StarNews June 2020 Issue

StarNews

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

NEWS REPORTING / NEWS RECAP / NEWS ANALYSIS

JUNE 2020 • VOLUME 26 NUMBER 6

Tyus-Carrollton Road closure until July 17th Carroll County Public Works closed Tyus-Carrollton Road at the new bridge on Monday, June 8th for road realignment.

That section of road is scheduled for reopening on Friday, July 17th at 4:00 p.m.

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

County commission adopts 2020-2021 budget: $55.56M / $2.23M increase 22 new positions funded including new 13 firefighters for Stations 17 and 18, and 5 new sheriff deputies

Primary Election Run-Off: AUGUST 11

Local E-SPLOST passes: 63.72%-36.28%

Firefighter positions to be partially funded with SAFER grant the Carroll County Ag Building, Newnan

by Sue Horn At the June 2, 2020 regular meeting, Road, Carrollton, to accommodate the 25,347 cast a ballot out of 80,431 the Carroll County Board of social distancing rules of six feet between active voters: 31.5% participation Commissioners adopted the 2020-2021 attendees. In attendance were Chairman Fiscal Budget to become effective July Michelle Morgan, district commis- State Court Judge run-off 1st. The $55,569,500 budget is a $2.24M sioner/vice chair George Chambers, and on August 11th between commissioners Montrell ($2,236,500) increase over the budget district Erica Tisinger and Met Lane adopted August 2019, and a $5.30M McLendon, Clint Chance, Tommy Lee, increase ($5,306,000) over the budget Steve Fuller, and Ernie Reynolds. The Incumbent Ernie Reynolds wins Common mistakes have prevented adopted June 2018. As of July 2020, it meeting was live streamed and posted eligible recipients from receiving will cost $4.63M ($4,630,791) per month online on you.tube. (Not every commis- District 5 Commission seat without timely compensation or a check at all to operate Carroll County government. sioner or presenter had a microphone; not a runoff: 55.30% in three way race The budget was adopted with an amend- all of the recorded meeting is intelligible.) by Sue Horn from press release District 1 Commissioner Montrell The results of the The Georgia Department of Labor ment: 5-2 vote to approve.

The commission meeting was held in See COUNTY BUDGET page 3 Tuesday, June 9, 2020.

(GDOL) now has online tutorials designed combined General Primary to help claimants succesfully get though the and Presidential Preference claims process. The department has identiPrimary Election are in with fied several common mistakes claimants 25,347 Carroll Countians make during the claim filing process and having cast a vote out of when requesting weekly payments. With Chamber has goal to “accelerate recovery, identify challenges, 80,431 active voters: the purpose of ensuring that claimants offer solutions, and provide resources to promote recovery” Ernie Reynolds 31.5%. A record number of receive proper weekly benefit payments in a timely fashion, the agency has posted two by Prissi Sullivan in-person meeting since the onset of the mail-in votes (Absentee By instructional tutorials on the necessary steps The Carroll County Chamber of pandemic May 20, 2020, choosing the Mail) were cast 12,300+ (at for requesting weekly payments, both for Commerce is carrying on—not so much media for this intitial face-to-face. Seven press time) with the reason Pandemic Unemployment Assistance “business as usual,” but seeking to people were in attendance—all masked attributed to the continuing (PUA) and Regular State Unemployment develop policies and strategies for operat- and all seated the prerequisite 6 feet apart. presence of CoVID-19 and Insurance (UI). ing in the constantly evolving present Daniel Jackson, chamber president and possible transmission by These tutorials walk claimants through business environment being defined by CEO, spoke on the challenges the cham- voting in person.

The local Educational the process, sharing links and helpful exam- the CoVID-19 pandemic. The chamber’s ber has faced since the outbreak of Covidples. These tutorials can be found on the mission has not changed: to build a 19. “We were having an incredible year SPLOST to benefit three GDOL website under the PUA landing page stronger business community by engaging until mid-March,” he stated. “All of our area school systems passed. Erica Tisinger (https://dol.georgia.gov/pua) at Request progressive leadership and diverse events were packed to capacity. In the 63.72% of voters (13,595) PUA Payments Tutorial or under the indi- resources. The chamber hosted their first See CHAMBER AMID CoVID page 18 said YES to renewing the one penny tax to begin vidual claims landing page January 1, 2023 to raise (https://dol.georgia.gov/individual-claims) $143M. NO votes were at Request Regular UI Payments Tutorial.

7,742, or 36,28%.

“Claimants receiving a correct weekly A runoff will be held for benefit amount is largely reliant upon their held. The initial phase took place on the state court judge seat with request for payment each week and the by Prissi Sullivan Approximately 400 people took part campus of the University of West See GET YOUR CHECK page 3 locally in a moving protest Monday, June Georgia, where students rallied for about Erica Tisinger, 11,609 votes Met Lane (48.71%) and Met Lane 1st, against the murder of George Floyd, two hours. Afterward, police officers, 8,467 votes (35.53%) facDON’T MISS AN ISSUE! murdered May 25th in Minneapolis at the Phillip Ball, Michael McDowell, and ing off Tuesday, August READ DIGITAL MONTHLY hands of four police officers. Instead of Sergeant Omereo Potts escorted the 11th. The third candidate in PRINT EDITIONS on three different events, one huge event was group to the parking deck on Barnes that race was Nathaniel Street, downtown Carrollton, to meet Smith who received www.starnewsgaonline.com with other groups. From there, protestors 15.76% of the votes, 3,757. marched to the amphitheater. A separate LIKE US at Carroll County incumprotest was also held at the downtown bent Commissioner for facebook.com/

by Prissi Sullivan Villa Rica amphitheater on Monday District 5 Ernie Reynolds StarNewsGaOnline Covid-19 is considered especially afternoon. won hands down avoiding a Cason Hightower contagious, and social distancing has Members of the C.O.P.S. (Community runoff receiving 55.30% of PINTEREST been mandated by executive order by Oriented Police Services) Unit took the the vote in a three way race Sherryreynolds.StarNews Governor Brian Kemp. However, in the lead in engaging in communication with with opponents Lee Powers day-to-day conduction of business, espe- the groups--Black Lives and James Fulford. Powers cially governmental business, social disMatter/Carrollton and several student FOLLOW US on TWITTER received 26.05%, 877 tancing is difficult, if not impossible to organizations of the University of West votes, and Fulford received @starnewswga maintain. As a result over the course of Georgia--that wanted to gather the same 18.65%, 628 votes. this months long pandemic, local gov- day. The sheriff’s office and University of contact us at: There will be a runoff for ernmental entities have approved hazard West Georgia police were on hand too. the Republican candidates suehorn.starnews@gmail.com duty pay in varying amounts.

Chief Joel Richards and Deputy Chief for State Representative waynereynolds.starnews@ gmail.com Tyler Paul See HAZARD PAY page 7 See PROTESTS page 17 Smith See RESULTS page 27

Having trouble getting your unemployment check? Try these new online tutorials from state labor department

Chamber forms “Blue Ribbon Task Force” and hosts series of meetings

Local protests held in response to the murder of George Floyd in Minneapolis

Recap of hazard pay for area first responders

Page 2 June 14, 2020

StarNews www.starnewsgaonline.com

www.starnewsgaonline.com COUNTY BUDGET from front page

McLendon opened the meeting with prayer asking God to “give guidance during this time of unrest in our nation”, “to guide us to peaceful resolutions”, and “that we are all one”. Montrell’s prayer was followed by the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of the United States.

County comptroller Alecia Searcy presented the financials to the board. At the conclusion of May, revenues had exceeded budget, with the Fund Balance (formerly called Cash Reserve) at $22,729,834 ($22.72M) representing nearly 42% of the total budget. Government entities are recommended keeping 25% of total budget in reserve to be able to operate for three months in the event of a financial crisis. With a 42% reserve, Carroll County is in position to operate for five months in that event.

Searcy also stated that the county’s revenues were just under $4M ahead of last year.

This amount includes a $700,000 decrease (6%) in Local Option Sales Tax (LOST) that is attributed to the two month+ CoVid-19 crisis shut downs in retail, autos, restaurants, government/courts, etc.

Chairman Morgan called for a vote on the proposed budget when District 2 Commissioner Clint Chance made a motion for amendments in the budget to increase one department a total of $10,000 and decreasing other departments for a total of $10,000, keeping the budget total the same.

The amendment passed in a 5-2 vote with Morgan and District Commissioner Montrell McLendon opposing. A vote was then called to approve the Fiscal Year 2020-2021 Budget with the Amendment. It passed by the same margin, 5-2 to approve, with both Morgan and McLendon opposing approving the final budget.

The newly adopted budget includes 22

GET YOUR CHECK from front page accurate submittal of certification questions,” said Department of Labor Commissioner Mark Butler. “The U.S. Department of Labor requires us to ask specific questions and sometimes those questions are difficult to understand. We are working to adjust some of this wording based on feedback we have received from applicants to better explain what information the federal government is looking for, and we have created these tutorials with explicit instructions in hopes to provide clarity to the claimant when answering the necessary questions.”

Some of the common mistakes made during the claim filing process and when requesting weekly payments are: • On Question #4 on the PUA Weekly Payment Request, claimants are reporting their PUA payments as compensation thereby reducing their weekly benefit payment. This question is asking if the claimant has received unemployment insurance from another state or federal program other than PUA. Do not include PUA or the additional $600 Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation (FPUC) payments as weekly income.

• On Question #8 on the PUA Weekly Payment Request, claimants are reporting social security benefit payments as income from any retirement, pension, or annuity.

This question is asking if the claimant received a pension payment from an employer whose wages were used to establish their claim or the last employer from which they were separated from. Reporting

new full time positions and two part time positions: - 13 full time firefighters to staff Fire Stations 17 and 18 - 5 full time deputies for the sheriff’s office - one full time captain for the correctional institute - one full time building inspector for the codes department - two full time positions and one part time position for the probate court’s mental health program - one part time position for the solid waste department A SAFER grant (Staffing for Adewuate Fire & Emergency Response) is expected to be awarded to the Carroll County Fire Department at the end of this calendar year to pay 75% of those costs for this first year.

In other categories, animal adoptions from the Carroll County Animal Shelter include the following fees: - $120 to adopt a dog - $100 to adopt a cat - $25 to surrender a pet - $20/$50/$100 to reclaim a pet (first time, second, third) - $25 to have pet euthanized - $20 microchips Carroll County Solid Waste fees: - $5 per tire 17” or smaller - $15 per tire 18” or larger Alcohol Ordinance fees: - Beer license $2000 - Distilled spirits license $3500 - Special event license $50 a day Carroll County Map Room fees - Copies 0.25¢ - WinGap printouts 0.50¢ - Property Record Card printout 0.50¢ - WinGap Report $25 - Standard Road Map $20 social security benefit payments is not required.

• On Question #6 on the Regular Weekly UI Benefit Certification Page, claimants are misunderstanding the job ending inquiry that asks if the job you worked ended because there was no work for you to perform during the week. This question is asking if your job ended because of lack of work. Most of the time, this is the case.

• On an individual claim, requesting a payment before the claim is processed will lock a claimant out of the system requiring a staff member to unlock the account to allow the claimant back in. Wait to request payments until after you receive your confirmation that your claim is processed.

• Claimants are filing multiple claims when they do not immediately receive a UI Benefit Determination. A UI Benefit Determination is released after the claim has been processed. Filing multiple claims requires individual attention and account maintenance from the GDOL extending the time for the release of payments. Do not file multiple claims.

• Claimants eligible for benefits are failing to request payments. A request for payment must be made weekly to ask the system to release a payment. Claimants need to request payments for all eligible weeks.

• Employers are not changing the dates on the weekly employer filed partial claim spreadsheet upload. Failing to change the date will request another payment for a week already uploaded and paid and will not request payment for any new week. Be sure to change the date to the current date.

See MISTAKES page 4

StarNews

June 14, 2020 Page 3

Cason Hightower

THANK YOU FOR ALL YOUR SUPPORT AND YOUR VOTE! I Need Your Support Again Moving Forward to Win the

Election Run Off Aug 11 Please VOTE!

James Fulford

Elect

James

FULFORD

DistrictTO 5 IT HAS BEEN MY PRIVILEGE County Commissioner RECEIVE YOUR SUPPORT & VOTE Leadership • Experience • Unity Like me, please stay involved in guiding Carroll County forward.

MANY THANKS!

Page 4 June 14, 2020

StarNews

www.starnewsgaonline.com

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Temple City Council meets in-person at senior center to adhere to CoVID-19 social distancing

Recreation department issues waiver to participants to accept risk of contracting CoVID-19 guarantee that this will not happen. All pro- Security Agency for the purpose of provid- municipalities who provided the aid. This

by Prissi Sullican Temple City Council and mayor met in- gram participants must agree in order to par- ing reciprocal mutual aid and subsequent will ensure that aid would be forthcoming if person (as opposed to electronically) on ticipate. “This is basically a replication of reimbursement of costs incurred by the See TEMPLE COUNCIL page 6 Monday, June 1, 2020 at the Temple Senior what the YMCA is using with their particiCenter in order to allow social distancing for pants,” stated Jacobson.

Playgrounds are looking to open when the city officials, press, and public. The mayor, all council members, city attorney, Phase 2 begins for Carroll County. Silver Sneakers will be welcomed June 15th or and city clerk were present.

Temple Senior Center was given approval when the shelter-in-place order expires. to reopen on Monday, June 15. Director Summer camps will be held only in July.

Sandra Stillwell stated that all recommended Registration for summer camps and fall guidelines for safety from CoVID-19 will be sports will begin mid-June. For further met. During the month of May, 26 congre- information, call Temple Rec Department at gated meals were served for the staff only, 770-562-3848.

The council unanimously approved a while 1,567 meals were taken to homes. The Council on Aging were served 500 meals, resolution to include Webster Lake subdivision and Lakeland Park subdivision in the which were prepared by Jones BBQ. “My staff and I are ready to go as soon as residential developments by which a fee of we get the word to re-open, which we hope up to $2,500 is to be paid to the city by the PRO-GOD, PRO-LIFE, PRO-2ND AMENDMENT, PRO-TRUMP & PROBUSINESS - KEEP THE 18TH HOUSE DISTRICT GREAT! builder of each new housing unit. This will be soon,” stated Stillwell.

Temple recreation department is planning would provide funds to be used in completits summer schedule. Director Lisa Jacobson ing the remaining work on the streets and confirmed that the trails are already being infrastructure. There is a possibility of the used a lot by walkers/runners in the commu- addition on one small subdivision, Deer nity. Liability forms will need to be signed Creek.

The council authorized Mayor Michael by anyone using the facilities. The waiver also explains that participating in Rec pro- Johnson to sign a 12-month agreement with grams could increase the possibility of con- Kendall Metering Systems, effective July 1, tracting COVID-19 and the city offers no for the city to be included in the KISS (Kendall’s Increased Services and Support) proCarroll EMC Blood Drive gram to assist in the city’s current water meter operations. A dollar amount for the Tuesday, July 7th service will be forthcoming.

Carroll EMC will host a blood drive The mayor was authorized to sign an Tuesday, July 7, 2020 in the Robert D. agreement with HRC Engineers Surveyors Tisinger Community Center at the and Landscape Architect’s (Howard Ray’s Carrollton office, 155 North Highway 113, firm) for the planning and construction of an from 10 am until 3 pm. addition to City Hall by enclosing the area Walk-ins are welcome or if you’d like to beneath the current roof over the previous sign up for an appointment, please call 770- drive-thru. This will be a multi-purpose 832-3552. room. The total base fee is $36,000.

The mayor was authorized to sign a MISTAKES from page 3 The GDOL announced today that Statewide Mutual Aid and Assistance Please VOTE again! $4,590,761,768 ($4.5B) in state and federal Agreement in accordance with the Georgia benefits have been paid to claimants across Emergency Management and Homeland the state during the past 11 weeks. This includes payments in regular state UI, PUA, and FPUC. As of June 2nd, the Georgia Unemployment Insurance Trust Fund Balance was $1,603,295,938, down $944 million, or 37%, from the balance of $2,547,476,454 on March 24th.

The Official Code of Georgia (O.C.G.A.) Section 34-8-196 prohibits the payment of benefits to educational service workers during regular school breaks, holiday recess, vacation periods, and in between school terms when the individual has a reasonable assurance of returning to work.

Currently, there are more than 101,000 jobs are listed online at EmployGeorgia.com for Georgians to access. The GDOL offers online resources for finding a job, building a resume, and assisting with other reemployment needs.

At this time, the GDOL career centers are remaining closed to the public. All online services are still available as the staff continues to answer phones, return emails, and assist applicants. The GDOL will open offices to the public as soon as social distancing can be effectively implemented to protect both staff and customers.

Information on filing an unemployment claim, details on how employers can file partial claims, and resources for other reemployment assistance can be found on the agency’s webpage at dol.georgia.gov.

www.starnewsgaonline.com

StarNews June 14, 2020 Page 5

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Page 6 June 14, 2020

StarNews

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County board of education sets proposed budget, and waits on General Assembly

CoVid-19 puts dent in budget; state expected to cut funds; schools still scheduled to open August 4th an 11% decrease in state funding for all state meetings will be held at the county office,

by Prissi Sullican The Carroll County Board of Education agencies. Presumably, this will include 164 Independence Drive in Carrollton.

“Carroll County Schools continue to handles the largest budget in the county of schools.

The CARES Act (Coronavirus Aid, work with the guidance from Public Health public monies, and is mandated to be in place each year at the onset of the fiscal year Relief, and Economic Security Act) funds officials, the Governor’s Office, local mediwhich is July 1st. However, this year - one from the federal government may be used to cal officials and other local agencies to pregreatly affected by the coronavirus pan- offset some of the state cuts, whatever that pare for the opening of school,” said demic - the system is virtually in limbo on total may be. The CARES amount for Cowart.

At this point, the plan is to open schools, finalizing its proposed budget of $127M, Carroll County schools is $3,7000,000.

“The board will be looking at other ways as scheduled, on Tuesday, August 4th. waiting on the numbers from the state As per the Center for Disease Control regarding the QBE (Quality Basic to deal with the state funding cuts at the Education) state funding. The General June board meeting,” stated Superintendent (CDC), health protocols should be followed Assembly will reconvene July 15th and will Scott Cowart. The board work session will as much as is feasible. Staff and students be on Monday, June 15 and the board meet- should stay home when appropriate—when be deciding on the state budget at that time.

Governor Brian Kemp has recommended ing will be on Thursday, June 18. Both they are sick, tested positive for COVID-19, or been in close contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19. Students TEMPLE COUNCIL from page 4 deadline. and staff should be taught proper hand Another consideration is the possibility of needed and aid rendered would be failure of the SPLOST to pass. If it fails, the washing techniques and encouraged to wash compensated.

There was discussion on possible new city will have to wait at least 12 months to hands as frequently as possible.

