StarNews March 2021 Issue

StarNews

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

NEWS REPORTING / NEWS RECAP / NEWS ANALYSIS

How is the 2nd Amendment faring in the state of Georgia? - see story beginning page 4 Also, The The Birches Birches At At Villa Villa Rica Rica -- aa new new Also, see story story page page 66 concept in in senior senior living living -- see concept

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StarNews monthly traditional print publication / StarNews Online daily local news

MARCH 14, 2021 • VOLUME 27 NUMBER 3

Quarry developer to proceed with County reaches out to residents lawsuit against county after appeals as SPLOST vote nears: March 16 board upholds zoning certificate denial Question hangs as to who asked for what and when?

by Sue Horn Although the Carroll County government prevailed at the Thursday, Feb. 11, 2021, hearing with a vote by the board of appeals to uphold the decision to deny Green Rock, LLC the zoning necessary to proceed with a quarry as a commercial aggragate facility in the Whitesburg area, the battle is far from over.

The county has answered Green Rock’s 18 page lawsuit, and begun the discovery process, a pre-trial procedure to obtain evidence from

both parties through document requests and interrogations of involved persons, usually an expensive process.

It became evident at the February three and a half hour hearing that the case will hinge on the basic question of ‘who asked for what and when?’ Followed with the question: at what point in time did it become officially known to the county of Green Rock’s complete and full intentions for the property?

See QUARRY LAWSUIT page 12

Two Lions Clubs join efforts to host a community diabetes and testing event Saturday, March 27th

2021 $119M SPLOST: Will county residents get ad-min building this go round?

by Brandon Kerr County voters passed the 2015 Carroll County District 2 SPLOST in 2013 that included Commissioner Clint Chance held two a new or remodeled administration town hall meetings in February to disbuilding and accompanying cuss the county’s upcoming SPLOST parking area: money was vote, which will be held on March 16th. collected, but spent elsewhere The first meeting was held at Fairfield Recreation Center and the second was Will residents get admin building broadcast live on Facebook from Villa and parking with newest SPLOST? Rica Public library. The second meeting can be viewed on Chance’s Facebook expected to bring an additional estipage: www.facebook.com/clint.chance.7/ mated $119 million dollars into the local economy to be split between the county videos/10103723770835658 Chance, along with county Communi- and cities contained therein. These funds cations Director Ashley Hulsey, extolled are tagged for specific projects that are the benefits of SPLOST, presenting a not typically covered by tax revenue. laundry list of projects the tax has helped Some purposes for which SPLOST has support, as well as ways funds might be been used in the past are public safety purchases, road improvements, as well spent in the future.

The one cent Special Purpose Local as Parks and Recreation projects.

Option Sales Tax, if renewed, is See NEXT SPLOST page 11

Carrollton City Council and Mayor hear 2020 audit: $1.4M increase in revenues Unassigned General Fund Balance (cash reserves) at $13,848,357 which gives city a surplus 6.3 months “rainy day” fund

Shown above left to right are Lions Club members Doyle Akins, District Governor Tom Jackson, Club President Joe Harris, and Event Coordinator Karen Wild. through Lions Clubs International Foundation. from press release A “Diabetes Testing and Education Event” It will be held on Saturday, March 27th at the with a diabetes friendly lunch will be open to Carrollton Center for the Arts, downtown the community with registration on Eventbrite. Carrollton, from 12-3:00 p.m. The sponsoring The event is sponsored by Carrollton and Villa partner providing the testing is the University Rica Golden City Lions Clubs with a grant See LION CLUBS page 8

by Brandon Kerr The Carrollton Financial Audit for fiscal year 2020 was presented before the council and mayor at their monday, March 1st meeting. The audit was presented by representative of the city’s audit firm, Rushton & Co., Chris Hollifield. In attendance at the meeting were Mayor Betty B. Cason, Ward 1 member and Mayor Pro Tem, Jacqulene Bridges, Ward 2 member, Brett Ledbetter, Ward 3 member, Jim Waters, and Ward 4 member, Bob Uglum. All council members, as well as the mayor, were wearing masks.

Hollifield explained that the city’s net

position (total assets less liabilities) was at $198,953,419 at the end of Fiscal Year 2020 and that revenues over expenses totaled $3,615,115, a $1.4 million increase over last year.

