online report.

Pro-enforcement Georgians of all descriptions should be asking Gov. Kemp and lawmakers why we are apparently paying for college classes for illegal aliens in an effort to “expand the workforce” when the “undocumented” are not generally eligible to be employed.

Democrat mayors and governors around the nation are openly wailing against the cost of caring for the literal millions of illegals being waived into the remains of the republic and dispersed into the nation’s interior by the Biden administration. Georgia is rewarding them.

Including Kemp, Republican leaders in the Peach State need to explain the apparent absence of tools to insure only work-eligible high school students can access the Dual Enrollment benefits. It’s liable to be “an issue” in the 2024 elections.

D.A. King is president of the Dustin Inman Society and proprietor of ImmigrationPolitcs GA.com @DAKDIS

TRAVIS PITTMAN from page 17 and scientific cover. They provided local oppressed and politically behind someone that schools with training, materials, and personnel to promote transitions for children. wanted to “fundamentally change America.”

The lists are long that include wealthy indiFrom the fringes of academia, the transgender movement began with a load of cash. One viduals, children’s hospitals, school systems, of the wealthy transgenderism people is and activists that promote the idea that sex is Jennifer Pritzker (born James in 1950). James not a biological fact. One of the saddest for me is downtown Detroit, served several years in the The Ruth Ellis Center is a Highland Park. This destimilitary and went into business after inheriting a laboratory for the synthesis of tute area for decades has large part of the Hyatt transgender science and politics. one institution that is overflowing with funds. The hotel fortune. In 2013, he The center and its partners Ruth Ellis Center is a labotransitioned to female and was praised in the press as conduct medical experiments ratory for the synthesis of the “first trans billion- on a population of predominately transgender science and politics. The center and its aire.” She began donating poor black youths. partners conduct medical millions to academia, hosexperiments on a population of predominately pitals, and activist organizations.

This money was also linked with political poor black youths.

Rufo concludes his lecture with, I fear, some power through her cousin, Illinois Democratic Governor J.B. Pritzker. In 2013, the Governor prophetic remarks: “Trans ideology is animated signed legislation to lace gender theory into by a profound nihilism that denies human state education and direct medical funds toward nature and enables barbarism in the name of transgender surgeries. Activists got involved progress - they are condemning legions of chilwith Lurie Children’s Hospital (largest in dren to a lifetime of sorrows and medical Chicago) to give their ideology a human rights necessities.”

LEE HAMILTON from page 17 supporting our allies in Israel and Ukraine, or should it focus on securing the border? In our democratic society, we continually define and re-envision the common good.

And that’s a real challenge in these politically divided times. Polarization is nothing new in America; in some ways, it’s baked into our two-party system. But increasingly, it seems like Republicans and Democrats live in separate worlds. Surveys find that many Americans view members of the opposing party as dishonest or immoral. This plays out in Washington, where Congress is so divided that it has passed only a handful of bills this year and can barely agree to keep government operating.

How do we get out of this mess? We can start by reminding ourselves that we are all Americans, regardless of party, and there’s more that unites us than divides us. We share a common history, and we all have a stake in the peace and prosperity of our nation. It’s our duty

as citizens to engage with people with different views, to listen to them and seek common ground.

We also need to remember that, in a diverse and pluralistic society like ours, compromise is a necessity. One of the most worrisome findings in recent public opinion polling is that many Americans view compromise as a dirty word. If we’re going to make progress, we need to recognize that our side won’t get everything it wants. The common good includes what’s good for you, not just what’s good for me.

I’ve always believed that the American people are fundamentally decent, optimistic and forward-looking, regardless of our differences.

We are fortunate, in our democracy, to be able to discuss, debate and ultimately reach agreement on tough questions. It’s up to us to define the common good and to continually strive for the more perfect union that the founders envisioned.

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“The Transgender movement is pressing its agenda everywhere.

Most publicly, activist teachers are using classrooms to propagandize on its behalf and activist health professionals are promoting the mutilation of children under the euphemistic banner of 'Gender-affirming care.”

---Christopher F. Rufo, Author--America's Cultural Revolution

GA Tech Betas

In memory of Bill Chappell by his GT-Betas

Page 20 January 14, 2024 StarNews www.starnewsgaonline.com

Standing our ground

JASON

SWINDLE SWINDLE LAW GROUP, P.C. Hey, baby, there ain’t no easy way out. Hey, I will stand my ground and I won’t back down.