Systems should teach and reinforce the put the issue forward for another vote. “The revenue sources. use of cloth face coverings. This is most November election is a general election The date of the July council meeting was essential when physical distancing is diffiwhich would entail large numbers of people changed from July 6 to July 13, due to the July 4 holiday. The meeting time will be going to the polls. Since March is a special cult. Frequently touched surfaces should be election, the demographic of voters is those cleaned and disinfected at least once daily.

6:30 pm.

A referendum for a SPLOST (Special who really want something. SPLOST might Use of shared objects should be limited as Local Option Sales Tax was scheduled to be have a better potential to pass in March,” much as possible or cleaned between uses.

These cleaning products should be safely on the November 2020 ballot. The mayor explained City Attorney Mike McRae. City Manager Bill Osborne reported that stored and should not be used near children raised the issue of whether to have the SPLOST on the November ballot or on the the city had filed the necessary paperwork because of the toxic fumes.

Avoid sharing electronic devices, toys, March 6 election ballot. One of the biggest with Georgia Municipal Association and the factors to be considered is the outcome of the State of Georgia to receive state-allocated books, and other games or learning aids.

Tuesday, June 9 ESPLOST referendum. funds from Georgia’s share of the CARES Ventilation systems should operate properly Potential projects need to be under consid- (Coronavirus Relief Fund) Act. Distribution and increase circulation of outdoor air as much as possible. eration now, since the date for the council to of the funds will be based on population.

Desks and seating arrangements should There being no further public business, the approve placing it on the ballot would be be 6 feet apart when feasible and desks July 13—just 4 days away from the July 17 council adjourned to executive session.

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Carroll County School System to open Tuesday, August 4th with the following CoVID-19 rules: • Desks and seating arrangements should be 6 feet apart when feasible • Desks should all face the same direction; not facing each other • Teach and reinforce the use of cloth face coverings • Avoid sharing electronic devices, toys, books, and other games or learning aids • Use of shared objects should be limited as much as possible or cleaned between uses • Children should bring their own meals or individual meals should be served in classrooms instead of a communal dining area

should all face the same direction—not face each other. Children should bring their own meals or individual meals should be served in classrooms instead of a communal dining area, and disposable food service items should be used. Nonessential visitors, volunteers, and activities should be curtailed.

Student and staff groupings should remain static as much as possible mixing of groups should be limited.

Drop off and pick up times should be staggered when possible. Bus drivers should practice all safety guidelines.

In summary, face to face interaction between people should be limited as much as possible and communal surfaces cleaned and disinfected as much as possible.

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www.starnewsgaonline.com HAZARD PAY from front page The City of Carrollton, at the discretion of the mayor, council, and city manager, was the first locally to decide and approve that those employees who worked during the State of Emergency due to the pandemic would receive $100 per week for each week that they worked. These included police, firemen, sanitation workers, cashiers, etc. If they worked week on and week off, they did not receive the hazard pay on the off weeks.

Some employees were sent home but continued to receive their normal pay. “After we brought most of the staff back, we stopped the hazard pay for anyone but public safety, sanitation, and cashiers. It was stopped for all on May 25th,” stated City Manager Tim Grizzard.

Temple City Council voted at their May 18 meeting to give all city employees a $600 hazard pay stipend. In addition, the council voted unanimously at the June 1 council meeting for the police officers to receive an additional $200 in hazard pay.

Mayor Michael Johnson recognized the Temple PD in a proclamation, stating that they serve in potentially dangerous situations, which sometimes require highly contagious, close contact. “The citizens of the City of Temple appreciate their dedication,” declared Johnson.

Villa Rica Mayor Gil McDougal has had numerous discussions with the VR city manager and both the Douglas and Carroll County Commissions Chairs over the issue of hazard duty pay for Villa Rica employees.

“My focus,” stated McDougal, “is to ensure that we don’t have to lay off any of our people when this is over instead of hazard pay for the moment. It is now months later, and I still see no need for it as long as precautions are followed.”

One employee, a police officer, has been diagnosed as having Covid-19. He was out of work about 2 weeks and is now fully recovered. There has also been the spouse of a police officer who has had the virus.

Carroll County Board of Commissioners attended an emergency called meeting by teleconference on April 3, 2020. Chairman Michelle Morgan presented a proposal to provide hazard pay to frontline county employees who come to work and are required to meet with the public one-on-one, placing them at a higher risk of exposure to Covid-19 for up to, but no longer than, 4 weeks. The estimated cost would be $36,867.12 per pay period for a total of $147,468.48 for the 4-week period. There is currently $170,000 in the contingency fund, which would be used for this expenditure.

After a lengthy discussion, Commissioner Clint Chance made a motion to table the issue for 60 days to be able to better assess the finances of the county and the result of the impact Covid-19 might have on them.

He has made inquiries of the finance department concerning this issue and would like their input before casting a vote. “I want to make sure the funds will be available to continue to pay all our employees when all of this is over,” he stated. “At present, we are not sure how long this emergency state will even last.”

The commission decided to table the motion and revisit the issue on April 15. At that time, and through a teleconference, hazard pay was reconsidered. Chance added to the original motion: include building inspectors, change to a bone time Bonus for Hazard Pay in the amounts of $200 for parttime employees and $400 for full time employees working on the frontline. He also included that the amount of the bonus be net of FICA and Medicare taxes. The amount of this bonus will be a one-time cost of $153,501.66 not to exceed $158,501.66; this will give the Chairman a $5,000 flexibility to add/modify employee eligibility as she sees fit.

The original motion, with the amendments, passed unanimously.

The Bowdon City Council voted unanimously to grant hazard pay to any employee required to work during the “shelter in place” order from March 24th to May 16th.

The amount of pay was $100 per week per employee based on a 40-hour work week. If the employee was required to work for only a portion of the week, the hazard pay was prorated based on the number of days they actually worked. Full time employees who were furloughed during that time continued to receive their regular pay. Some administrative employees were able to work remotely; they did not receive hazard pay for the days they worked from home. The recreational staff were furloughed except for days they were required work on site to maintain the City facilities. Most of the Public Works’ employees deal with streets, water distribution, and sewerage treatment.

For the most part, those employees were required to work. All of the police officers and water treatment personnel were required to be on the job.

“We are proud of the dedication the employees of the City of Bowdon show every day. We felt they were putting themselves in harm’s way by being on the job and exposed to the virus conditions,” explained City Manager Gary Bullock.

StarNews

June 14, 2020 Page 7

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The “new normal” and CoVid-19: summer activities, restaurants, wineries, parks

SCHOOL BOARD from page 8

J. Hoyt Thomas

remained since that time. “I have dedicated dents and teachers with other board mem- learning, unless it is a necessity. “I think stuOver the next five years, Brooks sees the my entire life to leading and serving chil- bers that might not be as familiar with the dent and teacher interaction is paramount in dren. Running for the Carroll County Board current day to day operations of the local education. A computer cannot replace a good school low and enforce the current guidelines for safetyIand is tested every few only with curbside service deliveries.

by Kimsystem Reine facing several issues. Growth of he explained.

He doesn’t feel and the am the alsowater a strong supporter of teacher,” Education in 2012 was and a way to continue schools. in student population for the northern part of restrictions to make the park a in safe placewill for hours for theArts, correct chlorine levels and for current are nowlong openafter at this time as witha Academics, On May 28th, Governor Kemp renewed to Wineries situation of “sheltering place” and Activities.” serve children retiring the county has been steady and will continue everyone.” the correct PH balance. strict guidelines in place.

Trillium Vineyard his State of Emergency for the third time, classroom The Carroll County System is near and have any long-term effects on the students’ Since that feeling is still to be so. Init addition, beemphasiza teacher owned by teacher.”

Johnson stated, “We will as continue to fol- acquisition of Bruceplace andhas Karen Cross, is for nowa dear extending until Julythere 12th will 2020, See NORMAL 17 “A beautiful forchosen memories” theNEW required subjectpage matter. to Cleveland’s heart, he graduated true today, Cleveland to run “A beautiful place for memories” shortage.

“Fewer college students are “A beautiful place for memories” beautiful for memories” iful place for memories” “A beautiful place for memories” open“Aterm. and locatedplace on an alpaca farm in from Carrollton City Schools in 1985. His “Once ing its critical role in the battle against the third our teachers create curriculum maps OurOur 26-acre perpetual carecare memorial parkpark Education she explained.

“I am Bremen.

26-acre perpetual care memorial park 26-acre perpetual memorial Karen Cross asked about what transmissionMajors,” of CoVID-19.

The governor OurOur 26-acre perpetual care memorial park e perpetual care memorial park Our perpetualand carestudents memorialwill parkrapfall26-acre the teachers son, Clark, graduated from Villa Rica High for the Cleveland feels he was isthis the best person hearing that it is due to paperwork, testing, was developed to serve area now and for for was developed to serve this area now and for precautions are in place at the winery due to School in 2007, while Jace, his other son, idlywas was developed to serve this area now and for was developed to serve this area now and for ed to serve this area now and for has remained vocal about the importance of the to serve thisgaps area now for filldeveloped any instructional thatand might jobgenerations because ofto his hands-on knowledge and a lack of time to spend with their come.West Georgia generations toshared come.West Georgia thethe coronavirus.

She that their tastea graduated from VRHS in 2013. the elderly and the medically compromised of generations to come.West Georgia generations to come.West Georgia tions to come.West Georgia generations to come.West Georgia have been created by any distance learning system.

He has seen it as a teacher, families.”

Memorial Park is not divided intooffered beautiful & CREMATION SERVICE Memorial Park divided into beautiful testing (flights) are being atwhat this continuing to shelter-in-place, and also for coach, Memorial Park isis divided into beautiful CREMATION SERVICE Memorial Park ismember. divided into beautiful && CREMATION SERVICE Park is divided into beautiful Park is divided into beautiful &Memorial CREMATION SERVICE & CREMATION SERVICE heDirectors declared.

Even though, Carroll County students are hardships,” and a board “I know Diversity is another matter that will need gardens including our traditional up-right Funeral & Undertakers gardens including our traditional up-right time,gardens but guests are welcome to come out to citizens to continue to wear masks while in actually gardens including our traditional up-right Funeral Directors & Undertakers including our traditional up-right Funeral Directors & Undertakers cluding our traditional up-right gardens including our traditional up-right to Funeral Directors & Undertakers Funeral Directors & Undertakers Cleveland said, “We must continue goes on in classrooms on a day to currently engaged in distance learning, attention.

“A lack of diversity in our system headstone section in the Garden of Memories headstone section in the the Garden of Memories Memories enjoy the scenery, purchase your own bottle public to help stop the spread of the virus. headstone section in Garden of headstone section in the Garden of Memories ction in the Garden of Memories has headstone section in the Garden of Memories Cleveland is not a big fan of this method of day basis.

I can bridge the gap between stucaused aare number of young to of wine as well asenjoy our flour at flbronze memorial section See CLEVELAND page 18 asto well as our at bronze bronze memorial section either a table inside (foBusiness reopening theireducators doors with as well as at memorial section as well as our flat atflbronze memorial section our flat bronze memorial section seek as well as our flat bronze memorial section employment in otherprecautions, systems,” she and our Mausoleum in the Garden llowing social distancing guidelines) or out strong restrictions, safety and and our Mausoleum in the Garden Mausoleum in the Garden andand ourour Mausoleum in the Garden r Mausoleum in the Garden and our Mausoleum in the Garden said.

“Thisinnarrows opportunities for on the of Cross andoverlooking our our Family Estates Garden. the vineyard. guidelines place tothehelp keep everyone ofpatio Cross and our Family Estates Garden.A of Cross and Family Estates Garden. of Cross and our Family Estates Garden. nd our Family Estates Garden. of Cross and our &Family Estates Garden. minorities be an employee and mask must be worn upon arrival and may be PERSONALIZED FUNERAL CREMATION SERVICES safe and towho helpwant stoptothe spread.

The next PERSONALIZED FUNERAL CREMATION SERVICES PERSONALIZED FUNERAL &&CREMATION SERVICES WEST GEORGIA MEMORIAL PERSONALIZED FUNERAL &&CREMATION SERVICES PERSONALIZED FUNERAL & CREMATION SERVICES LOCALLY OWNED OPERATED cannot seem to get hired.”

WEST GEORGIA MEMORIAL WESTonce GEORGIA MEMORIAL GEORGIA MEMORIAL step is to move forward to extend safety pre- removed LOCALLY OWNED OPERATED WEST GEORGIA MEMORIAL LOCALLY OWNED &&OPERATED youOWNED are seated at a table. They LOCALLY OWNED & OPERATED LOCALLY & OPERATED Brooksforis and a native Villa Rican for andsumhas will 206 South Carroll Road Villa Rica, GaGa30180 4194 Carrollton-Villa Highway soon be offering an ice cream truck, cautions outlined guidance 206 South Carroll Road Villa Rica, Ga 30180 4194 Carrollton-Villa Rica Highway 206 South Carroll Road Rica, Ga 30180 Carrollton-Villa Rica Highway 2064194 South Carroll Road VillaVilla Rica, 30180 2064194 South Carroll Road VillaRica Rica, Ga 30180 4194 Carrollton-Villa Rica Highway ollton-Villa Rica Highway three Carrollton-Villa Rica Highway daughters who were honor students P.O. Box 1321 Carrollton, Georgia 770-942-2311 food trucks, and live entertainment when it is mer camps and summer schools.

They may 770-459-3694 P.O. Box 1321 Carrollton, Georgia 770-942-2311 P.O. Box 1321 Carrollton, Georgia 770-942-2311 770-459-3694 P.O. Box 1321 Carrollton, Georgia 1321 Carrollton, Georgia and P.O. Box 1321 Carrollton, Georgia 770-942-2311 graduated from meet Villa770-942-2311 Rica School.

770-459-3694 770-459-3694 770resume if they all High criteria for safe to do so. Guidelines are listed on the 770-459-3694 www.jones-wynn.com Each has graduated from college and is in a www.jcollinsfuneralhome.com www.jones-wynn.com bottom ofwww.westgeorgiamemorial.com their home page and can be found www.jones-wynn.com reopening. www.jcollinsfuneralhome.com www.jones-wynn.com www.westgeorgiamemorial.com www.jones-wyn www.jcollinsfuneralhome.com www.jcollinsfuneralhome.com www.jcollinsfuneralhome.com www.westgeorgiamemorial.com which teaching a vital component www.westgeorgiamemorial.com estgeorgiamemorial.com career www.westgeorgiamemorial.com Barsinand night clubsismay reopen as of at www.trilliumvineyards.com. of their1st, daily lives. for complete obituary listings daily to: www.starnewsgaonline.com Little Vine Vineyards is located in go Villa June only if they meet 39 mandatory for complete obituary listings daily go to: www.starnewsgaonline.comfor complete obituary listings daily go to: www.starnewsgaonli for complete obituary listings daily www.starnewsgaonline.com for complete obituary listings daily gogo to:to: www.starnewsgaonline.com bituary listings daily go to: www.starnewsgaonline.com Brooks said, “I am here and ready with all Rica and is also open at this time.

Taste testmeasures to ensure participant’s wellbeing, Shirley F. F. Alexander, age 71, Dawne “Tiff” Cook, Master Danny JoeJoe Jones, Jr.,Jr., Scott Shedd, age 53,53, years of experiences to ensure that our Shirley F.Alexander, Alexander, age 71,ingTiffanee Tiffanee Dawne “Tiff” Cook, Master Danny Joe Jones, Jr., Jerry Shirley Alexander, age 71, Tiffanee Dawne “Tiff” Cook, Jerry Scott Shedd, age Master Danny Jones, Shirley F. age 71, Tiffanee Dawne “Tiff” Cook, Jerry Scott Shedd, age e Dawne “Tiff” Cook, my Shirley F. Alexander, age 71, Tiffanee Dawne Cook, isJerry limited due to the virus.

Seating has Jr.,Master screening workers for illness, limiting the Danny Jr., Master Danny Joe Jones, Jr., Jerry Scott Shedd, age 53,53, Scott Shedd, age 53, Master Danny Joe Charlsie Hettie Hardegree Brock, age 96, \Robert Jones Hooton, age 57, born JulyJoe 28, Jones, Joseph Clinton “J.C.” Reid age 87,“Tiff” born April born November 27, 1947, died age 45, born October 12, 1973, students are provided safe environments that age 2 months, born May 16, 2019, died Monday, July 8, 2019 born November 27, 1947, died age 45, born October 12, 1973, age 2 months, born May 16, 2019, born November 27, 1947, diedbeen age 45, born October 12, 1973, died Monday, July 8, 2019 arranged to follow the social distancing number of people in the building to 25, age 2 months, born May 16, 2019, born November 27, 1947, died age 45, born October 12, 1973, died Monday, July 8, 2019 orn October 12, 1973, born born November 27, 1947, died age 45, born October 12, 1973, age 2 months, born May 16, 2019, age 2 months, born May 16, 2019, died Monday, July 8, 2019 died Monday, July 8, 2019 age 2 months, born Ma February 22, 1923, died January 24, 2020 are conductive for learning; teachers that and are died Sunday, July 14, 2019 Friday, July 12, 2019 1962, died Tuesday, January 14, 2020 7, 1932, died Friday, January 10,Simpson, 2020 died Thursday, July 4, 4, 2019 David Ronald age Sunday, July 14, 2019 died Friday, July 12, 2019 guidelines.

For more information requiring the facility to be4, regularly died Thursday, July 4, 2019 Sunday, July 14, 2019 died Friday, July 12, 2019 David Ronald Simpson, age died Thursday, July 4, died Thursday, July 2019 Sunday, July 14, 2019 died Friday, July 12, 2019 David Ronald Simpson, age y, July 12, 2019 Sunday, July 14, 2019 died Friday, July 12, 2019 died Thursday, July 4, 2019 died Thursday, July 2019 David Ronald Simpson, age David Ronald Simpson, age qualified and caring, and to be a voice for Betty Joyce Browning, age 86, born Dwight Bishop, age 62,to James B. B. Dean, Nell Lovvorn, age Bobby R.age Horsley, age 59,“Marjorie” born February 15, Theortha “KREGG” Robinson, agedied 56, died born July 21,21, 1948, July thoroughly sanitized, only Jr., serving drinks Dwight Bishop, Jr., age 62,www.littlevinevineyards.com James Dean, age92, 92, “Marjorie” Nell Lovvorn, age70, Dwight Bishop, Jr., age 62, James Dean, age 92, 70, born July 1948, died July “Marjorie” Nell Lovvorn, age Dwight Bishop, Jr., age 62, James B.B. Dean, age 92, 70, born July 1948, died July B. Dean, age 92, those Dwight Bishop, Jr., age 62, James B. Dean, age 92, “Marjorie” Nell Lovvorn, age “Marjorie” Nell Lovvorn, age 70, born July 21,21, 1948, died July 70, born July 21, 1948, died July “Marjorie” Nell Lo who feel that they are not being heard.