Hollifield went on to state that the city held an Unassigned General Fund (cash reserves) Balance of $13,848,357, which amounts to roughly 6.3 months of operating expenses, surpassing a recommended 3-4 months of operating reserves, which he classified as “a very healthy place for the city to be”.

Mayor Cason praised her staff for their financial aptitude, which has

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Page 2 March 14, 2021

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on adamson square

3.25 5PM

TAKEOVER ART / MUSIC / LANTERN PARADE

Local artists will take over downtown with amazing exhibits, art demonstrations and live music. Check out the shops and treat yourself to drinks and great food along the way. At the end of the night, a lantern parade will light up the square!

details > caRrolltonarts.coM

Decades www.starnewsgaonline.com

StarNews March 14, 2021 Page 3

OF PROGRESS & DEPENDABILITY

Vote

YES

March 16 or Earlier

Who would have thought a penny sales tax could produce so much progress? But SPLOST has done this for the past three decades and it’s because of voters like you who have been consistently supportive of this funding tool. Here’s why:

• It is an EXISTING TAX, not a new one • It keeps our property taxes low • Voters approve projects & timelines • Non-resident shoppers & tourists generate 30% of SPLOST revenue

CAST YOUR “YES” VOTE EARLY! Details: http://bit.ly/SPLOST2021

S P L O S T

Paid for by Friends for Carroll County Progress • Jay Gill, chairman; Kirby Butler, treasurer • 200 Northside Drive, Carrollton, GA 30117

Page 4 March 14, 2021

StarNews

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The state of the 2nd Amendment in the State of Georgia

Legislation proposal to repeal Stand Your Ground, delays in obtaining carrying permits, ammunition shortages: how healthy is the 2nd Amendment?

GeorgiaCarry.org has goal for the State of Georgia to become a “Constitutional Carry State” infringed’ means shall not be infringed.” to five years.

by Sue Horn goal for the State of Georgia to join the GCO watches, and is involved with, laws status of eighteen other states as a “ConstitAlso, there are currently seventeen states In recent decades, the 2nd Amendment has taken repeated beatings and bruisings, so that have “Red Flag Laws”. This is a law or pending legislation that utional Carry State”.

U.S. States that are much so, that many citizens today are con- that permits law enforcement, through an attacks or waters down the Constitutional carry may also “Constitutional Carry”: be called “permitless carry” or cerned about its permanent status as recog- order of a judge, to confiscate a citizen’s fire- 2nd Amendment.

Alaska Currently, one of the nized in the United States Constitution: Will arms and hold the weapons for an indefinite “unrestricted carry” in which Arizona the right for American citizens to purchase, period of time based on the opinion of organization’s focal points is a citizen may carry a handgun Arkansas own, and use a firearm be retained? Should another citizen that he or she is a “danger”. to address the current pro- either open or concealed armed Georgians be concerned their rights In other words, you could lose your 2nd tracted delays caused by Idaho without a license or permit, as will be lost through piecemeal legislation Amendment rights and your firearms due to CoVID in obtaining a carry it is a constitutional right to do Kansas that whittles down ownership, sales, and another person’s (neighbor, roommate, for- license. Pre-CoVID, a citiso. (This would not include a Kentucky mer lover) opinion of you, and not due to zen could walk into their use? long gun or certain long Maine This year, Georgia State Senator Gloria any behavior on your part, criminal or county’s probate court, fill knives.) The phrase “constitMississippi out forms, etc. and then Butler (Democrat, District 55) introduced otherwise. utional carry” means no Missouri It is the above listed attacks on the U.S. receive a carry permit in the Senate Bill 135 which among other actions, restrictions on gun rights, Montana and if passed, would repeal the current 2nd Amendment that keep the state level gun U.S. mail within two weeks. including the right to carry or New Hampshire “Stand Your Ground” statute (no duty to rights organization GeorgiaCarry.org (GCO) As of press time, in Carroll bear arms. This status would Oklahoma retreat) and repeal the statute that allows a motivated to continue with their mission: County, it is a one month render moot the need to wait North Dakota citizen to defend him/herself, or others, in “dedicated to preserving and protecting the wait just to schedule the for a probate court to issue South Dakota rights of its members to keep and bear arms appointment with probate, self defense. you a permit. This status Also, in January of this year, longtime as protected by the Second Amendment to then a 4 to 6 week wait for would render moot most of Utah the license (or license Texas representative Sheila Jackson Lee the United States Constitution”. the situations described Vermont GeorgiaCarry.org, a non-profit, describes renewal) to arrive in the (Democrat) introduced into Congress House earlier: West Virginia Resolution 127 that calls for the “registration itself as “Georgia’s no-compromise voice for U.S. mail (which is also - “Stand Your Ground” Wyoming gun owners.” For the experiencing its own would be recognized as a The phrase “constitutional carry” reflects the fourteen years it has CoVID delays). As of press time, it is an Constitutional Right rendering any legislabeen in existence, GCO eight month wait in Fulton County to get an tion unconstitutional view that the Second Amendment to the U.S. has been a active appointment, then another 4 to 6 weeks.