No, I won’t back down. Tom Petty - Johnny Cash Most people were born with the virtue of courage. It has been said that those born with courage still have fear. It is their ability to overcome fear that defines them.

The courageous can overcome obstacles, look fear in the eye, and endure hardships because of inner strength. When we have courage, we are unstoppable, able to accomplish amazing things, and conquer challenges that appear insurmountable. It is a quality that, throughout history, has motivated numerous people to stand up for what they are passionate about, pursue justice, and have a positive impact on the world.

It is easy to feel overwhelmed and inclined to give up when faced with uncertainty and injustice. Unwavering courage, on the other hand, forbids giving in to such pressures. The courageous are cognizant of the ups and downs that make up life’s journey, and they make the

BRASS from front page “People in Carroll County need to know my voting record reflects that I am pretty Conservative. I’m everything I said I was going to be. I am Pro-Life, Pro-2nd Amendment, and Pro-Business. Being ProBusiness, I am certainly for our number one business in the state which is agriculture. I am a strong Christian and a family man loving my wife and children. I love our state and particularly this west side of the state which I represent. I grew up, live , and work in Newnan.”

Senator Brass is Majority Vice Chair and also currently serves as Chairman of the Reappointment and Redistricting Committee, Vice Chairman of the Regulated Industries and Utilities Committee, Vice Chairman of the Economic Development and Tourism Committee, Secretary of the Natural Resources and the Environment Committee and serves as an ex-officio member of the Education and Youth Committee.

For the upcoming legislative session which began January 8th, Senator Brass said the priority for him and the state legislature will continue to focus on foster care and adoption reforms to allow the Department of Family and Children Services to “do their job”. As they have in the past few years, the legislature will focus on mental health, and with the state strongly growing, they will focus on the infrastructure.

“These three are pressing and will continue to be pressing for years to come.”

Brass also said they will continue to reduce the income tax.

“Until four years ago, there had not been an income tax reduction, and since then there have been three reductions. I will support plans to eliminate the tax, but it has to be a gradual reduction and must be done in a responsible way. We need to be smarter and more responsible than the federal government has been.”

Senator Brass also announced on January 2nd that he would not be a candidate for the open United States House of Representative District 3 seat of retiring Congressman Drew

conscious decision to face their obstacles headon because it strengthens them.

Courage works like a muscle; getting stronger the more it is used. We develop resiliency and toughness every time we confront a challenge and take decisive action. As we proceed, we begin to see that we are far more capable than we first thought, and this newfound assurance encourages us to move forward.

When faced with difficulty, courage can act as a compass by providing direction and motivation. It serves as a reminder that countless people have overcome obstacles much greater than what we are facing today.

The courageous tales that have been passed down through the decades also serve as a reminder of the inner power that most of us possess and an inspiration to tackle our own problems with God as our leader.

In order to maintain courage, it is essential to surround ourselves with a strong group of people who inspire and support us during times of difficulty. The inspiration needed to continue on the path of courage can be found in the company of people who are willing to join us when we encounter adversity.

True courage gives us the confidence to confront our adversaries, stand our ground, fight for other people when they cannot fight for themselves, and go beyond the limits of our potential.

This will always influence our lives and the lives of others for the better.

My office has a “war room.” It is a place joined him had their taxes cut, too. where we meet with clients. Ninety-nine perA woman I once knew had been convinced cent of those clients and family members are that her mother and step-father cared deeply suffering. Thousands of tears have been shed for her and her children. She was naïve. When in that room over the she was faced Courage works like a muscle; getting years. with divorce, Yet, even though our stronger the more it is used. We develop her mother and culture suggests that step-father resiliency and toughness every time the strongest are stoic, abandoned her we confront a challenge and take have little emotions, and took her decisive action. . . courageous tales and appear to be fearex-husband that have been passed down through i n t o t h e i r less, I have learned that the decades also serve as a reminder home. They tears do not equate to cowardice. Most of the also tried to of the inner power that most of us time, those tears are a possess and an inspiration to tackle our alienate the sign of strength and children from own problems with God as our leader. courage. her. Some parWhen I was a boy, I knew two farmers who ents would accept defeat and move on with in a rural county. They survived on the success their lives. She refused. Instead, she fought for of their soybean, corn, and cotton crops cou- her children. pled with reasonable property taxes. When Today, those children are healthy and thrivtaxes were doubled on their lands, the farmers ing. A mother’s courage saved her children each had a different approach. The first farmer from people who would seek to fill their lives was afraid to tangle with the county, paid the with criminal activity, unethical behavior, laziexorbitant taxes with the profits from his crops, ness, greed, and many other character defects. and eventually went bankrupt. The second There are millions of examples of people who farmer was afraid as well. He wept the day he chose to make their faith greater than their fear. found out that his farm was in peril. But, his Let’s not ever allow our courage to be forfaith was bigger than his fear. He clearly saw gotten since it is what lights the flame of greatthe injustice. So, he appealed his tax assess- ness within us. We can accept it, nurture it, and ment, and convinced others to do the same. His let it lead us to a future that is full of meaning courage to stand his ground when it was dan- and fulfillment. gerous not only significantly cut his taxes, the Let’s stand our ground. taxes of the other hard working farmers who