If you need to make a born September 28, 1956, died born September 02, 1926, died Fun for the kids may still be had.

Most seated guests, and limiting party size to 6 September 23, 1933, died Friday, January 10, 86, born August 3, 1932, died 09, 2019 1960, died Thursday, January 02, 2020 January 28, 2020 born September 28, 1956, died born September 02, 1926, died 86, born August 3, 1932, died born September 28, 1956, died born born September 02, 1926, died 09, 2019 86, born August 3, 1932, died born September 28, 1956, died September 02, 1926, died 09, 2019 ember 02, 1926, died I want born September 28, 1956, died born September 02, 1926, died to keeping value in public education 86, born August 3, 1932, died 86, born August 3, 1932, died 09, 2019 09, 2019 86, born August 3, payment or talk to us in summer camps and parks are2019 now open fol- Wednesday, July 10, 2019 people, to name just9,a 2019 few2019 of the guidelines Wednesday, Tuesday, July July 3, 3, 2019 Zellie Fred Sprewell, age 94,94, 2020 Tuesday, July 9, Wednesday, July Wednesday, July 10, 2019Nathan H.Wednesday, Andrew Travis Jackson, Jr., age 101, born “Nat” Shackleford, age 95, born Tuesday, July 9, 2019 Wednesday, July 2019 Zellie Fred Sprewell, age 94, Wednesday, July 10, 2 by being visible and accessible.”

Wednesday, July 10, 2019 Tuesday, July 9, 2019 Wednesday, July 3, 3, 2019 Zellie Fred Sprewell, age ay, July 3, 2019 Tuesday, July 9,10, 2019 July 3, 2019 Wednesday, July 2019 Wednesday, July 10, 2019 Zellie Fred Sprewell, age 94, Zellie Fred Sprewell, age 94, lowing the strict guidelines that were put in and regulations.

Gatherings of no more than person, we will28, meet you Donald Brasseal “Don” Bonner, Barry Bushon Dickerson, age Andra Dixon McGill, age 76,76, born February 1925, died Donald Brasseal “Don” Bonner, Barry Bushon Dickerson, age Brandon D. Cole, age 48, born August 18, Carroll School Board Andra Dixon McGill, age Donald Brasseal “Don” Bonner, Barry Bushon Dickerson, age born February 28, 1925, died February 9,1925, 1918, died Friday, January 10, 2020 June 29, 1924, died Saturday, January 25, 2020 Andra Dixon McGill, age Donald Brasseal “Don” Barry Bushon Dickerson, age born February 28, 1925, died Bushon Dickerson, age 25 people Donald Brasseal “Don” Bonner, Barry Bushon Dickerson, age Andra Dixon McGill, age 76,76, Andra Dixon McGill, age 76, born February 28, 1925, died born February 28, died Andra Dixon McG place by Governor Kemp. in aCounty single location withBonner, six feet at your vehicle.

Gloves age 76, born June 05, 1943, died 68, born September 7, 1950, died born October 18, 1941, died Saturday, July 27, 2019 DISTRICT 1 CANDIDATE age 76, born June 05, 1943, died 68, born September 7, 1950, died born October 18, 1941, died age 76, born June 05, 1943, died 68, born September 7, 1950, died Saturday, July 27, 2019 died Tuesday, January 14, 2020 born October 18, 1941, died age 76, born June 05, 1943, died 68, born September 7, 1950, died Saturday, July 27, 2019 eptember 7, 1950, died 1971, McIntosh Reserve Park located in age 76, born June 05, 1943, died 68, born September 7, 1950, died between every person is now allowed.

Small Sherry Lee Thigpen Kierbow, age 63, born Daniel T. “Danny” Sharpe III, age 61, born born October 18, 1941, died born October 18, 1941, died Saturday, July 27, 2019 Saturday, July 27, 2019 born October 18, and mask are worn and Wednesday, July 10, 2019 Friday, July 19,19, 2019 Rob Cleveland Wednesday, July 17,17, 2019 Daniel Lance Walker, age 40,40, Wednesday, July 10, 2019 Friday, July 19, 2019 Wednesday, July 17, 2019 Wednesday, July 10, 2019 Friday, July 2019 Daniel Lance Walker, age 40, Wednesday, July 17, 2 is open for7, the public to Tuesday, enjoy weddings, recreational sports may87,now Wednesday, July 2019 Wednesday, July 10, 2019 Friday, July 19, 2019 Daniel Lance Walker, age y 19, 2019 Harold Aubrey Cook, age bornWhitesburg February Wednesday, July 10, 2019 Friday, July 19, 2019 Wednesday, July 17, 2019 Wednesday, July 17, 2019 Daniel Lance Walker, age 40, Daniel Lance Walker, age 40, May 1956, died January 21, 2020 March 15, 1958, died Tuesday, January 7, 2020 Incumbent Rob disinfectant on 18, anything John D. D. Brown, Jr.,Jr., age 53,53, Bobbie Jean Dodderer, age 84,84, Parker Mullis, Jr.,Jr., age September 1978, died John D. Brown, age 53,everything Bobbie Jean Dodderer, age 84, Eugene the park has to offer including resume following the Mullis, social distancing Eugene Parker Mullis, Jr., ageborn John Brown, age Bobbie Jean Dodderer, age born September 18, 1978, died Eugene Parker Mullis, age John D.Monday, Brown, Jr.,Jr.,age 53, Bobbie Jean Dodderer, age 84, born September 18, 1978, died Jean Dodderer, age 84, 2, John D. Brown, Jr., Jr., age 53, Bobbie Jean Dodderer, age 84, Parker Mullis, age Eugene Parker Jr., age born September 18, 1978, died born September 1978, died 1932, died January 27, 2020 Eugene Parker Mu E. 18, J. Kilgore, age 67, 70, bornEugene May 23, 1952, died Jenny Ruth Nixon Sheffield, age 92, died on Cleveland isVenues asking vottouched, brought to you, or born August 18, 1965, died July born July 9, 1935, died Monday, born December 31, 1948, died Sunday, July 21, 2019 over 20 miles of trails that may be hiked, guidelines. are now in the same cateborn August 18, 1965, died July born July 9, 1935, died Monday, 70, born December 31, 1948, died born August 18, 1965, died July born July 9, 1935, died Monday, Sunday, July 21, 2019 70, born December 31, 1948, died August 18, 1965, died July born July 9, 1935, died Monday, Sunday, July 21, 2019 9, 1935, died Monday, ersborn born August 18, 1965, died July born July 9, 1935, died Monday, 70, born December 31, 1948, died 70, born December 31, 1948, died Sunday, July 21, 2019 Sunday, July 21, 2019 70, born December 31 for a third term in the Wayne “Jerome” Driver, age 47, born June Thursday, January 16, 2020 Sunday, January 5, 2020 into the offi“Debbie” ce.“Debbie” 22,22, 2019 22,22, bicycled or2019 done by horseback, Spray and Monday, gory as restaurants and must follow the same July July 8, 8, 2019 Deborah Ann West, 22, 2019 July 22, 2019 Monday, July 8, 2019 2019 July 2019 Deborah Ann West, Monday, July 8, 2019 Monday, July 2019 22, 2019 July 22, 2019 Deborah “Debbie” Ann West, 019 22, 2019 July 22, 2019 District 1 seat, Carroll Monday, July 8, 2019 Monday, July 8, 2019 Deborah “Debbie” Ann West, Deborah “Debbie” Ann West, 26, 1972, died Wednesday, January 22, 2020 Splash play area forJames children, playground, a ageRandy guidelines.

Marie Elizabeth Phillips Bryce, Anna Marsella Fazio, age Dewey 90, bornLee January 24, ageage Dana Thomas Shick, ageJuly 45, September Nichols, 66,66, age 58, died July 22,born 2019 Marie Elizabeth Phillips Bryce, Anna Marsella Fazio,Knight, age Randy Lee Nichols, Marie Elizabeth Phillips Bryce, Anna Marsella Fazio, age age 58, died 22, 2019 Board of Randy Lee Nichols, age Marie Elizabeth Phillips Bryce, Anna Marsella Fazio, age age 58, died July 22, 2019 Marsella Fazio, age County Marie Elizabeth Phillips Bryce, Anna Marsella Fazio, age Randy Lee Nichols, age 66,66,age Randy Lee Nichols, age 66, 58, died July 22, 2019 age 58, died July 2019 Randy Lee Nicho cabin offered for1929, small22, weddings, covered Most ofborn Carroll County restaurants are Reven Jim Embry, age 85, born September age 89, September 14, 1929, 85, born on Jan 1, 1934, died born June 24, 1953, died Friday, died Sunday, January 12, 2020 2, 1974, died Sunday, January 19, 2020 Wallace Allen Worthan, age age 89, born September 14, 1929, 85, born on Jan 1, 1934, died Cleveland born June 24, 1953, died Friday, age 89, born September 14, 1929, 85, born on Jan 1, 1934, died Wallace Allen Worthan, age born June 24, 1953, born June 24, 1953, died Friday, age 89, born September 14, 1929, 85, born on Jan 1, 1934, died Wallace Allen Worthan, age on Jan 1, 1934, died Education. age 89, born September 14, 1929, 85, born on Jan 1, 1934, died born June 24, 1953, died Friday, born June 24, 1953, died Friday, Wallace Allen Worthan, age Wallace Allen Worthan, age pavilions, camping and more.

Daryl now open for dine-in guests at this time.

It is died Saturday, July 20, 2019 Monday, July 8, Roger 2019 20, 1934, died 27, 2020 July 26, 2019 died Monday, July 15,born 2019 has served in restuarant thisJanuary posiDale Pressley, 71, born May William56, Lee “Bill” Smith, 75, July died Saturday, July 20, 2019 Monday, July 8, 2019 July 26, 201919, died Saturday, July 20, 2019 Monday, July 2019 56, died Monday, July 15, 2019 July 26, 2019 died Saturday, July 20, 2019 Monday, July 8,8, 2019 56, died Monday, July 15, 2019 uly 8, 2019 Johnson, park manager to McIntosh Reserve age expected that owners /employees died Saturday, July 20, 2019 Monday, July 8,age 2019 July 26, 2019 July 26, 2019 56, died Monday, July 15, 2019 56, died Monday, July 15, 2019 July 26, 2019 Earl Wayne Carden, age 80, Harris Nell Griffin Jennings, tion since 2012.

Ara Bell D. Sanders, age 79, Carol Judith Chapman, age 55,55, Walter Edmond Gilbert, age 83, born July 16, Earl Wayne Carden, age 80, Harris Nell Griffin Jennings, 1948, died Thursday, January 2, 2020 24, 1944, died Friday, January 17, 2020 Ara Bell D. Sanders, age 79, Earl Wayne Carden, age 80, Harris Nell Griffin Jennings, Carol Judith Chapman, age 55, and Morse Bridge, shared that they are takthe strict criteria and guidelines Ara Bell D. Sanders, age 79, Earl Wayne Carden, age 80, Harris Nell Griffin Jennings, Carol Judith Chapman, age Nell Griffin Jennings, will follow Earl Wayne Carden, age 80, Harris Nell Griffin Jennings, Ara Bell D. Sanders, age 79, Ara Bell D. Sanders, age 79, Carol Judith Chapman, age 55, Carol Judith Chapman, age 55, Ara Bell D. Sande He is aOctober (currently) a January born 29, died Tuesday, July 2, 2, August 06,06, 1939, died July June 24, 1964, died Sunday, born October 29,1938, 1938, diedage age 83, died Tuesday, July died Thursday, 23,died 2020 ing the83, virus and the1964, safety of the public very put in place by Governor Kemp.

Restaurants born August 06, 1939, died Julyborn born October 29, 1938, died age 83, died Tuesday, July born June 24, 1964, died Sunday, Helen Louise Rankin, age 63, born October 16, born August 1939, died July born October 29, 1938, died age 83, died Tuesday, July 2, 2,born born June 24, 1964, died Sunday, died Tuesday, July 2, 1936, born October 29, 1938, died age 83, died Tuesday, July 2, born August 06, 1939 born August 06, 1939, died July born August 06, 1939, died July Cleveland born June 24, 1964, died Sunday, born June 24, died Sunday, retired football coach Friday, June 28, 2019 2019 2019 July 7, 7, 2019 serious. are done through the park to 24,Friday, on the Carrollton Square are66, offering addiFriday, June 28, 2019 2019 24, 2019 Friday, June 28, 2019 2019 July 2019 Linda Sue Harris, age born February 7, 7,Patrols 24, 2019 Friday, June 28, 2019 2019 July 2019 June 28, 2019 2019 12, 2020 24, 2019 24, 2019 July 7, 7, 2019 July 20191956, died Sunday, January 24, 2019 and public-school educator, having served in enforce the social distancing guidelines. tional seating outside that has been spaced 1953, died Sunday, January 19, 2020 that capacity for 29 years.

He was sworn The park’s Spray and Splash is monitored accordingly. Some restaurants are continuing onto the Board in January of 2013 and has

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Page 9

Katherine “Trinka” Davis Rynne Fund awards $28,000 to organizations benefitting veterans

The Community Foundation of West Georgia has awarded grants totaling $28,000 from the Katherine “Trinka” Davis Rynne Fund to four local organizations. The fund, which was established in 2009, is a legacy both to honor the life work of Davis and to provide permanent funding to assist local veterans and their families. Those receiving this year’s grants are: - American Legion Post 143 for emergency assistance to veterans; - Carrollton Senior Center for home delivered meals for veterans; - Impact International, Inc. to provide transportation for veterans for medical appointments; and - Waypoint Ranch for group therapy for veterans.

Grants from the fund are made annually through a competitive grant application process. Since the first grants were issued in 2011 a total of $360,293 has been issued to local organizations benefitting veterans.

“Ms. Davis had a great passion for helping wounded veterans and their families,” said Kim Jones, president of the Community Foundation. Other funds provided from the Trinka Davis Foundation made possible the Trinka Davis Veterans Village in Carrollton.

During her lifetime, Ms. Davis was a successful businesswoman who owned Trintex Corporation in Bowdon, which was a leader in its industry. In 2004 she sold the company to Carlisle Tire and Wheel, Inc.

CoVID-19 social distancing rules: commission holds meetings in Ag-Ed building

Due to the continuing Co-VID-19 social distancing rules which require a distance of 6 feet between two persons, the Carroll County Board of Commissioner’s held their recent work sessions and meetings of May 26, May 28, and June 2 in the Carroll County Ag-Ed Building, Newnan Road, Carrollton. Shown above is the board during the regular meeting June 2. These meetings are live streamed and posted at Carroll County you.tube. The acoustics are poor in this building, so audio of these meetings is at times unintelligible. The next official gatherings of the board will be held in regular commission chambers in the superior courtroom in the historic courthouse, Newnan Street, Carrollton, Tuesday, June 16th and Thursday, July 2nd.

Jones-Wynn

Carroll EMC

Page 10 June 14, 2020

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Who is Kate Albertus?

StarNews Who’s Junior Carroll? 2020 RECOGNIZING CARROLL COUNTY’S FUTURE YOUNG LEADERS

by Prissi Sullivan

Seventeen-year-old Kate Albertus is a rising senior at Carrollton High School. “Go Trojans!” she stated emphatically.

Kate served as class secretary during her sophomore year. She is also an officer for National Spanish Honor Society and secretary for National Honor Society. “I chose to run for these offices to become a better leader,” she explained. “I like helping and organizing, so I decided that these roles would be good for me. Student council is involved in many community and school activities--from homecoming donations to sponsoring families for Christmas.”

Albertus participates in Student Council, Key Club, Serteen, Math Club, and Beta Club and is a member of the Principal’s Advisory Council. She also plays softball and lacrosse for Carrollton High School. “From all of these, I have learned how to be more organized, work better with groups, and donate my time to helping others.” She said. “My leadership positions have made me better at communication.” Her favorite activity lies in the sports field--either lacrosse or softball. “I love being able to play these games with my closest friends.”

Her favorite academic subject is math. “I think I like math because of the precision,” she stated. “Usually, there is a specific way to get a known answer - unless you’re in AP Calculus that brings satisfaction.”

Not only is Kate involved in a lot of activities, she works to give each one 110%. She was named Student of the Month twice in 2018 and lettered for a second year in both varsity softball and lacrosse. In addition, she took the Spanish Department Award, the Varsity Softball Coaches’ Award, and the JV Lacrosse Coaches’ Award in 2018. She earned the Rotary Youth Leadership Award and participated in the High O’Brian Youth Leadership Summer Program in 2019. Kate was a finalist in Law of Life Essay Contest and was recognized as a Junior Honor Marshall for being in the top 5% of her class in 2020. In the same year, she received the George Eastman Young Leaders Award and the University of Georgia Certificate of Merit. She was named Girls State Representative, Furman Scholar, and Presbyterian College Junior Fellow Wofford Scholar. She was a Carroll County Junior Chamber program graduate. She was nominated for Georgia Department of Education Superintendent’s Advisory Council her sophomore and junior year.

Mrs. Kristie Bradford, who teaches chemistry at Carrollton High School, has influenced Kate in various ways. “She has taught me that it’s okay to ask questions; it’s okay to not know the answer,” Kate declared. “She encouraged me to try different things and push myself. For example, when I was struggling numerous times in our chemistry labs holding a mush of elements in an evaporating dish, I would ask her if certain procedures would work. All she would say was ‘I don’t know. Try it.’ I learned individuality in her class. Even though she See KATE ALBERTUS page 16

Kate Albertus

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RECOGNIZING CARROLL COUNTY’S FUTURE YOUNG LEADERS

Who is Sebastian Mason?

by Prissi Sullivan

Sebastian Mason II is a 17-year older junior at Carrollton High School. He is very involved in school activities and serves as president of his class on student council. This group has a hand in planning and presenting a number of school events—such as prom, the Sadie Hawkins Dances, pep rallies, etc.

Mason also participates in the Superintendent’s Advisory Council, which is a statewide Georgia education program. “I was nominated for the chance to apply for a position on the council; I was grateful and humbled to be accepted,” he said. Sebastian said he felt he benefitted most from the portion of the program in which students chose a community service project to do and present. He chose to work with the youth in his community. “The idea was to find a child from elementary or middle school who was struggling with grades or maybe acting out in class and to be a good role model for them; not a disciplinarian but a role model: a brother almost,” he explained. “It is my theory that these kinds of children need a positive person to look up to and give them the attention they need. They may have an absentee parent or an internal struggle they need help assessing. I wanted to be there for somebody and change a life or two.”

Sebastian is a member of National Honor Society. He is a graduate of Carroll County Junior Chamber of Commerce. The program is in cooperation with the seven high schools (Bowdon, Carrollton, Central, Mt. Zion, Oak Mountain, Temple, and Villa Rica) to provide a unique opportunity to twenty-eight students beginning their junior year of high school. It is designed to build strong leadership skills and to develop community awareness and concern for the future of Carroll County. “I’ve gained a lot of leadership skills in that program,” he stated, “as it’s very demanding.”