- Congresswoman Sheila Jackson’s fireConstitution does not abide restrictions on gun watchdog and advocate Gwinnett County Probate Court opened its arms/ammunition registration and accomparights, including the right to carry or bear arms. for 2nd Amendment doors to walk-in applicants (first come, first nying fines and imprisonment would be recrights. GCO believes served) on March 1, 2021, for the first time ognized as unconstitutional of firearms”; “licensing of firearms and that: “The Second Amendment to the Bill of since closing for CoVID last year.

- Red Flag laws would be recognized as One direct way to eliminate this delay unconstitutional ammunition possession”; and “prohibit pos- Rights doesn’t just apply in certain locations session of certain ammunition”. If her reso- or to special people favored by the govern- problem is to eliminate the need to obtain a - Requiring a carry permit would be reclution should ever became law, penalties for ment. The right of the people to keep and carry license in the first place. This would be ognized as unconstitutional violations would include fines from $10,000 bear arms applies everywhere and to all of us through something called “Constitutional One of the six GeorgiaCarry.org founding to $100,000 and imprisonments of one year without qualification. ‘Shall not be Carry”. GeorgiaCarry.org has the overall See 2nd AMENDMENT page 5

Committees Public Safety and Homeland Security - Chairman Regulated Industries Special Committee on Access to the Civil Justice System - Member Appropriations - Member Governmental Affairs - Member Juvenile Justice - Secretary

Capitol Address 408-C Coverdell Legislative Office Bldg.

Atlanta, GA 30334 404.657.1803 Office District Address 206 South Carroll Rd. Villa Rica, GA 30180

I will continue to be

J Collins

fiscally conservative and pro-business.

Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions or concerns.

J Collins R - Villa Rica District 68 State Representative District 68 J. Collins (R)

770-259-8143 770-295-8143 Keep68great@gmail.com

www.starnewsgaonline.com 2nd AMENDMENT from page 4 members is attorney John Monroe, who has been on the winning end of gun rights legislation. Another founder is James Camp of Temple, Georgia. In an interview with StarNews, Camp said, “We’re the only organization in Georgia that actually works to protect the Second Amendment.”

When asked what GCO does differently/better than the National Rifle Association (NRA), Camp quickly responded, “The NRA is pretty much worth-

less here [in Georgia].”

Camp, Monroe, and the other four founders met online coincidentally about fifteen years ago through a website called Packing.org. Mutual interests - and mutual frustrations - over 2nd Amendment rights, prompted an in-person meeting among the six at a local restaurant in Lithia Springs in 2006. Among many topics, the group felt that Georgians needed something akin to the Virginia Citizens Defense League (VCDL), a gun rights advocacy group founded in

The Proposed Georgia Constitutional Carry Act of 2021 “Our founding fathers acknowledged that the purpose of civil government is to secure God-given rights; “As such, civil governments are to punish the criminal acts that deprive their citizens of their God-given rights to life, liberty, and property; “The mere potential to deprive someone of life, liberty, or property should never be considered a crime in a free and just society; “Evil resides in the heart of the individual, not in material objects; and “Since objects or instrumentalities in and of themselves are not dangerous or evil, in a free and just society, the civil government should not ban or restrict their possession or use.”

Shown above is James Camp, one of the six GeorgiaCarry.org founders, who is a strong supporter for Georgia to become a Constitutional Carry State.

Northern Virginia in the mid-1990s. Its motto is “Defending Your Right to Defend Yourself”.