Ferguson. “It is hard to watch your children Recently, a Pew Research survey found 72% grow up from Washington.” of citizens - regardless of party affiliation - had Brass has a unique perspective on the a negative view of Congress. StarNews asked Washington, D.C. job having been Chief of Senator Brass what he felt needed to change Staff for former considering his . . . my voting record reflects that I am District 3 unique perspecCongressman Lynn pretty Conservative. I’m everything I said tive. He sugWestmoreland.

I was going to be. I am Pro-Life, Pro-2nd gested, “They “After that job, that need to develop a Amendment, and Pro-Business . . . I am plan for fiscal position has not been a strong Christian and a family man on my to-do list. I responsibility. am not saying never, They can’t keep but now is not the right time. Today, is not the writing blank checks. They need a bipartisan day.” approach to the border which they have not

Harry T

had in forty years. They need to start sitting down and having conversations. Each state is unique. Let’s let each state work it out.”

Brass was raised in Newnan. After graduating Newnan High School, he joined the U.S. Navy. After graduating from the University of Georgia, Brass then served as Chief of Staff to Westmoreland.

Brass and his wife Maegan have been married since 2007 and have two sons, Freeman and Archie, and a daughter, Rinny. He owns a small commercial roping company and is in construction. matt.brass@senate.ga.gov / 770-765-6100

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Year Around!

New Year’s financial resolutions

DERICK

NEWTON FINANCIAL ADVISOR

Now that we’ve reached 2024, you might be thinking about your goals and hopes for the new year. But in addition to whatever personal resolutions you might make - volunteering, going to the gym more, learning a new language and others - why not make some financial resolutions? To consider: Boost your retirement savings. If you can afford it, try to increase your contributions to your IRA and 401(k) or similar employersponsored retirement plan. The more you put away in these accounts, the greater your chances of reaching your retirement goals. At

a minimum, contribute enough to your 401(k) to earn your employer’s match, if one is offered. And whenever your salary goes up, consider raising the amount you put in to your 401(k).

Reduce your debts. It’s not always easy to reduce your debts — but it’s worth the effort.

The lower your debt load, the greater your monthly cash flow. So, look for ways to consolidate debts or find other, possibly more productive, ways of using credit. And if you truly can’t afford something that’s nonessential, don’t go into debt for it. “Live within your means” is an old piece of advice, but it’s just as valid now as ever.

Build an emergency fund. If you suddenly needed a major home or car repair, or received a large medical bill not fully covered by insurance, would you have the funds available? If not, you might be forced to dip into

www.starnewsgaonline.com StarNews January 14, 2024 Page 21 your retirement accounts or other long-term investments. To avoid this possibility, try to build an emergency fund containing several months’ worth of living expenses, with the money kept in a liquid, low-risk account that’s separate from the ones you use to meet your daily expenses. It can take a while to build such a fund, but if you make it a priority and contribute regular amounts each month, you can make good progress.

Avoid emotional decisions. Too many people overreact to events in the financial markets because they let their emotions get the better of them. If the market is temporarily down, it doesn’t mean you need to sell investments to “cut your losses” — especially if these investments still have good fundamentals and are still appropriate for your portfolio.

It can be hard to ignore market volatility, but you’ll be better off if you focus on the

Carroll County marriage licenses DECEMBER 1- 30, 2023

long term and continue following an investment strategy that’s designed to meet your needs.

Review your goals. Over time, your goals may have changed. For example, while you once might have wanted to retire early, and planned for it, you may now find that you’d like to work a few more years. If that’s the case, you may also need to adjust your financial and investment strategies.