He has garnered numerous awards and trophies. He has been Student of the Month twice and has been on the Honor Roll from the 9th through the 11th grade.

His favorite sport is baseball, and he plays for Carrollton High School. He enjoys the game and the camaraderie with his teammates.

Sebastian’s favorite subject is history. “I have always been fascinated with the events Sebastian Mason was selected as a member of the leading up to the state of the world today,” he explained. He likes studying the Georgia Secretary of State’s Student Ambassadors Program revolutionary era. “The Declaration of Independence and its obvious influence from the for the 2019-2020 school year (one of nine students selected Social Contract Theory makes it one of the best written documents of all time. The wording is so precise and inclusive that it approaches the status of an art piece. It is something that I from Carrollton High School). truly believe should be taken more seriously. These aren’t words that just need to BE, we need to live by them: “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.”

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StarNews Who’s Junior Carroll? 2020 RECOGNIZING CARROLL COUNTY’S FUTURE YOUNG LEADERS

Who is Javier Lopez Miranda?

by Prissi Sullivan Javier Lopez Miranda is a 17-year-old, soon-to-be senior at Carrollton High School. He loves to study history. “I like learning about the past,” he said, “and how these events affect and shape our lives today.” He particularly enjoys studying the Cold War. “it involved many different countries in a time of rapid technological development,” he explained. “It is interesting to see how a lot of our technological advances were due to this war as the Soviet Union and the U.S were trying to best one another constantly. It is also interesting to see the effects that it had on developing nations which can still be seen today.”

Miranda cites Richard Bracknell as the most influential teacher in his life. “He is the debate coach at Carrollton High School,” he stated. “After moving to Carrollton from Texas, debate became the first group I joined. I have now been a member for three years.

Mr. Bracknell has helped me better my critical thinking through this activity and has given me numerous responsibilities that have helped me grow as a person.”

Javier is a member of the Carrollton High School Speech and Debate Team and serves as captain of the public forum team. “In this activity my critical thinking has improved.

Learning about various topics has made me a better thinker and I am more knowledgeable about world events and economics through this. By being captain of the public forum debate team, I have been put in more leadership positions within the team. I was largely in charge of organizing the debate tournament we host with the help of Mr. Bracknell.” He feels this has helped him grow as a person, an organizer, and a leader.

During Javier’s freshman year, he received first-year state award in debate and continued on to national competition as part of the world school’s team. He was president of the debate team in his sophomore year and reached the quarter finals in varsity state, along with getting 8th speaker. Junior year, he qualified to state in the first tournament and was the public forum team captain. This is not a young man with whom you want to argue!

Javier is considering entering the field of law, for which his debate experience will be invaluable. He explains. “I first became interested in the law when my mom studied law in Javier Lopez Miranda Mexico while living there. Being part of the debate team has just expanded my interest in this as I enjoy critical thinking and giving public speeches. To prepare for this career choice, I have been doing more debate work; I feel this will help me become accustomed to the rigor and focus that studying law requires.” At this time, his primary interest is in Civil Rights Law. “I would like to be able to help those who have had their rights violated. I have always been very interested in the rights that one has as a citizen of the United States and this practice would be the best way for me to learn about and apply them.”

See JAVIER LOPEZ MIRANDA page 17

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Page 14 June 14, 2020

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Who is Morgan Gray?

StarNews Who’s Junior Carroll? 2020 RECOGNIZING CARROLL COUNTY’S FUTURE YOUNG LEADERS

by Prissi Sullivan

Morgan Gray is a senior at Carrollton High School and will be graduating in 2021. She has been a class representative to Student Council for 3 years. She initially ran because she wanted to have a voice in school activities and to make sure the students benefitted as much as possible from those activities.

Gray loves math and the processes that are included in the study of it. “I am a person that has a set way of completing things and math is the same way,” she stated. “I am on the Carrollton High School math team and plan to go into a career where math is very important.”

Morgan is planning to major in engineering, so her math aptitude will come in handy. She has been in the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) program since 6th grade and feels that all of the activities and research from those classes have urged her toward this career path. She has been accepted into the 2021 Southwire Engineering Academy, where she will learn real-life engineering and corporate scenarios.

Coach Paul Fitz-Simmons has been Morgan’s teacher and is now her principal and Athletic Director. He has had the most impact on Morgan’s life and academic achievements.

“In middle school, he taught me how to be a good sport. Now in High School, he does the same thing. He makes all of his athletes want to be better in their sport, in school, and in life.

His pep talks are un-equaled, and he never fails to put a smile on my face. My favorite quote from him is, ‘I want my daughters to end up like you.’ That alone makes me want to strive to be a better person.”

Morgan is making the most of her high school experience. She participates in Key Club, Beta Club, Math Team, National Honor Society, National Spanish Honor Society, Technical Honor Society, Student Council and Serteen, which is a division of Sertoma. The program helps young people become better citizens of tomorrow. She has held offices in most of these clubs and has applied for upper positions for her senior year.

She is also a three-year varsity golfer. “Golf is my favorite extracurricular,” she stated enthusiastically. “I have played the majority of my life and believe that it has really influenced my life.” She is captain of the golf team and coaches the Junior High team, which has made golf even more fun for her. She was the 2019 Team Low Medalist, 2019 Lady Trojan award winner, 2019 Area Low Medalist and 2019 All State Member (selected by coaches). She was also the GSGA (Georgia State Golfing Association) 2019 Fall Series Morgan Gray Champion.

“I have gained leadership skills, lifelong friends, and the love of community involvement though all of these activities,” she said. “Being captain and officer of these groups has made me learn how to work with different types of people and work through difficult situations.”

See MORGAN GRAY page 15

Storm Products

www.starnewsgaonline.com MORGAN GRAY from page 14 Morgan was awarded the Honors World Literature Department Award for the 20182019 school year and is a 4-time student of the month. She earned the 2019 Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership Award and went to participate in the seminar at Oglethorpe University. She was selected for 2020 Girls State WHAT IS THIS? She was presented the 2020 Presbyterian Scholars Award. She was a 3-year academic letter recipient and was a member of the 2019 Homecoming Court.

In order to further her education, she is looking at Mississippi State University and Georgia Southern for Engineering. “These programs are very impressive for engineering. Both colleges’ programs will help me determine the exact brand of engineering that I wish to participate in,” she explained.

Morgan is a part of the First Baptist Church Youth program and she loves to work the annual Vacation Bible School.

“The purpose of VBS is to teach the basics of Christianity in a fun way that will make the kids want to participate for years to come,” she said. “I am a teacher’s assistant in these classes and hope to one day teach my own class. The Youth program has many community days where we clean up Carrollton, help the elderly, and feed the homeless. My faith has always been important to me and I hope that these small acts of kindness will help people.”

Morgan discovered that, academically, her self-discipline was increased due to the unprecedented changes wrought by the Covid-19 distance learning requirement.

“I really had to make myself do the work

and it paid off,” she said. “I had a very successful semester. Socially, not much changed. I was very safe and chose to stay home. I still called my friends and talked with them through social media. I was not willing to risk the well-being of others because I was bored at home. The pros of shelter in place was I got everything organized and got to do some updates in my room that I would not have gotten to do before. The cons would be the boredom that came with staying home.

JAVIER LOPEZ MIRANDA

“It was difficult not to be able to see my friends but keeping me and my family safe was worth it.”

Morgan and her family have traveled extensively—twice to Cancun, Mexico and all over the USA--Dallas, New York City, Chicago, Louisville, St. Louis, West Point, New York, and Michigan. She enjoyed visiting her dad’s alma mater—Texas Christian University in Ft. Worth and loved the view from the St. Louis Arch.

Morgan enjoys reading sometime, but

StarNews

June 14, 2020 Page 15

only if she finds a book she loves. She enjoys walking with her family, which they did a lot during the quarantine. She also enjoys golfing with her sister. “Quarantine has made me realize that I need more activities,” she pondered. “That is a goal of mine this summer--to gain more hobbies.

Her favorite book, so far, is Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close by Johnathon Safran Foer. She found the different viewpoints and historical aspects fascinating.

Literature with Mrs. Hook. Class discussions enabled him to examine himself as a person by imagining how he would about and apply them.” He would like to have handled the experiences depicted in the attend a prestigious school that has a good novel differently. The book pre-law program; he cites using the Javier feels that being out of the classroom and also revived his passion for Zell Miller HOPE scholarship to remote learning during the COVID-19 pandemic reading and he reads now attend the University of Georgia. more than ever.

“This will help me achieve has affected him academically. “Most of my IB He prefers television to connections and a good resume that classes are discussion based which is hard to movies and particularly likes will help further my career,” he achieve through online learning,” he explained.

The Office or Parks and Rec. said, maintaining an eye to the “Although I still learned the material, I felt These programs use humor to future. illustrate mundane situations Javier feels that being out of the frustrated--discussions that usually helped me to which everyone can relate. classroom and remote learning remember and learn were not there to help me. As “Funny shows help me to during the COVID-19 pandemic a result, I feel I might not have retained as much.” relax,” he said. has affected him academically.

Javier has done extensive “Most of my IB classes are “I was able to get more rest as I did not have discussion based which is hard to achieve to wake up as early as I used to and I have travel in the southeastern region of the through online learning,” he explained. had more time to dedicate towards my United States. Having lived in Texas “Although I still learned the material, I felt hobbies, which are reading and watching previously means he mostly went to the Gulf Coast for vacations. “However, my frustrated--discussions that usually helped TV.” me remember and learn were not there to Javier’s favorite book is Lords of favorite destination has to be Mexico City as help me. As a result, I feel I might not have Discipline by Pat Conroy; the characters that is where my family lives. We take a retained as much.” were three dimensional and came alive for yearly trip during Christmas break.”

This young man has a clear idea of where He was equally frustrated with the social him. Also, “the imagery was especially aspects of “sheltering in place.” “Going to captivating and made even boring events he comes from and an even clearer idea of school every day entailed seeing my friends, seem interesting.” He read it in 1B where he is going. from page 12

which is something that I was not able to do,” he explained. “I really missed the interaction.”

However, Javier did see several benefits:

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StarNews

KATE ALBERTUS from page 10

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teaches one of the hardest classes at CHS, she is still so supportive.”

Kate does not limit her extra-curricular activities to school. She is a member of the First Baptist Church Carrollton Youth. “In my youth group, we nourish our Christian faith and also help serve the community,” she said. She is also in Carroll County Junior Chamber of Commerce.

“Students from all schools in our county learn what it means to be a leader and how to improve this community through service,” she stated. “Both of these organizations are involved in many events, from volunteering at the Open Hands to cleaning up the Greenbelt. These groups have shown me how to work with others more effectively and how to use my talents to help the people around me.” Kate definitely believes in giving back to her school and her community.

She has had mixed feelings about the remote learning scenario.

“For me, the second semester of my junior year was the hardest school semester ever,” she explained. “Online learning gave me a break from the classroom, but not from the work. On some days, I would spend more time on my laptop than I would have if I had been at school and doing homework at home. I feel like personally, I did not learn as good online as I would’ve in class, even though my teachers did a magnificent job working extra hard to keep up our learning.

My learning style is just different. With sports cancelled, I definitely had more time on my hands. This allowed my mental health to improve significantly. I was able to sleep in more, work out on my own time, and spend quality time with my family. The time with my family was amazing, and I think we became the closest we have ever been. But I did miss my friends. Before all of this, I considered myself an introvert. I am not so sure I can say the same now. I missed my people. I think that once all this is over, I will be able to better appreciate the time I spend with my friends.”

She loves traveling and has especially fond memories of a trip to New York City with her dad. “It is my favorite because I went with my dad and we made so many memories. It was so cool to see the big city and all the landmarks that you see in the movies,” she said.

Kate’s mother is Rebecca Albertus, a speech pathologist, and her father, Dr. Mark Albertus, is Superintendent of Carrollton City School System. She has three siblings—an older brother and a younger brother and younger sister. She really enjoys a large family.

“Our house has always been full, and I love going on vacations with my siblings,” she stated. “Some of our funniest and best moments have happened on vacation. With Josh, I can joke around. We like to mess with our other siblings. With Andrew, I can do just about anything; he loves to play outside

immaculate. I feel this would be a great place Sebastian credits Mr. Shawn Lawrence, to start when applying for law school.”

Being more of a hands-on learner, the 10th grade government teacher, as having a online learning necessitated by the Covid-19 profound impact on him.

“He is the best teacher I have ever had,” pandemic has been difficult for Sebastian in declared Sebastian. “Thanks to him I was terms of information retention. However, he adjusted quickly. “I able to grasp the Being more of a hands-on refused to let my grades information quickly, and the passion will forever be learner, the online learning slip and I kept it under with me. He perfectly necessitated by the Covid-19 control,” he declared.

“Socially, the quarantine articulated the events and points leading up to now pandemic has been difficult thing may cause one to for Sebastian in terms of forget how to talk to and he made sure to put people, but I like to think everyone in everyone information retention. things will get back to else’s shoes, giving us However, he adjusted normal soon. My closest multiple and varied points quickly. “I refused to let my friends and I have kept in of view.” touch, so I see no huge Sebastian is a member grades slip and I kept it damage on that aspect. of True Life Church, which is considering under control,” he declared. The pros of ‘sheltering’ are definitely the safety options for community service as soon as the pandemic quarantine and the free time, the cons may include eases. His plan is to do community service things like online learning not being for work with the youth, similar to his goal from everyone, and the events we took for granted the advisory council: to ensure that they are when we had them, like movie theaters and on the right path. “We have been advocates restaurants.”

Sebastian loves music and writing; he for justice in the heat of the current political climate and we have been assembling and loves poetry. He plays baseball from time to educating ourselves peacefully,” stated time and exercises often.

Sebastian also has a thoughtful, pensive Sebastien. “My pastor is also attempting to begin some community service for the side, evidenced by his choice in movies and impoverished such as food donations and books. His favorite movie is Moonlight, drives for families, and I am working to be a directed by Barry Jenkins. He loves the fact that the movie is honest and unapologetic. part of that.”

As for his future, Sebastian would like to “It’s about being true to one’s own self,” he enter the field of law. “I want to help stated. The movie makes the viewer think people,” he explained. “So many cases are and consider a long list of life’s questions swept under the rug due to the incompetence and earned the Academy Award for Best of the system to look out for those living in Picture.

His favorite book is If Beale Street Could poverty or those who have a questionable background. I want to help those who cannot Talk by James Baldwin, a love story fraught help themselves. To prepare for this I have with misfortune against a backdrop of the begun to study psychology and law to be the legal system. “That book is absolutely gorgeous in the fact that the love in the book best I can be with the abilities I have.”

He is looking to attend Morehouse was truly unconditional,” declared Sebastian.

With his attitude and empathy, this young College. “I hear the brotherhood and connection to those around the students is man is destined to be a success.

and will throw the ball at any time with me.

With Liz, I love baking, watching movies, getting our nails done, doing makeup, and more. She helps me embrace my girly-girl side.”

Reading is a pastime she enjoys immensely. Her favorite book is The Hate U Give. “It is about a young girl that experiences police brutality firsthand,” she said. “She has to gain courage in order to make changes in her community. The book has a good storyline but shows how the main character is able to overcome her fears to change the world. The book is inspiring, and personally, it gave me an inside look on something that is very prevalent in our society today.”

Kate is ambivalent about her future career and her major is undecided. “I have many

different interests,” she said. “I can see myself taking so many different life paths-all with different occupations. Even though I do not know what I want to do, I will continue to set myself up for success by taking advanced courses and making good grades. I intend to go to a good college where I can explore my options.”

Kate has also not settled on any specific institute of higher learning. “Many factors will go into my final decision-- my acceptance, financial aid, distance, and many others. I am confident that wherever I go, it will be a place that will allow me to learn, grow as a student and as a person, and set me up to achieve my goals.”

Wherever Kate decides to go and whatever career field she enters, she will be a huge asset.

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www.starnewsgaonline.com NEW NORMAL from page 8

Little Tallapoosa Park is also open. The park is located on Highway 113 and offers a splash pad, playground, camping and approximately 9 miles of trails, a large lake and a pond for fishing, boating, and kayaking.

Summer camp recommended measures include the following: regular handwashing, cloth masks for staff, disinfecting of all surfaces, 6 foot distance, outdoor air as much as possible, restricting of mixing groups, no visitors, no field trips, staggering drop off times, daily temperature checks and the lists goes on.

The City of Carrollton is offering “The Great Artventure” 2020 Summer Camps. For the month of June, virtual camps are offered.

For the month of July, in-person camps will begin. (See Page 2.)

A “Summer Art + Design Camp” is being taught at the Tallapoosa Wellness Collective of Carrollton. The TWCC is housed in a historic one-room schoolhouse built in 1880 and located on 3.5 acres of land. Weather permitting, camps will take advantage of the property and use the landscape and building for inspiration. With consideration for the health and safety of the students, registration is limited to five students per week. Families registering for more than one camp or more than one participant in each camp are eligible for a discounted rate. Camper transportation is available. Register at: tallapoosawellness collective.com/art-and-design-camp The Executive Director of Georgia Parks and Recreation Association, Steve Card, says that the new rules in place make it clear that summer camp is allowed but camp officials have to decide whether they can safely comply with all the new cleaning, social distancing and screening requirements. To find a list of day camps in our area go to www.carrollcountygarec.com and www.carrolltonparksandrec.com.

Per Governor Kemp no overnight summer

PROTESTS from front page

Chris Dobbs met with the participants at the amphitheater.

For the next several hours, participants spoke, chanted, and vented. There was open mic for anyone to say whatever they wanted; to voice opinions and air their feelings. Some stated that they were always unsure of police response, while another felt harassed or intimidated at times.

“Part of the issue,” stated Potts, “is most people really don’t know what law enforcement does. The key is transparency.”

McDowell had arranged for a PA system and DJ Bluue (Martrez Newell) came from Atlanta to help with the sound. WalMart of Carrollton provided water, while Merle Norman Cosmetics on Adamson Square set up a water/ snack station for the protesters.

During a break in the rally, the group relaxed and had impromptu dancing, with Ball and McDowell participating.

Carrollton Police Department would like to give a shout out to the protest participants for leaving the amphitheater as clean as they found it. This is a rare state after any event, and it did not go unnoticed.

C.O.P.S. was formed to build relationships with the community.

“We can’t solve crimes without the help of the public,” said Potts. “The main objective of the police really is to protect and serve. We go into the dangerous situations others run from. Unfortunately, all of us have seen bad police work. Fortunately, however, it does not last long in Carroll County.”

camps will be allowed at this time.

The virus also affected the Carroll County Courthouse. The Honorable Harold D. Melton, Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, State of Georgia, issued a total of three orders declaring a Judicial Emergency in all Georgia counties under provisions of O.C.G.A ss38-3-61 since March 14th. On May 12th he issued the third emergency order that ended June 13th. He encourages the use of technology to conduct remote judicial proceedings and is enforcing that all individuals entering the courthouse to follow the recommendations issued by the CDC and Georgia DPH about social distancing.