The Virginia Citizens Defense League website states that, “Since July 13, 2020, we now have 38 counties, towns, and cities that have either passed a “No Local Gun Control” resolution or have covered that issue with their Second Amendment Sanctuary Resolution.” The site also proclaims: “We must beat back all local guncontrol efforts, not allowing any more of them to take root.”

GeorgiaCarry.org incorporated on Feb. 2, 2007 and quickly decided they needed to jumpstart their organization with a judicial victory. Two of these members were attorneys, already putting them in the solid position to challenge authority legally. They chose Camp to be a part of their first litigation to “right a wrong” concerning the 2nd Amendment.

As a resident of Carroll County, Camp applied for a Georgia Firearms License with the county’s probate court. As part of the application process at that time, an applicant was required to submit their Social Security Number (SSN). On the grounds it was unconstitutional to require his SSN, Camp refused. The group then filed Camp vs.

Cason, Case No.1:06-CV-596-CAP, in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Georgia. On Feb. 26, 2008, as they neared their first anniversary, a “Settlement Agreement” was formalized. This was a definite judicial win for GCO. The SSN requirement would no longer be a part of the Georgia Firearms License in Carroll County.

Also, the probate court agreed to purge from their records all SSNs associated with firearms license applications. Also, the defen-

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CARROLL COUNTY, GEORGIA “SECOND AMENDMENT PRESERVATION COUNTY” WHEREAS, the Board of County Commissioners of Carroll County, Georgia, being elected to represent the People of Carroll County, Georgia, and being duly sworn by oath to uphold United States Constitution and Constitution of the State of Georgia; WHEREAS, O.C.G.A § 1-2-6 (a)(9) lists the right to keep and bear arms among the rights of the citizens of Georgia; WHEREAS, citizens of Carroll County, Georgia, derive economic and social benefit from safe forms of firearms recreation, hunting and shooting ... that the Carroll County Board of Commissioners affirms its support for the Carroll County Sheriff and any embodied law enforcement agency in the exercise of his/her sound discretion to not enforce against any citizen an unconstitutional firearms law

Resolution adopted with unanimous vote by the Carroll County Board of Commissioners, March 2, 2021

dant’s attorney, John Monroe, was awarded $52,500, inclusive of court costs.

In the pursuit of their goal for Georgia to become a Constitutional Carry State, GCO is working with legislators to “clean up” current laws, weed out legislation that waters down or circumvents the 2nd Amendment, while watching for new attacks.

In the current Georgia Legislative Session, See GEORGIACARRY.ORG page 9

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March 14, 2021 Page 5

Page 6 March 14, 2021

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The Birches At Villa Rica: not just living longer, but living better A unique retirement and assisted living community with the mission that “Every day should bring love, engagement and enjoyment!”

The Birches Executive Director is Rita Miller, a familiar face to many West Georgians as she most recently was with The Oaks of Carrollton (skilled nursing) for 19 years, and has been board member/ vice president of the Alzheimer’s Group of Carroll County.

the Douglas Chapter American Business Woman’s Association

by Sue Horn Set to open mid-June, “The Birches at Villa Rica Assisted Living (A.B.W.A).

Tanner Health System partnered with the Cumming, Georgiaand Memory Care” is metro Atlanta’s only senior living community integrated with a regional health system. The 64-unit community based Beacon Communities, LLC to envision and develop The will be operated daily with the mission that “Every day should bring Birches. Both Miller and Bernard emphasized the uniqueness of this love, engagement, and enjoyment”. Tanner Health System is communities’ services and amenities with direct access to Tanner building The Birches At Villa Rica to ensure people in our region Health System.

Rita said, “Those of us in this industry realize that you are not have the senior living and memory care options they need to feel confident, stay engaged and stay well. Not just living longer but giving up your independence when you come to a retirement community or when you need assisted living.” living better.

She said that most residents who do make the decision, have had For those who would like a tour and learn about The Birches, contact the current staff who embody this mission to provide a way at least one event occur, perhaps forgetting to take vital medications, or had a serious fall. Events like this can precipitate that major of living that cares for “body, mind, and decision to move Mom or Dad into assisted living. And both Rita spirit”: Executive Director, Rita Miller and Rahimah said they understand the gravity of these important and Sales and Marketing Director, decisions: first, to decide “yes” to the move, and then, the Rahimah Bernard. decision as to where? Where would my loved one be safe, well Many in the West Georgia area are cared for, and, most of all, enjoy life? familiar with Rita Miller. She moved to Rita said, “We offer the best services with people who truly Carroll County in 1990 and was the care. We expect quality from our employees, every day, with Rehabilitation Director for the Bowdon every resident.”