Revisit your estate plans. If you’ve married, divorced, remarried or added children to your family within the past few years, you may need to review the account titling and beneficiary designations on your 401(k) and other retirement assets, along with your estateplanning documents, such as your will or living trust. You might also need to revise these documents in other ways.

Of course, you may not be able to tackle all these resolutions at one time, but if you can work at them throughout the year, you can potentially brighten your financial outlook in 2024, and beyond.

Derick Newton is financial advisor, 937B Maple Street, Carrollton, GA 770-832-9515 Article was written by Edward Jones for use by local Edward Jones Financial Advisor.

Carroll County pistol permits

Number of Weapons Carry Permits applied for: DEC. 1-31, 2023: 145

Concerning Weapons Carry Permits: On April 12, 2022, Governor Brian Kemp signed into law the Georgia Constitutional Carry Senate Bill 319 and the License Reciprocity Measure House Bill 218 which now allows a lawful weapons carrier to carry a concealed weapon without a gun permit requirement. A background check is still required in order to purchase weapon - and the applicant must pass the background check - but a permit to carry is now longer required.

Georgia is one of 24 states that now has Constitutional Carry which follows the intent of the Second Amendment of the Constitution allowing the right to bear arms.

Carroll County births DECEMBER 1-31, 2023: Tanner Medical Center, Carrollton: Females: 47 Males: 57 Tanner Medical Center, Villa Rica:� Females: 26 Males: 38

Carroll County cattle receipts

Carroll County Sales Barn 225 Sales Barn Road, Carrollton Dec. 5, 2023: 1097 Dec. 11, 2023: 576 Dec. 18, 2023: 600 Dec. 25, 2023: CLOSED

Carroll County jail population

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

Total population as of JANUARY 4, 2024: 425 Males: 360 Females: 65

Carroll County prison population

Total population as of JANUARY 4, 2024: 245 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)

Page 22 January 14, 2024 StarNews www.starnewsgaonline.com

Carroll County Department of Public Health

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

public swimming pool health inspections scores 12/12/2023: Courtyard by Marriott 180 Barnes Ave Carrollton

98 SATISFACTORY

tourist accomodation inspections scores

12/29/2023: Wimps on the Lake 2810 Hwy 26 N Whitesburg 100 previous100 12/12/2023: Courtyard by Marriott 180 Barnes Ave Carrollton 99 previous100 12/14/2023: Hometown Lodge 120 Hwy 61 Connector VIlla Rica 96 previous 87 12/07/2023: Historic Banning Mills 205 Horseshoe Dr Whitesburg 95 previous 94 95 previous 94 12/08/2023: Microtel Inn 104 Price Creek Road Bremen 12/21/2023: Hampton Inn 102 S Cottage Hill Road Carrollton 94 previous 93 94 previous 96 12/13/2023: Holiday Inn Express 100 Cooley Way Villa Rica 12/08/2023: Motel 8 35 Price Creek Road Bremen 92 previous 95 12/29/2023: Carroll Inn 1485 N 27 Hwy Carrollton 92 previous 91 12/29/2023: Alden Motel 973 E Hwy 78 Temple 91 previous 92 91 previous 92 12/11/2023: Hotel Casa 180 Centennial Road Carrollton 12/15/2023: Comfort Inn 104 S Cottage Hill Road Carrollton 90 previous 94 12/07/2023: Red Roof Inn 1125 Bankhead Highway Carrollton 90 previous 95 89 previous 85 12/11/2023: Super 8 Motel 881 South Park Street Carrollton 12/20/2023: Quality Inn 700 South Park Street Carrollton 88 previous 81 12/13/2023: Econolodge 124 Highway 61 Connector Villa Rica 86 previous 93 82 previous 99 12/14/2023: Super 8 295 Commerce Drive Villa Rica 12/129/2023: Rodeway Inn 160 Centennial Road Carrollton 80 previous 86 81 previous 75 12/21/2023: Budget Inn 405 Columbia Drive Carrollton