Current Georgia Department of Public Health recommendations due to COVID 19 are as follows; wash your hands often with soap for at least 20 seconds. Use hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol, avoid touching your face. cdc.gov

StarNews

June 14, 2020 Page 17

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Page 18 June 14, 2020

StarNews

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ED WILSON from page 22

less and inflation will soar and as interest rates normalize, how can this debt be paid?

The future is increasingly unpredictable.

Can you envision Biden as the next president? Surely, his family or even the most inept of the political class will find a way to replace this senile old guy now totally incompetent to serve. Trump, with all his faults, is the obvious choice for the next four years and his son-in-law could be a contender for the four years after that.

As to “social media”, call your congressman and insist that they review changes to Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act to consider social media publishers subject to liability laws. Trump’s

MARY J. DEAN from page 22 record of what had had to be done, and what assuredly would have to be done again in the never ending fight against terror and its relentless onslaughts, despite their personal afflictions, by all who, while unable to be saints, but refusing to bow down to pestilences, strive their utmost to be healers.”

How can we become healers? The answer is also a paradox. Distance is how we all can become heroes. We will do our best to support the medical heroes, the government leaders, and humanitarian works in many directions. The fact is, however, most of us must fight by staying home, isolating, respecting distance, and wearing mask and

executive order will likely be overturned, but Congress should review Section 230 for appropriate updates. I do not use any socalled social media in any way. In my view, it is likely to bring more grief than anything of value. They have become too big, and need regulation.

Be judicious about political contributions.

Give to one and your name goes on the sucker list to be sold and resold and you will get solicitations from candidates you never heard of. As I understand it, Senator Bilbo of Mississippi once said “Don’t ever send an honest person to Washington, they will run all over them.”

Have a nice day and defend your rights and the rights of others.

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Distance can bring us closer in mind and heart and spirit. A pandemic brings us closer to awareness of the death of our loved ones and our own. Isolation brings us to the surrounding power of nature. The COVID virus can settle life’s scores and teach us peace.

Sheltering can take us back in time to our most precious memories. Distance can become a resolution for what cannot be made right.

As Dr. Rieux believed and lived out, the coronavirus also can be the power to unite the human race to face the paradox of life and death by striving our utmost to be healers.”

CHAMBER AMID CoVid from front page actions. If you are a business that is open and

chamber world, people get together! All of a sudden, we couldn’t; frustration was high.”

Also hosting the meeting was the chamber’s Director of Member Engagement Rhyne Owenby, rhyne@carroll-ga.org, 678890-2364.

Jackson and Owenby took turns speaking explaining that, initially, the chamber had to reconcile two disparate points of view: social distancing and sheltering-in-place versus growing businesses in Carroll County.

“Carroll Together for Economic Recovery” is the chamber’s new watchword for 2020.

Business leaders throughout the county, known as the Blue-Ribbon Task Force, are working with the business community to “accelerate recovery, identify challenges, offer solutions, and provide resources to promote recovery.” The Blue-Ribbon Task Force was formed in April, followed by defining and assigning sectors.

Chamber membership has now been divided into 23 sectors, each led by a member of the Blue-Ribbon Steering Committee and including 3 to 5 board and chamber members. Each member will choose the sector in which they will participate.

“Different sectors have been affected differently,” explained Jackson. “The hope is they will form relationships and work together.”

Each sector is tasked with using their collective experience and knowledge to identify challenges and opportunities for their type of business and formulate plans to enhance economic recovery.

Distribution of masks sporting the chamber logo, blue ribbons, and signs for the doors of open businesses to members took place from May 18 to 22.

A sector survey to define the focus areas was sent out to May 20 – 28. The survey results were presented to the teams the week of June 6. Based on survey results and conversations, the chamber will schedule appropriate programs to boost cross-marketing, peer support, and business to business inter-

would like a blue ribbon, would like to take the survey, or would like to join the chamber, contact carrollchamber@carroll-ga.org or rhyne@carroll-ga.org Business trends amid CoVid are creating a “new normal”. The chamber has identified some of these new trends which include: - teleworking will become more acceptable which will, in turn, change some operational structures (example: less space/rooms needed to conduct business thus smaller commercial offices) - travel trends will shift to more domestic activity - E-commerce will expand thus putting additional pressure on main street and local businesses - attendance at large gatherings will demand health precautions and will likely lower attendance Shannon Gill, consultant, Guided Ventures Group, LLC has been hired to outline needed changes and keep abreast of a fluid timeline for the “new normal.” She will also help define new uses of technology.

In spite of the setback to the economy caused by Covid-19, Jackson sees a bright future for Carroll County.

“There have been inquiries asking for information for proposals for closing on land purchases and for future expansion,” Jackson stated. “Clients are still at the Burson Center, even though it’s by appointment only.

Furthermore, some businesses have had record sales.”

The Burson Center is a mixed-use business incubator and resource center focused on the development of information technology, advanced manufacturing, healthcare, and business service companies.

Media representatives in attendance were Steve Gradick, Gradick Communications radio; Rachel Rainey, publisher, and Michael O’Hearn, reporter, imes-Georgian newspaper; and Sue Horn, publisher/owner/editor, and Prissi Sullivan, reporter, StarNews print newspaper and StarNews Online.

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Dawne “Tiff” Cook, rn October 12, 1973, July 12, 2019 B. Dean, age 92, mber 02, 1926, died , July 3, 2019 shon Dickerson, age ptember 7, 1950, died 19, 2019 ean Dodderer, age 84, , 1935, died Monday, 19 Marsella Fazio, age n Jan 1, 1934, died y 8, 2019 Nell Griffin Jennings, ed Tuesday, July 2,

Shirley F. Danny Alexander, age 71,Jr., Tiffanee DawneShedd, “Tiff” age Cook,53, Master Danny Joe Jon Shirley F.Alexander, Alexander, age71, 71, August Tiffanee Dawne “Tiff” Cook, Master Joe Jones, Harry Lee Cooper, ageage 96, born 13, Dawne Jerry Scott Shirley F. Alexander, Tiffanee Dawne “Tiff” Cook, Master Danny Joe Jones, Jr., Jerry Jerry Scott Shedd, age Shirley F.Danny Tiffanee “Tiff” Cook, Juanita Antoinette Williamson Daniel, age Master Danny Joe Jones, Jr., age Jerry Scott Shedd, age 53, 53, Shirley F. Alexander, age age 71, Tiffanee Dawne “Tiff” Cook, Master Joe 1947, Jones, Jr.,71,age Jerry Scott Shedd, age 53, Master Danny Joe Jones, Jr., Scott Shedd, age 53, born November 27, 1947, died 45, born October 12, 1973, age 2 months, born May 16 born November 27, died 45, born October 12, 1973, age 2 months, born May 16, 2019, died Monday, July 8, 2019 1923, died June 1, 2020 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, Wilma Jean Williams Hughes, age 89, age 2 months, born May 16, 2019, died Monday, July 8, 2019 104, born February 1916, died14, May 4,May 16, 2019, died born 27, 1947, died age 45, born July October 12, 1973, 26, age 2November months, born May 16, 2019, died Monday, July12, 8, 2019 age 2 months, born diedFriday, Monday, July 8,2019 2019 Sunday, July 2019 July 12, died Thursday, July 4, 201 Sunday, July 14, 2019 died Friday, 2019 died Thursday, July 4, 2019 David Ronald Simpson, age Sunday, July 14, 2019 died July 12, 2019 age dieddied Judy Rebecca White Rollins, agedied 78,David bornFriday, Thursday, July 4, born 2019October Ronald Sunday, July 14,July 2019 died Friday, July 12,Simpson, 2019 Thursday, JulyJr., 4, 2019 2019 David Ronald Simpson, age age “Marjorie” Nell Lovvor 15,David 1930, died MaySimpson, 23, 2020 Sunday, July 14, 2019 Friday, July 12, 2019 died Thursday, 4, 2019 Ronald 2020 died Thursday, July 4, David Ronald Simpson, age Dwight Bishop, age 62, James B. Dean, age 92, 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, 92, “Marjorie” “Marjorie” Nell Lovvorn, 70, born 21, 1948, died Dwight Bishop, Jr., age 27, 62, James B. 21, Dean, age 92, February 5,Bishop, 1942, died May 2020 Nell28, Lovvorn, age age 70, Smith, born July 21, 1948, dieddied July July Dwight Jr., age 62, James B. Dean, age 92, “Marjorie” Nell Lovvorn, age 70, born July 1948, diedage July Tony Lee ageJuly 68,02, born February “Marjorie” Nell Lovvorn, age 70, born July 21, 1948, died July Martha Jeanette North, age 79,August born April born September died born September 1926, 86, born August 3, 1932 born September 28, 1956, died born September 02,02, 1926, died 86, born 3,1956, 1932, died 09,2019 2019 born September 28, 1956, died born September 1926, died 86, born August 3, 1932, died 09, 2019 born September 28, 1956, died born September 02, 1926, died 86, born August 3, 1932, died 09, Susan “Gail” Bearden, age 64, born born September 28, 86, born August 3, 1956, 1932, died died born September 02, 1926, 09, 2019 86, bornJuly August 3, 1932, 09, 2019 Tuesday, 9,July 2019 July 3, 2019 age 94, Wednesday, July 10, 2019 24,died 1952,Wednesday, died May Fred 21, 2020 30,July 1941, died died May 1, 2020 Tuesday, July 9, 2019 Wednesday, July 3, 2019 Wednesday, 10, 2019 Zellie Sprewell, Tuesday, July 9, 2019 Wednesday, 3, 2019 Wednesday, 10,Bonner, 2019 Zellie Fred Sprewell, age Tuesday, July 9,1955, 2019 Wednesday, JulySprewell, 3, 2019 2019 age 94, Wednesday, Wednesday, July July 10, 2019 Zellie Fred Sprewell, ageage 94, 94, Andra Dixon McGill, a Wednesday, July 10,“Don” 2019May Tuesday, July 9, 2019 Wednesday, July 3, December 12, died 22, 2020 Zellie Fred July 2019 Donald “Don” Barry Bushon Dickerson, Zellie Fred age 94, Inh Phommasith, age Sprewell, 83, died May 11, Donald Brasseal Bonner, Barry Bushon Dickerson, ageage Col. Richardage Page Miles, Sr.,Brasseal age 81,10, born Andra Dixon McGill, age 76, born February 28, 1925, died Donald Brasseal “Don” Bonner, Barry Bushon Dickerson, Andra Dixon McGill, age 76, born February 28, 1925, Donald Brasseal “Don” Bonner, Barry Bushon Dickerson, Andra Dixon McGill, age 76, born February 28, 1925, died Andra Dixon McGill, age 76, Donald Brasseal “Don” Bonner, born February 28, 1925, died Barry Bushon Dickerson, age age 76, born June 05, 1943, died 68, born September 1950, died Janet C. Kellett, age 72, born March 24, Andra Dixon McGill, age 76, born February 28,7, 1925, dieddied born October 18, 1941 age 76, born June 05, 1943, died 68, born September 7, 1950, died 2020 born October 18, 1941, died November 30, 1938, died April 27, 2020 Saturday, July 27, 2019 age 76, born June 05, 1943, died 68, born September 7, 1950, died October 18, 1941, Saturday, July 27, 2019 age 76,October born June June18, 05, 1941, 1943, died died 68, born September September 7, 1950, 1950, died died Wednesday, bornborn October 18, 1941, dieddied Saturday, July 27, 2019 born died Saturday, July 27, 2019 age 76, born 05, 1943, 68, born 7, July 10, 2019 Friday, July 19, 2019 born October 18, 1941, died Saturday, July 27, 2019 Wednesday, July 17, 2019 1948, died May 20, 2020.

Wednesday, July 10,2019 2019 Friday, July 19,2019 2019 Wednesday, July 17,13, 2019 Daniel Lance Walker, age 40, Rachel Striplin Price, age 86, died May 6,40, Harry Leeage Cooper, age 96, bornJuly August Wednesday, July 10, 2019 Friday, July 19, 2019 Wednesday, July 17, 2019 Daniel Lance Walker, age Wednesday, July 10, Friday, July 19, Wednesday, 17, 2019 Daniel Lance Walker, age 40, Wednesday, July 17, 2019 Daniel Lance Walker, 40, Wednesday, July 10, 2019 Friday, July 19, 2019 John D. Brown, Jr., age 53, Bobbie Jean Dodderer, age 84, Wednesday, July 17, 2019 Eugene Parker Mullis, J Daniel Lance Walker, age 40, Linda Louise Roork, 69, born May 22,Jean John D.Brown, Brown, Jr.,age age 53, Bobbie Jean Dodderer, ageage Eugene Parker Mullis, Jr.,age ageage born September 18,18, 1978, died John D. Brown, Jr., age 53, Bobbie Jean Dodderer, 84, Eugene 2020 1923, died June 1,84, 2020.

Eugene Parker Mullis, Jr., born September 1978, died John D. Jr., age 53, Bobbie Dodderer, age 84, Parker Mullis, Jr., born September 18, 1978, died Eugene Parker Mullis, Jr., age born September 18, 1978, died born August 18, 1965, died July born July 9, 1935, died Monday, John D. Brown, Jr., age 53, Bobbie Jean Dodderer, age 84, 70, born December 31, 194 Eugene Parker Mullis, Jr., age born September 18, 1978, died born August 18,21, 1965, died July born born July 1935, died Monday, 1950, died May 2020 70,born born December 31,1948, 1948, died Sunday, July 21,2019 2019 born August 18, 1965, died born July 9, 1935, died Monday, 70, December 31, 1948, died Diane Terase Weis, age 74, born Sunday, July 21, 2019 June 29, Monday, July 8, 2019 born August 18, 1965, died July July 9,9,1935, 1935, died Monday, Arthur G. “Joe” Berger, Jr.,born age 73, born 70, December 31, died Sunday, July 21, 70, born December 31, 1948, diedJuly Sunday, July 21, 2019 22, 2019 July 22, 2019 born August 18, 1965, died July born July 9, died Monday, 70, born December 31, 1948, died Sunday, July 21, 2019 22, 2019 July 22, 2019 Monday, July 2019 Deborah “Debbie” Ann West, James “Jim” Porter, Jr., age 33, born 22, 2019 July 22, 2019 Monday, July 8, 2019 Bryce, Deborah “Debbie” Ann 22, 2019 July 22, 2019 2019 1945, died Anna April 30, 2020 Monday, July 8,8,2019 2019 Deborah “Debbie” Ann West, April 26,Fazio, 1947,West, died June 1, 2020.

Monday, July 8, H. 2019 Marie Elizabeth Phillips Marsella Fazio, ageWest, Randy Lee Nichols, a Deborah “Debbie” Ann 22, 2019 July 22, Monday, July 8, Deborah “Debbie” Ann West, Marie Elizabeth Phillips Bryce, Anna Marsella age Randy Lee Nichols, age 66, age 58, died July 22, 2019 Marie Elizabeth Phillips Bryce, Anna Marsella Fazio, age March 16, 1987, died May 18, 2020 Randy Lee Nichols, age 66, age 58, died July 22, 2019 Marie Elizabeth Phillipsage Bryce, Anna Marsella Fazio, age Randy Lee Nichols, age 66, 85, age 58, died July 22, 2019 October James Leeborn Bartlett, age 63, born age 89, born September 14, 1929, on July Jan 1, 1934, died born June 24, 1953, died Randy Lee Nichols, 66, age Mary “Ruth” Boyd Akers, ageLee 95, born 58, died 22, 2019 Marie Elizabeth Phillips Bryce, Anna Marsella age Randy Nichols, age 66, age 58, died 22, 2019 age 89,born born September 14, 1929, 85, born onJuly Jan 1,Fazio, 1934, died born June 24,1953, 1953, died Friday, Wallace Allen Worthan, ageage age 89, born September 14, 1929, 85, born on Jan 1, 1934, died born June 24, 1953, died Friday, Wallace Allen Worthan, age 89, September 14, 1929, 85, born on Jan 1, 1934, died Jerry Wayne Cranford, age 74, born born June 24, died Friday, Wallace Allen Worthan, age died Saturday, July 20, 2019 Monday, July 8, 2019 born June 24, 1953, died Friday, Wallace Allen Worthan, age 11, 1956, died April 28, 2020 July 26, 2019 age 89,Saturday, born September 14, 1929, 85, born on Jan 1, 1934, September 22, died 1924 died May 28, 2020 born June 24, 1953, died Friday, 56, Wallace Allen Worthan, age died July 20,2019 2019 Monday, July 8,2019 2019 July 26, 2019 died Monday, July 15, 2019 died Saturday, July 20, 2019 Monday, July 8, 2019 July 26, 2019 56, died Monday, July 15, 2019 died Saturday, July 20, Monday, July 8, July 26, 2019 56, died Monday, July 15, 2019 August 29, 1945, died May 15, 2020.

Earl Wayne Carden, age 80, Harris Nell Griffin Jennings, July 26, 2019 56, died Monday, July 15, 2019 Ara Bell D. Sanders, a diedEarl Saturday, July 20, 2019 Monday, July 8, 2019 Catherine Horton Brock, age15, 81,2019 born Julyage 26, 37, 2019 Kelly Nichole Barton, born April 56, died Monday, July Wayne Carden, ageage 80,80, Harris Nell Griffin Jennings, Ara BellBell D.Sanders, Sanders, age 79,79, Carol Judith Chapman, ageage 55,55, Earl Wayne Carden, Harris Nell Griffin Jennings, Ara D. Sanders, age Carol Judith Chapman, Earl Wayne Carden, age 80, Harris Nell Griffin Jennings, Ara Bell D. age 79, Carol Judith Chapman, age 55, born October 29, 1938, died age 83, died Tuesday, July 2, Ara Bell D. Sanders, age 79, Barbara Jean Gibson, age 83, born January Carol Judith Chapman, age 55, born August 06, 1939, die Earl October Wayne Carden, age 80, Harris Nell Griffin Jennings, Ara August Bell D. 06, Sanders, age 79, January 4, born 1939, died May 31, 2020 Carol Judith Chapman, age 55, 15, 1983, died May 2020 born 29,29, 1938, died age 83,83, died Tuesday, July 2,27, born 1939, died July June 24, 1964, died Sunday, born October 1938, died age died Tuesday, July 2, born August 06, 1939, died July born June 24, 1964, died Sunday, born October 29, 1938, died age 83, died Tuesday, July 2, born August 06, 1939, died July born June 24, 1964, died Sunday, Friday, June 28, 2019 2019 born August 06, 1939, died July 24, 2019 born June 24, 1964, died Sunday, 14, 1937, died May 9, 2020 born October 1938, died age 83, died Tuesday, July 2, born August July Rebecca born June 1964, died Sunday, Friday, June 28,29, 2019 2019 White Rollins, age 78, born 24,2019 2019 Donald (Don) Luckett Tedder of06, 1939, died Judy July 2019 Friday, June 28, 2019 24, 2019 July 7,24, 2019 Friday, June 28, 2019 2019 24, July 7,7,2019 2019 24,Connie 2019 July2019 7, 2019 Friday, June 28, 2019 2019 Sue Baggett, age 63, born 24, 2019 July 7,

September 7, 1956, died May 5, 2020

Cumming, GA, age 85, born December 18, 1934, died May 26, 2020

February 5, 1942, died May 27, 2020

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COMMENTARY

Page 21 June 14 2020

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As West Georgia opens up for business and pleasure: CoVID-19 and MIS-C As West Georgia slowly opens up in the wake of the CoVID-19 shutdowns and we look forward to summer activities, it is important to take a quick glance at the current local numbers associated with the potentially deadly illness. We are faring well EDITOR/ here.

PUBLISHER As of June 9th, Carroll County has had 548 confirmed cases and 28 deaths attributed to CoVID-19. Most certainly, the actual numbers are somewhat higher as not everyone has been tested to see if they have already had the illness. (Myself included. I was ill for four days with symptoms of a scary quick mucus build up, annoying coughing, overwhelming sleepiness, low fever, and, most distinctive for me, was the complete lack of flavor in food and drink for days. But, this happened June 2019, not 2020. Is there another illness that blocks tastebuds? I haven’t been sick with anything else since.)

To have 548 cases/28 deaths in a county with a population around 120,000 (148 babies were born during the month of May at the Tanner hospitals in Carrollton and Villa Rica) is, in my opinion, something to feel positive about.

We adhered enough to the social distancing/sheltering in place rules to keep our numbers very low. And with such a low number, statistically, the death rate in Carroll County is skewed at a frightening 5.1% (the larger the total number, the rate would come closer to an accurate pecentage). Nationally, it is 1.3% death rate. The “average flu” death rate is 0.1%. But, 28 deaths is 28 deaths too many. And, especially sad for the families is the requirement of the limited attendance of ten people or less for funerals. This can make the grieving process harder without in-person support and comfort of family and friends.

I offer a sincere and heartfelt thank you to every funeral home employee, healthcare worker, and first responder. Many of you have worked very long hours, encountering repeatedly the danger of infection, while the rest of us hunkered down at home.

Thank you to every small business for your efforts at navigating the near impossible hurdles to stay in business during this historic shutdown. Small businesses are the backbone of our economy. We need each and everyone of you in our community and prospering!

To those of you who are back in the public not wearing masks, pumping gas without gloves, and not wiping down your debit card after it is handled at the fast food drive-thru, I thank you for ‘volunteering’ to become part of the much needed herd immunity. As you catch it and recover, you are helping disrupt the chains of transmission.

I ask every parent or guardian who is not adhering to the CoVID-19 rules, to please protect your young precious child and provide them with masks to wear and remind them to frequently wash their hands. The CDC reports on Multi-system Inflammatory Syndrome in Children, MIS-C, that can affect children who have had contact with CoVID-19. There are too many unknowns with these two illnesses to take risk for those who are too young to protect themselves.

According to the CDC, and as of press time, out of a total population of about 10.6 million people, only 649,384 Georgians have been tested with 53,696 of those testing postive. During this Phase 1, it is expected we will have a spike on some level in West Georgia, but, I believe, our hospitals and healthcare facilities are better prepared than ever before.

The reality is that not enough of us ‘cattle’ have had this illness yet, but, summer activities are underway, and Phase 2 is ahead.

Be careful in your contacts with others, be diligent in cleanliness, be safe.

SUE

HORN

$794,000 taxpayer dollars awarded without bids Poof! As quickly as that, nearly $800,000 of your taxpayer dollars have been committed again to the same contractor for several years - without any comparison cost information from any other vendors to determine if the same product/service could be obtained for $50,000 less or $100,000 less or $150,000 less…! Why? As your District 5 County Commissioner, I’m for safeguarding your money - and for transparency and accountability in government! This comes from my 34-year career history as Deputy Director in the state’s premier government watchdog agency, the State Department of Audits, where I saved taxpayers hundreds of millions of dollars by improving agencies’ practices. It also comes from certifications during my career as a Certified Fraud Examiner and a Certified

ERNIE

REYNOLDS District 5 Carroll County Commissioner

ereynolds@carrollcounty ga.com 770-851-6215 Government Financial Manager.

I’m bringing that transparency and accountability to your local county government, and will continue to let you know about instances when I find it does not exist. This nearly $800,000 annual contract for the county’s liability insurance coverage is one of those instances. Transparency and accountability does not exist.

I was totally baffled when this

contract was presented to us District Commissioners at our most recent work session on May 28, 2020 - and we were expected to renew this contract for another year by a vote that day - because the contract period ends in one month and must be renewed before it ends! We were allowed to delay that vote by three workdays, (until our board meeting on June 2nd), which allowed me to find out a lot of interesting information. That is what I will share with you here.

First, though, a very ominous question: Why were we just presented this information one month before the end of this contract - without sufficient time to get any competitive bids?! That is Problem #1.

This $794,000 annual contract for the county’s liability insurance

See ERNIE REYNOLDS page 24

Response to the death of George Floyd The events of the past few weeks have again brought about a cacophony of heightened emotions, anxiety, questions and conversations. The death of George Floyd, the unarmed black man whose death was captured on video at the hands of a white police officer, became the igniter of global reactions which became the start of a weekend protests, mostly peaceful, but some inexcusably destructive. And to think, all of this is occurring in the midst of a global pandemic.

I have received numerous calls from individuals who I support across the country in my Senior role on how to respond our current situation. It is especially unique as I serve as the most tenured African American advisor for a major financial services firm. My views come from a number of personal perspectives

FRED

O’NEAL based on my varied experiences.

I think about what has gotten us to this point in society.

I think about the safeguards and guidance that I should deploy to my children, especially my young adult son who is about the same age as Ahmaud Arbery, the victim in the Brunswick Georgia shooting. I think about growing up during the race riots of the 1960s in the inner city in Ohio and remembering the indiscriminate looting that took place in our city which caused severe damage

to my parent’s carryout and my mom being robbed in the process.

I think about how we can move from the passion of the moment to affect real change for the greater good of us all. I have given some thought during these conversations on how to also respond to those in our community who may have questions on how to react also.

I am confident that our public safety leaders within Carroll County have the best intentions to protect our community. A number of initiatives are already under way to support and enhance the dialogue between the police and the public. Additionally, thoughtbased conversations among nonprofit and faith-based organizations have been in effect as a result of past concerns and to preempt any future occurrence which See FRED O’NEAL page 24

Racism in America: still a lethal and shameful reality George Floyd, an unarmed, handcuffed Black American in police custody has been killed (I believe murdered) by police in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Most of us have suffered through the experience of seeing this gruesome video. We hear a fellow human being crying “I can’t breathe” and calling out to his deceased mother, while an officer continues to press his knee against George’s neck - reportedly for close to three minutes after he has ceased to have a pulse. And all this takes place when bystanders are pleading for the officers to recognize and respond to George’s inability to breathe.

Watching the video and later listening to black men on television weeping and sharing their own experiences, their own grief, fear and anger, tears ran down my cheeks. I wept for George Floyd,

FRED

RICHARDS Ph.D. Psychotherapist

for all of us, for America, and for the centuries of mindless racism.

It has also been painful listening to the soul-wrenching grief of friends and family members of Mr. Floyd. I am troubled, too, when feeling at times helpless, when processing and confronting my own learned racism, and when feeling my efforts to oppose racism appear to have done little or nothing to change anything.

Over the years I have talked with a few black American fathers here in Carrollton, who have painfully shared fearing for their

own safety and having the compelling need to talk to their children about how dangerous it can be to be a black person in America. Of course, mothers, especially black and brown mothers, have had similar talks with their children. The day I started writing this letter, I talked with a young black man who works at a store where I shop. He was uncharacteristically subdued and I asked him why. “They keep killing us,” he said. “Three of us in weeks - one right here in Georgia - just jogging. It’s always been like this.” I had difficulty knowing just what to say. “I want to apologize to you,” I responded, “apologize for white America.

I’m old enough to be your grandfather. I’m sorry. Let’s not give up. Please don’t give up.”

Almost sixty years ago (1962),

See FRED RICHARDS page 24

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COMMENTARY

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A witness to peace

JASON

SWINDLE SWINDLE LAW GROUP, P.C. “Nonviolence is a powerful and just weapon, which cuts without wounding and ennobles the man who wields it. It is a sword that heals.” - Martin Luther King Jr. This is one of my favorite historical quotes because this truth came from a brave warrior who espoused peace.

May 25, 2020 - Minneapolis, Minnesota - 8:00 pm - 46 year old George Floyd is being accused by a store clerk of using a counterfeit 20 dollar bill to purchase items in the store. After the police arrive, he is arrested and handcuffed. While he is on the ground, an officer keeps his knee on the right side of Floyd’s neck for almost nine

minutes. George Floyd dies around 8:45pm.

Demonstrations and riots erupt in cities across the U.S. in response to the death of George Floyd. Derek Chauvin, the police officer who was filmed kneeling on Floyd’s neck, is arrested and charged with murder and manslaughter. However, his arrest will not subdue the anger in response to Floyd’s death as it descends into more rioting and looting in several cities. Atlanta, Seattle, Los Angeles, Chicago, Philadelphia, Columbus, Pittsburgh, Denver, Salt Lake City, Nashville, and Minneapolis impose curfews as they brace for more unrest The governors of Minnesota, Georgia, Ohio, Washington and Kentucky mobilize their state National Guards.

Meanwhile, President Donald Trump is being briefed by his top military advisors at the Pentagon. He tells the nation that U.S. troops stand ready to provide support to Minnesota if requested to quell unrest.

In Georgia, Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms sends a request to Governor Brian Kemp to declare a state of emergency. Kemp says “local leaders are working together to

ensure public safety and keep the peace in Atlanta” as he grants the request and authorizes up to 1,500 National Guard troops to deploy throughout the city.

But, this is not enough. Ongoing resistance of those disrupting peaceful protests and failing to follow the city’s 9 p.m. curfew prompts Kemp to sign a second Executive Order deploying 3,000 National Guard troops. The right to assemble and peacefully protest is protected by the 1st Amendment to the United States Constitution. However, when a protest becomes violent and/or property is intentionally damaged, the Constitution offers no protection. I begin to realize that these acts of violence can spread throughout our state.

May 31, 2020 - Carrollton, Georgia 3:45 pm: Six days later, I am driving my pickup into town when something to left draws my attention. There are two crowds of people at the courthouse. One group is white. The other group is black. Instead of parking at the office, I pull over. I will never forget what I saw. One of the white men

with a long beard is walking rapidly toward a tall black man on the other side of the street. I am certain that a fight is about to erupt.. But, I am wrong. The two men walk toward each other and embrace one another in front of the crowd.

My curiosity is overwhelming my desire to go home. I walk over to both of them and ask them what is going on. They just look at me and smile.The men had known one another since they were boys. But, they had not seen each other in years. I am moving from curious to nosy. I ask them why they would even acknowledge one another at this protest. Both men speak at the same time and almost provide an identical answer.

They tell me that they hope someone sees an example of a peaceful protest.

Their hope has already been realized. I, along with many other people riding through Carrollton, become witnesses to peace.

This weekend, there will be thousands of graduation ceremonies. Protesters will be present at some of these events. I pray that the protests will be peaceful like the one I saw today. I ask that you pray with me.

Is “equal justice” fact or fiction? Most of you have seen the misdeeds of our political class. Any convictions for the Clinton’s alleged crimes, or senior FBI officials abuse of power or Congress people who routinely lie and protect themselves, by law, from defamatory actions? Without question, in our history, minority blacks have been abused by some whites in power. On the other hand, who can deny the accomplishments by many Blacks during our generation?

I have a Christmas card from Ben Carson and his wife Candy. You may know Ben as a Yale graduate, member of the Kellogg’s Board, retired neurosurgeon, and current Secretary of Housing in the Trump administration. You must admire the success of Charles Payne, host of Making Money on Fox Business News. Charles grew up in poverty in a single parent home. He joined the Air Force at age 17, attended college, became a financial analyst, and is currently worth over $10 million. Who on our Supreme Court endured a “high tech” lynching during his confirmation? Bret

Kavanaugh, to be sure, but remember our Black Justice, Clarence Thomas. He is a seminary graduate plus a Yale Law School graduate. Currently, this paper has two black contributors that are engaged professionally as financial planners.

Was the white officer who killed George Floyd biased? Was he playing “cowboy cop”? Did he just screw up? Reportedly, the officer had been subject to numerous prior complaints. Why was he on the street? Why, after three days of rioting did the Democratic mayor order the police to abandon their precinct building? Were they afraid? Who was left to protect life and property? Given that George Floyd was in handcuffs, why did the other three officers take no action to prevent his death? A peaceful gathering of an aggrieved populace chanting “no justice, no peace” seems justified. Then came the opportunists.

Lawless thieves, arsonists, criminal gang members, hell-raisers, and poverty stricken losers took over the mob. Stores were looted. Buildings were torched. Businesses and a neighborhood have been destroyed.

The police ran. The bureaucrats and political leaders spouted nonsense. The people cry out for justice and political leadership.

Unfortunately, in too many Democrat controlled cities, that leadership is lacking. TV showed looters in vehicles loading merchandise. Trump is right, when they start looting, start shooting. The looters will go somewhere else where looting is allowed.

Minority businesses were destroyed.

TV showed the world anarchy and chaos spread to other mostly Democrat lead cities.

Jesse Jackson, Al Sharpton, Jr. and other race-baiting activists came to Minneapolis.

This event following our pandemic shut down is very dangerous. Well paid and wellmeaning health “professionals” gave advice about a little known and poorly understood virus. In my view, the cure was worse than the disease. The political class poured money into the populace that our great grandchildren will have to pay. The governments of the world printed paper money, backed by nothing. Common sense tells us that the value of our savings will be worth-

by one position or another, the divisions of state against state, of business and economics against the common good, and the value of science against rigidly-held religious beliefs. Those divisions are present with us today as well. Fighting the plague must confront all these different opinions of the people, but Dr. Rieux in the novel decides, “One can’t cure and know at the same time, so cure as quickly as we can. That’s the more urgent job.”

Alleviating suffering and death then becomes the never-ending task of Dr. Rieux and his colleagues in The Plague. It is also the work that has to be done to fight the pandemic in our country today by medical personnel, EMT heroes, doctors and nurses, military, congressional leaders, journalists, and countless unnamed citizens who bear the front lines of danger and service to plague- afflicted neighbors and strangers.

The plague then becomes a metaphor of life, as we all must go through some tragedy and suffering—no one escapes. Camus’

commitment is to the absurdity of life that requires this paradox of peace and suffering.

One’s highest calling, then, is to bring forth greater universal good through this connection with suffering. In Christianity, Jesus’ suffering and death is necessary to bring about salvation and eternal life. However, Islam, Judaism, Hinduism, Buddhism, and ancient native religions everywhere also incorporate some requirement of suffering through sacrifice, pandemics, plagues, or tragic deaths, as the vehicle to bind us stronger together in commitment and service to others.

In the novel, Dr. Rieux resolves not to be silent and just let death happen, but to bear witness to the suffering of the people in a time of pestilence. He sees that plague, or pandemic must be fought, and paradoxically, the fight itself can call forth a greater humanity. The doctor/narrator in The Plague concludes: “The tale he had to tell could not be one of a final victory. It could be only the

“No justice, no peace”: threat or prediction?

ED

WILSON Thoughts While Shaving cedwilson587 @yahoo.com No justice, no peace. This phrase has been around for at least 50 years, but is it a threat or a prediction? We have seen similar comments throughout history. During the Revolutionary War, we heard “No taxation without representation”, and we won our independence from England. When James VI, became King of Scotland upon his mother’s, Mary, Queen of Scots death, he became next in line to succeed Elizabeth I of England. The Scots were Protestant. English were Catholic, and James, now James I of England wished to abolish the Catholic Church in England, and the crowd chanted “No Bishops, No King”. James I relented.

Paradox and plague

MARY J.

DEAN

THERAPIST D. Min., LMFT

marydean@bellsouth.net During this fearful pandemic, I sought out wisdom from a favorite author from my graduate school days in English literature at Drew University. Albert Camus was a French Algerian philosopher, author, journalist who helped, along with Jean Paul Sartre, define the philosophy of the absurd.

He plunged into the paradoxes of life, asking ultimate questions, but with no probability of finding any adequate answers. Pessimistic?

Yes, to be sure, but with a fierceness of resolve to meet the absurdity of human exis-

tence by living in the here and now, fully appreciating the fullness of life, but only by not avoiding death. That paradox defines the subject of Camus’ novel, The Plague, and to a great extent, our lives today.

Happy to find my original copy on a bookshelf, I have been amazed at the rereading of it. It was published in 1948 as an allegory of the horrors of World War 11, but using non-violent resistance. I was surprised to see that the metaphor of the plague that descends on this Algerian town has a hundred parallels to our present pandemic.

Dr. Rieux, the doctor narrator, fights against the plague with all his medical skills, losing his best friends, and his wife, as he continually reaches out to save others. The arguments that represent the different beliefs of the townspeople about research, vaccines, quarantines, and religion could be superimposed on our current debates and look exactly the same. The voices represent those we see today: disbelief that it is anything serious, the political advantage to be gained

See ED WILSON page 18

See MARY J. DEAN page 18

COMMENTARY

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June 14, 2020 Page 23

The greatness of small

KELVIN KEITH

Millennials Christian Ministry (MCM) kkeith @mcmemowered. org

The greatness of small. This sounds like an oxymoron. How can “Small” be “Great”?

The two terms seem totally at odds with one another. We’re about to see that small is a great position to be in.

The word small represents an attitude. A winning way of thinking that can propel a teenager into great success, honor, and influence. You maybe asking how can adapting

an attitude of small transform someone to great success? You see having the mindset of “small” gives you that unique characteristic that every great leader who has influenced people (for the good) around the world has: “that is placing the needs of others above those of your own”. This simple mission statement can place you before heads of state, chief executive officers of major corporations, entertainment moguls, etc. When you’re small in your own eye sight, you can see more clearly the pain, hurt,suffering, and lack that others are experiencing; and, you may be moved to help them. People love seeing those who care about the less fortunate.

Let’s look at the contrast to small as it relates to this column. The word great inthis context represents a bad attitude. When we’re “great” in our mind set, we can easily see

using others to promote ourselves or using others for our own selfish interest. It can easily be researched and proven that most of all the wars that havetaken place have happened because of the selfishness of one or more people. It’s extremely hard to see the needs of the suffering, when working very hard to promote our image.