restaurant health inspections scores

12/05/2023: Heavenly Bowls 916 Maple Street Carrollton 100 previous NA 12/05/2023: Carroll County Training Ctr 200 Alton Estes Dr Carrollton 97 previous 100 12/27/2023: Local Ties Brewing Company 119 Bradley St Carrollton 96 previous 100 12/18/2023: Tacos El Torito 107 West College Street Bowdon 96 previous NA 12/27/2023: Waffle House 821 South Park Street Carrollton 95 previous 98 12/04/2023: Five Star Food Service 1 Decoma Drive Carrollton 95 previous 96 12/27/2023: Waffle House 1122 Maple Street Carrollton 95 previous 95 12/04/2023: Sips Soda Shop 920 Maple Street Carrollton 93 previous NA 12/21/2023: Hampton Inn 102 S Cottage Hill Road Carrollton 92 previous 95 12/27/2023: Little Caesers 911 South Park Street Carrollton 88 previous 84 12/15/2023: Comfort Inn 104 S Cottage Hill Road Carrollton 87 previous 95 12/06/2023: Martin’s 1100 Bankhead Highway Carrollton 83 previous 86

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www.starnewsgaonline.com StarNews January 14, 2024 Page 23 McDOUGAL EXIT SPEECH from page 12 ments thoroughly, and holding developers to very many of them, working with the Mayor the agreements they made is essential, or the and Council, engineers, and many other people result will be chaos. If you don’t believe me, and entities, putting in countless hours of dedi- ask the residents of Liberty Pointe, Charleston cation to Villa Rica, many of the residents of Place, and Old Town Village.”

McDougal urged the council to stand firm the new developments will suffer.

According to McDougal, with nearly two for responsible growth “lest it runs over all of dozen projects underway, residential, commer- us.” He said, “the city is for everyone, not just cial and industrial, the city will see an addition a minority who fear change.”

In his closing remarks, Mayor McDougal of 4,000 homes and somewhere between 8,000 and 12,000 new residents, all within the next said, “In years to come, our names may fade, 24 months. McDougal said that the knowledge but the foundation we have built will help susBarber has to hold the developers to their tain the city for decades. I will be forever grateagreements made over many months or even ful to the people of Villa Rica who gave me this years, is immeasurable, “Knowing the agree- opportunity.” In the midst of a standing ovation, the McDougal thanked everyone and COUNTY SCHOOL BOARD from page 10 wished everyone happy holidays. Then, in a provide service at greater distances than the very touching moment, the quietest council current system at a first-year cost of $109,827 member of Villa Rica, Shirley Marchman said, for hardware and cell service installation, then “we sing a song - may the works I’ve done $32,400 the second year, and third, fourth and speak for me.” fifth year $55,411 each; however there is a oneyear opt-out at any time. Service will cover 240 buses, which is more than the school system has at this time. This item was also added to the consent agenda.

Under Business Items, Superintendent Cowart explained more about the Bay Springs Middle project that had to be tabled due to the projected cost exceeding the expectation by almost $1,000,000 due to a water main and new fire alarm system. Cowart said that even though the fire alarm system is a must, the new four-classroom addition might not be needed due to reduced to enrollment projections and the transfer of students to other schools. This would also reduce the length of the water main since the new classroom build-on was at the back of the school. Current bid by J&R Construction is $2,466,096, with the total cost being $2,652,670 by adding the alarm system and a shorter water main. Item was approved unanimously by the board.

Cowart also talked about the four-classroom addition and cafeteria renovations planned for Central High School. He said the budget was $3.9 million, but the bid by J&R Construction was $4.2 million, due to the increased cost of materials. This classroom addition will be to accommodate students from Burwell, and will also free up four classrooms for Central students. Project was approved by the Board unanimously.

After executive session, theboard unanimously approved personnel recommendations made by thesuperintendent, and the meeting was then adjourned.

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Page 24 January 14, 2024 StarNews www.starnewsgaonline.com

Vote

May 21, 2024

VOTEKIERSTONPHILLIPS.COM

Running for this position is about continuing her service to Carroll County through the Magistrate Court. Kierston began working in the Court in high school and was appointed as an Assistant Magistrate in 2016. From labeling case files as an intern to adjudicating cases, Magistrate Court has been a large part of her life. On the bench, she has earned a reputation for fairness, efficiency, following the law, and striving to do the right thing. She has built strong relationships with local law enforcement –always being available to do what is necessary to assist them. She will continue that proven record as Chief Magistrate.

As Chief Magistrate, she will bring our Carroll County values and an unrelenting commitment to public safety to the bench. She will uphold the law to maintain law and order in ourcommunity. While at the same time, she will continue her proven commitment to fairness by treating others the way she would want to be treated, especially small, first-time offenders.