Going back to the attitude of small, let’s see if there is anyone with a small mindset who has achieved any success. I can think of two: Truet Cathy and Tyler Perry. These two men exemplify placing the needs of others above those of their own needs. Truet Cathy first of all saw the need for hisemployees to have a day of rest and to go to church with their families, if they so desired, to worship God. This was a tremendous gamble. One of the most profitable days of the week for the

The value of knowing your worth

KIM

REINE Certified Intuitive Life Coach

According to Wikipedia, self-esteem is an individual’s subjective evaluation of their own worth. Self-esteem encompasses beliefs about oneself as well as emotional states, such as triumph, despair, pride, and shame. What is “self-worth”? Self-worth is the opinion you have about yourself and the value you place on yourself.

An example of self-worth is your belief that you are a good person who deserves good things or your belief that you are a bad person who deserves bad things. Self-worth is at the core of our very selves - our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are

intimately tied into how we view our worthiness and value as human beings. Selfworth is determined mostly by our selfevaluated abilities and our performance in one or more activities that we deem valuable.

One of life’s priorities is to find selfacceptance.

With the need to have good self-worth, we tend to place so much emphasis on our achievements and current relationship status, our appearances - whether measured by the number on the scale, the size of clothing worn, or the kind of attention received by others; net worth. This can mean income, material possessions, financial assets; who you know/your social circle.

Some people judge their own value and the value of others by their status and what important and influential people they know.

We often judge others by what they do/career choice; for example, a lawyer is often considered more successful and valuable than a janitor.

The truth is that all of that is not what

THOMAS

River Rambles syllabil@aol.com To live above a Chattahoochee floodplain is to have a front-row seat at the theater-ofperpetual-change. A floodplain, as its name suggests, is a low-lying field that siphons off overflow from a flooded river; in other words, a swamp that comes and goes with the weather. Here the swamplands extend from the riverbank to the lowest tier of Chattahoochee foothills where the cabin is perched.

West of the house, an inlet stream snakes its way through the bottomlands to the river.

The stream’s overhanging banks are scoured out below, revealing tree roots thick as organ pipes in an underground vestry. A riversurge will push back against the inlet’s current, causing its waters to jump their banks and multiply the spread of the swamp.

The floodplain here is a solid deposit of

See KELVIN KEITH page 24

gives you your self-worth. Nothing or no one can bring you or give you self-worth but yourself! The heart of the matter is you are the only one who determines your self-worth.

If you believe you are worthy and valuable, you are worthy and valuable.

Having positive healthy self-worth is understanding your qualities, your strengths, your personal attributes. This will benefit you so much in every aspect of your life. To boost self-love, start paying attention to the tone you use with yourself. Commit to being more positive and uplifting when talking to yourself. If you’re not sure how to get started, think (or say aloud) these simple statements: I feel valued and special; I love myself wholeheartedly; I am a worthy and capable person.

“Love yourself first and everything else falls into line. You really have to love yourself to get anything done in this world.”- Lucille Ball Once you understand, accept, and love yourself, you will reach a point where you no

longer depend on people, accomplishments, or other external factors for your self-worth.

At this point, the best thing you can do is recognize your worth and appreciate yourself and the fact that you worked hard to be where you are now.

To recognize your self-worth, remind yourself that: You no longer need to please other people; no matter what people do or say or what happens outside of you, You alone control how you feel about yourself; You have the power to respond to events and circumstances based on your internal sources, resources, and resourcefulness, which are the reflection of your true value; Your value comes from inside, from an internal measure that you’ve set for yourself.

Even if you don’t believe you are worthy and valuable, guess what? You still are worthy and valuable and the world needs you.

You have purpose.

clay, silt, sand, gravel and loam, presently with the empty metal rim upright, like a tossheld in place by a tangle of oak, privet, game target in a traveling carny. Several floods later, receding sycamore, Christmas fern, grapevine, daisy Nest-time is short, ten days waters carried off the fallen trunk - and the fleabane, grasses, sedges from hatching to flying, hoop and its memories and poison ivy. When a flood ebbs, the forest compared to the fourteen it with it.

Sometimes an floor is mashed from the takes the wren to raise a armadillo takes up weight of the water and dusted everywhere with family. Does a shorter child- residence here. These fine, colorless silt. You hood give the waterthrush prehistoric-looking creatures migrated from can tell how high the better odds against the Texas where perennial water came up by the siltriver’s moods? I don’t know. drought baked the earth, line left on tree trunks.

Fifty years ago, the But each year I wait to hear making it a hard place to floodplain was kept those first whistled notes. I dig a burrow.

Described as the “last cleared and known by don’t care if it’s the same mammal with a shell” another name: the bird, a descendant, or a (oh, how little naturalists whiffle-ball field, where gallivanting hippies new tenant altogether. In know about human nature), to me armadillos whacked a plastic ball into the trees. A the waterthrush song, I hear look like mailboxes. possibility: We adapt. We Their real-estate mantra basketball hoop was is the same as ours: nailed to a hardwood in survive. We come back. location, location, the outfield for the location. teenagers who lived in Drawn to the floodplain by the allure of the cabin then. In time the teenagers grew up, the hippies helped to build a library and water, they scrape out their bunkers and last the poison ivy took back over. Just a few there until the first engulfing wave flushes years ago the hoop tree fell, lying on its side them from their homes. Then they move to

the upland address generally known as My Yard.

Every morning of this troubled spring my dog and I walk the floodplain, listening for the one that thrives here. The Louisiana waterthrush loves a good swampland.

Thrush-like in size and suit (think: robin without the racy vest), the skittish waterthrush is actually a warbler. His swingy, slurry song - sung in flight - travels with him as he zips low over the inlet from March to midsummer. Meanwhile his mate is fashioning a cupped nest in upturned tree roots or beneath the lip of the stream’s drooping banks.

I worry a flood will sweep the nest away.

Would she rebuild? How can her fragile brood survive when summer floods overwhelm the creek? Nest-time is short, ten days from hatching to flying, compared to the fourteen it takes the wren to raise a family. Does a shorter childhood give the waterthrush better odds against the river’s moods?

I don’t know. But each year I wait to hear those first whistled notes. I don’t care if it’s the same bird, a descendant, or a new tenant altogether.

In the waterthrush song, I hear possibility: We adapt. We survive. We come back.

Theater of perpetual change

SYBIL

restaurant industry is Sunday. People usually want to go out to eat with their family after attending church. The risk he took paid off handsomely for Chick-fil-a. Mr. Cathy didn’t stop there; he established orphan homes for youth,set up scholarship programs for his employee’s’ youth, and a myriad of other programs to help people. One of the premier college football bowl games that weenjoy watching every year is the Chick-fil-a Bowl Game. It cost millions of dollars to have your company name attached to a major bowl game as a sponsorer.

Tyler Perry is another very giving person.

Mr. Perry recently paid for the grocery bill of hundreds of senior citizens at several Kroger stores in metro Atlanta. That was a very generous gift for the people who were in a tight

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FRED O’NEAL from page 21

my time and it gave me more clarity as to the risks our officers take every day. We are fortunate in this community, yet we have to be vigilant everyday since many of us at any point and time will venture beyond the comfortable borders of Carroll County.

After wrestling mentally with how to put a larger scope in action with purpose, I came to the conclusion during a phone call with someone that I have mentored for 20 plus years that we must take the position that we need to protect each other. My associate

challenged me on the notion that that is what we have been doing all along, haven’t we?

To a larger degree, as I explained, my heartfelt responsibility is to look out for the safety and security for all of the people that I come in contact with within my limits. I am conditioned to help someone who has a flat tire on the side of the road. But how should I conduct myself as citizen, male, Christian, human being, etc., when I see someone’s rights being infringed upon? Do I look the other way since they are not of my race or

political affiliation? Or do I offer assistance, document, challenge, encourage or assist.

When I played little league baseball in the 1970s, we didn’t have a field crew. The coaches required each player to ‘Police the Area’, meaning that you were responsible for anything that was in a 20-foot circumference from where you stood. Collectively and figuratively as a community and society, we can and should embrace this concept to make us so much better. Let’s decide to protect each other.

FRED RICHARDS from page 21

that Without Sanctuary will inspire us, the living . . . to be more compassionate, loving, and caring. I recommend the book to persons wanting to understand more deeply the black experience in America, and particularly my white brothers and sisters who lack empathy for those protesting the killings, or who lack empathy for their fellow Americans who are sick and tired of being sick and tired.

I offer here no promising solutions to the persistence of racism or to the long list of daunting problems now facing all of us. I write because it’s more painful to remain a silent witness to the violence and despair taking place daily in our lives. In the evening of my long life, I want to do something to bring some hope, joy, and love to this troubled but worth-loving world and fortunately my wife, Anne, joins me in this. I have felt, at times, discouraged, even defeated. There have been moments when I wish I didn’t care so much.

The Buddhist monk Thich Nhat Hanh coined the term “interbeing” to describe how everything, including all of us, are interconnected and interrelated. For example, we may think of ourselves as separate human beings, but we’re actually all in this together.

And we are truly human to the degree we identify widely with one another and affirm

one another’s existence.

I find it helpful, as a psychotherapist and person, to imagine we are not only ourselves but are also the others who populate our world, even when it can be uncomfortable or threatening to do so. It is helpful to walk around in one another’s shoes, so to speak.

Identifying widely with others is a way of deepening and expanding our empathic connections with others, even those we fear.

For example, we can imagine we are George Floyd as he cries out, “I can’t breathe.” We are the police who, betraying their oath to protect and serve, take from him his very life. We are the heart-broken friends and family of George Floyd and countless others who have tragically died. We are the peaceful protestors and also those exploding with rage and violating the law. We are the dedicated officers risking their lives to enforce the law and protect our communities.

We are persons of all races overwhelmed with grief and terror as they witness their cities being looted and burned.We are the social justice advocates who, though discouraged, remain committed to creating an America “with liberty and justice for all.”

We are the correspondents and camera crews revealing in real time part of the soul of America we often deny or ignore. We are the

elected and appointed officials in our country and in our cities and towns choosing to stand up and speak or remain silent in the face of injustice. As Americans, we are all of this - and more.

Seeking to see things from the point of view of others enriches our humanity and helps us to be a source of healing, hope, and reconciliation.

Be clear: identifying with others as part of our human family does not prevent us from holding those accountable who break the law, destroy property, and violate the rights of others. It can help us, however, to be persons embodying (always imperfectly!) the very peace, justice, caring, and respect we hope may become the shared values and goals of our country and communities.

How you and I - all of us - choose to respond to the full reality of who we are as Americans testifies to how human we are and what we believe America can be.

We need to change, to face who we are, and, together, make palpably real the democratic ideals we espouse. As Margaret Wheatley writes in So Far From Home, Lost and Found in Our Brave New World, there will be no real change until, “we open ourselves to the world as it is, open to the enormous tragedy of our time.”

ERNIE REYNOLDS from page 21

that it would be good to get an RFP (request for proposal or “bid”) process for the upcoming year! Yes, it certainly would!

Problem #5: I find that the county has contracted with the same firm for several years - but no one readily knew exactly how long. During these several years, no periodic, routine competitive bids have been obtained - except for one year - which brings up Problem #6.

Problem #6: A few years ago (most likely 2017/2018, from what I was told), a comparative bid for this same product was obtained from another firm. This other firm’s price was supposedly $135,000 less than the firm the county has always gone with. So, knowing that, it only made me wonder if the county could now get a better price by somewhere around $135,000 or $150,000 for the same product/insurance coverage. In other words, how much of the taxpayers’ money is being wasted by the county each year by continuing to go with the same firm and never get comparative price information?!

Or are we getting the best price possible?

We have no idea!

Problem #7: From what I was told, the year the alternate price was obtained, that alternate price of $135,000 lower was leaked back to the incumbent firm. Subsequently, the incumbent firm put in a revised price, which was approximately $135,500 lower than their original price. So - the county ended up going again with the same incumbent firm for the $135,500 lowered price after they were forced to price their product lower.

Problem #8: As I only had two working days to find out all this information, I could not actually conduct an “audit” of this and had to rely on information I was told - but, given that, Problem # 8 is: To prevent another insurance broker from getting a

quote from an insurance carrier, an insurance broker can submit a “false proposal” to an insurance carrier. This results in the insurance carrier then disallowing any other requests for an insurance quote from another broker (e.g., a competitor broker). So, this devious practice results in an original broker being able to block or prevent any other broker from competitively bidding. What a way to “price fix” the market!

Now - having found out all of the above information quickly, I am very appalled at the county’s ongoing practices involving this ongoing annual contract, which soaks up about $700,000-$800,000 of your taxpayer dollars every year! I’m glad I questioned the county’s practices - and questioned the insurance broker who presented the proposed contract for the upcoming year, along with the nearly $100,000 premium increase.

I assure you that, as your District 5

Commissioner, I will continue to press for the county to implement a fool-proof RFP process so that us District Commissioners will know, based on competitive, sealed bids, whether we are getting the best price for these services, without any price-fixing stunts. Not implementing this is simply not acceptable - and I just cannot lie down and tolerate knowing that the county has not done its due diligence to protect your hardearned taxpayer dollars! And to think this has been going on for years at the tune of now $800,000/ year - is simply ludicrous!

For my discussion of this at our recent June 2nd Board of Commissioners’ meeting, see the county’s website video of this meeting on YouTube. This insurance contract topic was covered about mid-way through the meeting. Thanks and please see my FaceBook page at Ernest “Ernie” Reynolds District 5 Commissioner.

KELVIN KEITH from page 23

homeless in the very near future. Tyler Perry learned of their story and he gave tremendously.

He said that he would pay for the daughter’s college expenses, pay for the expenses of the other kids, and pay up front for ten years rent in their apartment so that they would not have to worry about being evicted.

Tyler Perry has the largest film studio in the world owned by a black man. I believe some of you are getting the picture. Being small in our own eye sight is nothing to shy away from for our teenagers.

This ideal just sets the tone for life that our youth can adopt which will lay the foundation for their continued success in life. You can be a successful surgeon, lawyer, business owner, etc.; and yet, by adding this important characteristic to your future occupation, you will excel in your career.

could impact the relationships locally in a negative. A few years ago, for example, I questioned Chief Joel Richards on the protocols of a traffic stop after my then teenage son had been pulled over for a traffic violation. My son Wilson’s account of the police encounter raised questions that I wanted answered. The chief encouraged me to participate in the Citizens Police Academy to get a better understanding of how law enforcement operates. It was a great use of another ministerial student and I at a private Baptist University in Florida wrote a resolution calling for the school to integrate. After the Ministerial Association approved the resolution, the story of our stand appeared in newspapers around the country. In response, the University President and the professors in the Department of Religion said nothing to me, with the exception of Dr. Ed. Holmes, who placed his hand on my shoulder and said, “I want you to know I’m proud of you.” Not long after that I was summoned to an office where I was confronted by a redfaced, angry Dean of the Chapel who pointed at me and yelled: “You have destroyed a great University!” I believe much progress has been made since then, and yet, much, unfortunately, has stayed the same.

One of the most troubling books in my home library is Without Sanctuary, Lynching Photography in America. Congressman John Lewis, in the Foreword, writes: “Many people today, despite the evidence, will not believe - don’t want to believe -that such atrocities happened in America not so long ago. These photographs bear witness to the hangings, burnings, castrations, and torture of an American holocaust. . . . It is my hope

is a necessary product that we cannot let lapse without potentially dire consequences.

As I mentioned, it has been with the same firm for several years.

Problem #2: We do not have a clue if we can get this service/product for any less cost from any other firm. (And, no, the “local” firm the county has been using is not the only local firm who can provide this product and, further, the “local” firm the county has been using is actually part of an LLC that operates, so I hear, out of New York). The reason we have no clue is that we district commissioners were handed this nearly $800,000 annual contract without any other bids or cost comparison information being obtained by the county.

Problem #3: This $794,000 annual contract reflects a nearly $100,000 increase from last year’s annual contract price to the county of $696,603. So now we district commissioners are faced not only with a $794,000 bill to pay in the upcoming year, but we suddenly are made aware that the bill is going up by about $100,000 from last year! Why were we district commissioners not made aware of this earlier - in time for competitive prices for the same product to be obtained?

If the bill goes up that much, no matter how valid the reason may seem, it should be a red flag to at least comparison shop - if for no other reason than to ensure efficient pricing.

Problem #4: During our work session, I asked if the county has a process by which this contracted product is put out to bid every so often, e.g., every two or three years. I also indicated that such a periodic bidding process would keep firms honest, knowing that they were going to face competition. The answer was, no, there is no process by which the county obtains periodic bids for this product! But, after I asked, it was indicated

decision of whether to pay for a grocery bill or utility bill.

I remember a news story covered on WSB channel 2 news about two or three years ago about the murder of a woman. This was not just a single woman who only had herself to care for. This woman was gunned down by her boyfriend. The man who took her life not only destroyed her life, but also the lives of her children. She had maybe (if my memory is correct) three or four children who depended on her. There was one daughter in college and the others were still in high school and elementary school. They all lived in an apartment. The landlord had stated that the kids would have to be evicted eventually if they could not make the monthly payments.

Anyone could see from the news coverage that these innocent children were going to be

Can you save for retirement, kids’ education, and your comfortable retirement at same time?

CHARLES

SHIVER FINANCIAL ADVISOR

Typically, this time of year is filled with graduation ceremonies and celebrations. But with the coronavirus pandemic, not much has been typical lately. Eventually, though, things will return to normal and schools will reopen for in-person learning. And if you have young children, you may want to save for their higher education, whether that be college or trade school.

At the same time, though, you’re moving ever closer to retirement. Can you save for your kids’ education and a comfortable retirement for yourself at the same time? It is indeed possible, although you may need to prioritize somewhat. Specifically, you may not want to put off saving for retirement in favor of education. But by viewing these goals together and investing as early as possible in each of them, you can take advantage of one of your biggest assets – time.

Of course, you’ll still have to budget your resources. You want to invest as much as you can, but not so much that your monthly cash flow is crimped. Consequently, you may have to consider retiring later, contributing less to your child’s education, or a combination of the two. But in terms of logistics, you can make saving and investing easier.

First, consider your retirement accounts.

If you have a traditional 401(k) or similar plan, your contributions come out of your paycheck before you even see the money – so it’s about as painless a way of building your retirement fund as possible. Put in as much as your budget allows and consider increasing your contributions when you receive a raise at work. You can also direct your bank to move money each month from your savings or checking account into your IRA. Now, let’s move to your other key goal: education. Several education funding vehicles are available, but one of the most

Carroll County pistol permits

Number of Firearm Permits applied for (carry permit) May 1-31, 2020: 156

Carroll County jail population Total population as of June 8, 2020: 316 Males: 273 Females: 43

Carroll County cattle receipts

Carroll County Sale Barn 225 Sale Barn Road, Carrollton May 25 2020: 441 May 18, 2020: 400 May 11 2020: 329 May 4, 2020: 354

popular is the 529 plan. Your earnings grow tax-deferred and withdrawals are free from federal tax, provided the money is used for qualified higher education expenses. (529 plan withdrawals not used for qualified expenses may be subject to federal and state income tax and a 10% IRS penalty on the earnings.) Furthermore, your 529 plan contributions may earn a state tax deduction or credit if you participate in your own state’s plan.

You can set up recurring contributions from a bank account to a 529 plan. And you don’t have to fund your 529 plan on your own. Instead of gifts for birthdays, holidays, graduations and other occasions, why not ask friends and relatives to contribute to the 529 plan you’ve set up for your child?

They’re all eligible to participate – and their contributions may earn them tax benefits if they live in your state and you’ve invested in your own state’s plans.

A financial advisor can help you plan for more than one goal, understand the benefits and tradeoffs of your decisions, and make the process of saving for those goals easier.

So, get the help you need to stay on track – or rather, two tracks – toward the important objectives of education and retirement.

Charles Shiver is a financial advisor, Edward Jones, 102 Trojan Drive, Suite B, Carrollton, GA 770-834-4311

StarNews June 14, 2020 Page 25 Public Swimming Pools health inspections www.starnewsgaonline.com

Wyndham at Fairfield, 1622 Lakeview Pkwy Villa Rica 100 Fairfield Competition Pool, Villa Rica, GA 100 Fairfield Splash Pad, Villa Rica, GA 100 Super 8 Hotel, 901 South Park Street, Carrollton, GA 100 Western Inn, 182 Centennial Drive, Carrollton, GA 100 Red Roof Inn, 1111 Bankkhead Hwy, Carrollton, GA 100 The Reserve Pool, 919 Lovvorn Rd, Carrollton, GA 100 Hickory Falls Apts, 801 NE Hickory Level Rd, Carrollton, GA 100 Millstone Apts, 233 Hay’s Mill Rd, Carrollton, GA 100 Westwood Student Living Apts, 1321 Lovvorn Rd, Carrollton, GA 100 Oak Mountain Golf, 429 Birkdale Blvd, Carrollton, GA 99 Sunset Hills Country Club Main Pool, 201 W Club Dr, Carrollton, GA 99 Sunset Hills Country Club Kid Pool, 201 W Club Dr, Carrollton, GA 99 Hampton Inn, 102 South Cottage Road, Carrollton, GA 99 Timbercrest Apts, 316 Columbia Drive, Carrollton, GA 90

restaurant health inspections scores 5/21/2020: K&D Hotdog Stand, 153 Governors Ln, Temple

100 previous 100

5/28/2020: Subway Walmart, 1725 S Hwy 27, Carrollton 95 previous 89 5/20/2020: McDonald’s, 1101 South Park St, Carrollton

94 previous 88

5/28/2020: Martin’s, 612 Bankhead Hwy, Carrollton

91 previous 84

5/21/2020: Applebee’s, 1105 South Park St, Carrollton

89 previous 86

5/28/2020: Johnny’s New York Pizza, 1670 S Hwy 27, Carrollton 88 previous 88 5/26/2020: Little Caeser’s Pizza, 911South Park St, Carrollton 81 previous 89

Carroll County marriage licenses

MAY 1, 2020- MAY 31, 2020

Page 26 June 14, 2020

StarNews

www.starnewsgaonline.com

Villa Rica City council and mayor meet CoVID-19 style: recreation department issues 600 refund checks due to cancellation of activities due to coronavirus shutdowns

by Prissi Sullivan Villa Rica City Council met on May 26, 2020 at the Holt-Bishop Justice Center on Main Street in Villa Rica. Officials were distanced 6 feet apart.

Kendall Coleman, 2020 graduate of Villa Rica High School, lead the pledge to the flag.

She was a member of the Lady Wildcats basketball team, president of the school’s National Honor Society, member of Future Business Leaders of America and of student government. She turned down basketball scholarships to focus on studying environment, economics, and management at the University of Georgia. “She was a star in the classroom, as well as on the basketball court,” stated Mayor Gil McDougal.

McDougal implemented the program of highlighting a young person of the county at each council meeting.

The mayor recapped the decision re: recycling. The decision was reached by consideration of specific criteria. The city could keep the program, but would have to increase rates to keep a recycling program in name only—most of the “recyclables” ended up in the landfill; could cancel the program and avoid an increase in fees; or the city could formulate a plan to better educate the public and police their behavior as far as recycling, which didn’t seem practical.

Therefore, the decision was made to cancel the program. The city is looking at other ways and means of recycling in the city.

Chief Financial Officer, Sarah Andrews, presented the financial update. Total of Cash on hand plus CD is $18,445,120 as of April

30, 2020. The total was $14,415,111 on April 30, 2019. The general fund contains $7,928,892 (compared to $6,669.246 in 2019), while the water/sewer shows a balance of $3,015,435 ($2,146,597 in 2019).

Sanitation/Solid Waste Fund increased from a negative $30,493 in 2019 to $4,550 in 2020.

The 2008 Carroll SPLOST account contains $224,374, while the 2015 Carroll SPLOST account has $1,767,184, and the 2016 Douglas SPLOST has $1,601,600.

Building permits increased from 134 in 2019 to 148 in 2020 for a revenue of $307,255. Water taps dropped from 147 in 2019 to 137 in 2020; revenue went from $220,500 to $205,500. Sewer taps went from 136 in 2019 to 138 in 2020 and reflected a revenue of $552,000.

After three rate increases, the water/sewer fund revenues for April 2020 were $5,045,000, while the total expenses were $4,103,974. The net income was $941,968.

The sanitation/solid waste revenues totaled $756,597, and expenses totaled $718,521. The net income from this account was $38,076. The net income for April 2019 was $18,387.

Carroll County sales tax collection received in April were $122,691. Douglas County sales tax collection was $106,007.

These taxes were for March; April numbers are not yet available. McDougal pointed out that the sales tax numbers for April will give a clearer picture of the impact of the economic shutdown caused by the COVID-19

from press release Graduates of the Class of 2020 received $21.4 million in scholarship offers from colleges and universities, setting a new record.

The average scholarship offer total over the previous five years was $13.5 million and does not include the HOPE/Zell Miller scholarships, which is projected to award an additional $1.2 million to 244 CHS graduates this year.

Most of the awards were offered by educational institutions, but there also were dozens of private awards presented by individuals and nonprofit entities, including the Carrollton City Schools Education Foundation.

While many students earned awards for academic achievement, two graduates were presented $10,000 awards from the REACH Scholarship program for fulfilling their commitment to focus on academic success.

S’Nyah Florence and Dacious Wright were named REACH Scholars as eighth graders and are the first REACH Scholarship recipients in Carrollton High School history.

Carrollton High School has the mission to offer a classic high school education that places strong emphasis on academic, arts and athletics.

On the academic front, Jennifer Camilo received $1.26 million in scholarship offers while Rachel Herrera garnered $582,245, Madison Bush $450,947, and Edward Bohannon $414,500. Edward did not accept any of the offers to instead attend Yale

University in the fall.

Scholarships for the arts were also abundant, especially in band and performing arts.

Anna Lowry has accepted a scholarship to study vocal performance at New York University after receiving offers from several other schools that specialize in this area.

Ben Bradley, a leader in the CHS band program, earned $99,000 in offers to take music performance to the next level.

There were also many athletic scholarship offers, with Trojan football standout Kevin Swint garnering the bulk with a total offering value of $1.7 million. He eventually accepted a scholarship from Clemson University and actually graduated high school at the end of first semester to start training with the Tigers. Close behind Kevin was basketball standout Melvin Edwards who received $1.6 million. Trojan football’s Kodee Brewer earned $921,900 in a combination of academic and football scholarship offers. He signed in February to accept an award to play for the Berry College Vikings.

Moten twins, Malachi and Micah, both committed to play football for Reinhardt University after entertaining more than $1 million collectively in scholarship offers.

“All of these students are among our top academic and athletic performers, but are also well-rounded, versatile students involved in many school activities,” said CHS Principal David Brooks. “I look forward to following their college journey with pride.”

Congratulations on your 70th Wedding Anniversary

Kelley Warnol 70th Wedding Ed & Betty Anniversary Wilson 6/25/1950 - 6/25/2020 The Wilsons From the family you created Kelley, Ed, Kay & John

See VILLA RICA COUNCIL page 27

Carrollton High graduates receive $21.5M in college/university scholarship offers

chamber

www.starnewsgaonline.com

StarNews

June 14, 2020 Page 27

WGTC Foundation awards 63 scholarships totaling $31,000 for summer semester from press release The West Georgia Technical College Foundation awarded 63 students with over $31,000 in scholarships for Summer Semester 2020.

“On behalf of our Foundation Board of Trustees, we want to congratulate all of the scholarship recipients on their academic success,” Foundation Board of Trustees President Bryant Hightower said. “We’re so proud to know that our partners’ investments, as well as our own, are being spent wisely on such a dedicated and skilled workforce. We are grateful to all of our partners and donors who make these investments possible.”

Angel Reynolds, a recipient of a WGTC Foundation Scholarship, thanked the Foundation in a written note.

“My journey through life has not been the easiest. Being a 22-year-old single mom of two kids has been both a blessing and a struggle. Throughout the years, I have been continuously told that I would not be able to accomplish my goals just because I am a young mom,” Reynolds wrote.

“That fueled me to work even harder, and now I am in my sophomore year of my Business Healthcare Technology and Healthcare Management Programs, with plans to apply to the Registered Nursing program after I complete these programs. Your Foundation will always be remembered and cherished by me because I know that there are people out there who want me to succeed and chase after my goals. I am beyond grateful to be able to attend the summer semester at WGTC thanks to this scholarship.”

The WGTC Foundation has also experienced more success in the last year with its Gap Funding program. The Gap Funding program was started in 2018 as a retention initiative to guarantee students’ outstanding tuition balances. The program “fills the gap” in a student’s ability to fully fund his or her education at WGTC. Students are expected to repay the amount awarded to them, establishing a culture of responsibility and creating sustainability for future students in need of funding. Since its inception, over 700 students have been beneficiaries of the program.

VILLA RICA COUNCIL from page 26

fall sports is complete,” said Coleman, “so we do have a little time.”

City Manager Tom Barber updated the council on the closure of the Liberty Road bridge. “If you live on the Liberty Road, Pool Road, Edge Road side of town,” explained Barber, “you will be able to drive to work in Atlanta, but not come back over the bridge. You will either have to get off at the Post Road Exit or the Highway 61 Exit.

If on the Mirror Lake side, you cannot go to Atlanta over the bridge. Mirror Lake folks are going to have trouble if they need to go somewhere down Liberty Road.” The bridge is scheduled to be closed for 6 weeks.

Barber announced the resignation of Vickie Coleman, who has turned in her 2week notice. Coleman stated she was pleased with a lot of projects she has worked on and started. “These projects will be assets to the city, and I wish everyone the best,” stated Coleman.

Regarding the July meetings, the first work session will be July 9, followed by the regular meeting on July 14. There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned.

pandemic. The recreation department issued over 600 refund checks due to cancellation of activities. The total of these refunds was $49,237.

The self-funded insurance has been an asset to the city. April employer/employee contributions were $130,769; fiscal year to date--$944,606. Expenses, which consist of administrative costs plus claims paid, were $109,436 for April and totaled $748,814 for the fiscal year. “No reason to regret that decision,” declared the mayor.

Council discussed what would be feasible for fall recreation programs. Vickie Coleman, Director of Parks and Rec, explained that recreation departments are not only governed by cities and counties, the also answer to GRPA. “At the moment,” said Coleman, “we are working through our own guidelines which will be a better fit than the high school association.”

There is a regional meeting in the near future to provide more guidelines and consistency.

“The end of July is when registration for

ELECTION RESULTS from front page

District 18 between Cason Hightower and Tyler Paul Smith. Hightower earned 49.69% of the votes, 3,720 votes, and Smith earned 33.14%, 3,723 votes.

The third candidate in that race was Lane Daniel at 17.17%, 1,285 votes.

The August 11th runoff winner of District 18 will face Democrat candidate Pat Rhudy in November.

State Senator District 30 Mike Dugan was the only Republican in his race. Of the Democrat candidates, there will be a runoff between Triana Arnold James who earned 41.49% of the vote or 3,278 votes, and Montenia Edwards who earned 38.23% of the votes, or 3,020 votes.

The third candidate in that race was Afoma Eguh-Okafor who received 20.28%, 1,602 votes.

The winner of the runoff will face Dugan in November.

State Representative District 68 J Collins, Republican, was the only candidate in his race. He had a Democrat challenger, Dominique Conteh, but she was disqualified to run by a judge in April.

The newest member of the Carrollton City Council is Jacqueline Elaine Bridges, earning 297 votes, 52.20%, with her opponents Rodney Ridley at 31.28% or 178 votes, and Danielle Fluck at 16.52% or 94 votes. Bridges earned more than 50% plus one vote avoiding a runoff.

Results for the four open Carroll County Board of Education seats: District 1: Bernice Brooks is the winner at 53.07% 1,244 votes edging out incumbent Rob Cleveland by a margin of 144 votes at 46.93% or 1,100 votes.

District 3: Kerry Miller won over incumbent Bob Pinckney by a close 78 votes. Miller received 51.29% or 1,545 votes; Pinckney at 48.71% or 1,467 votes.

District 4: Incumbent Clayton Kierbow kept his seat with 65.18% of the vote, 1,649 votes, over challenger Jessie Strickland 34,82%, 881 votes.

District 6: Long time incumbent at 20 years on the Carroll County School Board of Education Bart Cater won with 67.17% of the votes, 1,950, against challenger Daivd Smith who earned 32.83% of the votes or 953 votes.

“The beauty of the Gap Funding program is that students are expected to repay the amount we guarantee, thereby replenishing the fund for future students,” Executive Director of Institutional Advancement Kelsey Jones said. “Students are repaying the program at a rate of 94-99 percent each semester, so we’ve spent only a fraction of what we’ve guaranteed. We’re very impressed by our students’ sense of responsibility to this program and their understanding of the importance to ‘pay it forward’ when they can.”

Scholarships are offered each semester to students in a variety of programs and locations at WGTC. For more information about scholarship opportunities available, please visit

Jaime Best Owner

www.westgatech.edu/foundationscholarship.

To learn more about establishing or contributing to a scholarship fund or how you can get involved with gap funding, please contact Kelsey Jones at kelsey.jones@westgatech.edu.

West Georgia Technical College, with campuses in Carroll, Coweta, Douglas, Haralson and Troup counties and class sites in Heard and Meriwether counties, offers more than 120 associate degree, diploma, and technical certificate programs of study.

A unit of the Technical College System of Georgia, West Georgia Tech is one of the largest of the state’s 22 technical colleges.

For more information, please visit westgatech.edu

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Septic Solutions

Page 28 June 14, 2020

StarNews www.starnewsgaonline.com

EXPERIENCE 5 STAR CHIROPRACTIC CARE AND NEXT LEVEL MEDICAL CARE FOR PAIN RELIEF

by Dr Ralph Templeton “Maybe you haven’t heard this but there’s a very dangerous life threatening health crisis in America that is so preventable it is an outrage that we have it at all! I am not speaking of the Flu or diabetes, or even cancer although I might some day. I am referring to the over use of narcotic pain medication by the medical community along with our unsuspecting and trusting public.

They have in the last couple years actually lowered the life expectancy of white women in this country just because of that.

The problem exists mainly because people and the medical doctors themselves are listening to biased information and public relations efforts from the pharmaceutical industry. It is also submitted by unwise medical practitioners who disparage alternative approaches to health issues at large but pain relief in particular. It is now common knowledge that the third leading cause of death in the USA is by medical mistakes.

“I am now entering my 34th year in practice. My clinic in Bremen is notorious for assisting those who are sick and afflicted with chronic pain syndromes in their quest to get better,” claims Dr. Ralph Templeton of Bremen Family Health and Wellness Center and Axiom Chiropractic in Villa Rica. “My patient base include young and old, those injured by trauma and those with no trauma in their history, and those with chronic illnesses such as diabetes, cancer and cardiovascular afflictions, infections like Lyme disease, fibromyalgia, and other autoimmune diseases. I know how to treat post surgical pain problems safely and very efficaciously. Thirty percent or more of my practice consists of those who have already had spine surgery.

What is truly unique about my

Dr Ralph Templeton with Heather Alexander CA approach is we’re using a broad range of treatment modalities (PEMF, high frequency ultra-sound aka Rife Frequencies) of which remain undiscovered by the general public.

Personal Stories, “I was injured in an auto accident where I live in South Carolina and suffered severe neck and low back pain. I treated locally for a week or two but was committed to travel plans to Texas with my wife (by car).

We left out of South Carolina and got as far as Villa Rica, GA when I was absolutely incapacitated with the pain and had to stop for the night. I asked the local people who I needed to see for these injuries that was considered to be the best around and was advised to see Dr Templeton. I called his office and they took me in and I could not believe how good he was to me and how well his approach worked for my problems was. I have tried 4 or 5 chiropractic doctors through the years but I have not had treatment like that before.

He used techniques I had not seen before.

He got me back on my feet in three days good enough for me to make my trip west and back to him 3 weeks later. Just unbelievable! That was 2 years ago and I have traveled back down to see him for two day treatments every month since that time.

There is no chiropractor on par with this man.”

Jimmy from SC “I have been sick for three years. I am weak, depressed, I am tired all the time, lost my appetite and a considerable amount of weight. All this time I have suffered with neck pain and stiffness. I have been to medical doctors, physical therapy, and

chiropractors with only a little help. Finally, one day the Chiropractor I was seeing told me about his mentor and chiropractor Dr. Ralph Templeton in Bremen, GA. I was hesitant about seeking Dr Templeton because I live 2 hours away in the Birmingham, AL area and my husband would have to miss work to take me there. I prayed about it and decided I would try and get an appointment with him and I did. Wow! what an experience it was. No clinician I have known approached my problems with me like him and after the first adjustment I knew I had made the right decision.

I have improved substantially and now believe I have found the right doctor to lead me out of my health problems."

Susan R. Birmingham, AL “I’m 68 yrs/old and had been suffering with severe low back and sciatic leg pain for 6 months or more when finally I was unable to continue to play golf with my friends because of it. During that time I had tried physical therapy and medical doctors and was advised by my physical therapist not to put any faith in the chiropractic community. She had me try needling and exercises but I just could not get the results I needed. One of my friends urged me to try his chiropractor Dr Ralph Templeton in Villa Rica, GA. So, I did and I felt better the very first visit than all the therapy I had taken in the prior 6 months. I’d have to tell you that if you are experiencing a problem with serious back pain try Dr Ralph Templeton he’s the real deal."

(Name withheld by request) Dr Templeton, his staff, and associates are uniquely qualified to deliver a variety participate in over 80 different health plans as well as Medicare, Workers Compensation and personal injury claims. Bremen Family Health and Wellness Center 507 Alabama Avenue, Bremen (770- 537-5555) Axiom Chiropractic, NEW location 941 S. Carroll Road Suite C, (770-459-8782)