Hospital. Later, she was Administrator at Rahimah said, “Our goal is to keep our residents connected The Oaks at Carrollton. Rita is on the with the community partnering with Tanner’s Get Well, Live board of directors and vice president of Healthy initiative. If residents would like to take tai-chi classes the Alzheimer’s Group of Carroll County. or activities of their interest, we will offer that.

After a lifetime in the industry with Rita expanded on that point saying, “It will be the residents nineteen years’ experience in assisted Marketing Director who drive the culture here.” With the residents who have already living and memory care, Miller came to Bernard’s reserved their apartments, she excitedly noted, “These are very The Birches in January as the executive Rahimah welcoming voice is one active seniors! They are well-read and well-traveled. The director. As she joins The Birches team, she remarked, “I feel that I was born to of the first a visitor will residents will drive what we do here. They may even decide hear, either through when dinner is served.” take care of older folks!”

Rahimah said, “We strive for a sense of community and Rahimah Bernard moved to Georgia phone call or in person four years ago and has been in the during a tour of the family here, while our residents will keep engaged with the “industry of helping people” for most of new almost-completed community at large.”

In fact, The Birches will be a resource for both paid and her life. She is definitely a “service- community in Villa related individual” and also a member of Rica.

See THE BIRCHES AT VILLA RICA page 11

The Lions Clubs of NW GA and Lions Clubs International Foundation Present Diabetes Testing and Education Event Saturday, March 27, 12 – 3pm

Lion’s Club Carrollton Center for the Arts 251 Alabama St. Registration Required on Eventbrite https://www.eventbrite.com/e/142012608535

click on the GREEN TICKETS BUTTON to register for all events Registration Closes on March 17 Diabetic Friendly Lunch $10 Diabetes Testing $10

Oak Mountain Virtual Academy Admissions Leave a Lasting Legacy.

PreK-3 thru 12th Grade College-Preparatory Academy

Open House

Testing and Speakers provided by: UWG Wolf Wellness Lab Speakers: Jamie Brandenburg, Nurse and Diabetes Educator

Eye Screenings Friday, March 26 1-4pm By- GA Lions Lighthouse FREE, but must register using the link above

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Melissa Brillhart, Registered Dietician, and Chrissy Knoll, Personal Fitness Trainer

Join Us Thursday, april 1, 2021 9:00 a.m.

Register today - www.oakmountain.us

www.starnewsgaonline.com

StarNews March 14, 2020 Page 7

Page 8 March 14, 2021

StarNews

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LION CLUBS from front page

University of West Georgia Wolf Wellness Lab. In addition to the Diabetes Fingerstick testing, the following are included in the $10 registration, using the Eventbrite link below: Blood Sugar, Total Cholesterol, HDL, LDL, and Triglycerides. The Eventbrite registration link is: Community : GA Lions Club Convention- Diabetes Testing and Education Event Registration is required using this link and clicking on the Tickets Button to see details and purchase: $10 for testing, and $10 for Diabetes Friendly Lunch. There is no charge for the Education Session with three speakers from the University of West Georgia on

Diabetes 101 by Jamie Brandenburg, nutrition by Melissa Brillhart, and Chrissy Knoll on fitness. Registration is open now and closes on March 17.

Tom Jackson, Carrollton Lion and District L Governor states, “We’re excited to be able to provide this afternoon of low cost testing and health education through our grant with Lions International Foundation and partnership with the University of West Georgia Wolf Wellness Lab. We need all interested to register on Eventbrite so that we will have adequate testing kits and lunches available.”

Email contacts for questions: liontomj@yahoo.com or karen.wild@carrolltoncityschools.net.

CARROLLTON COUNCIL from front page ment in industrial developments if the develallowed Carrollton an operating reserve that opment is located on a street where a sideother cities would be envious of. “To have walk does not exist within _ mile in any direction and the street is not suitable for that much operating funds usage due to above… expenditures,” “To have that much pedestrian design or safety Mayor Cason avowed, “is operating funds considerations. almost unheard of, especially above… expenditures,” • Food Truck Court in the year we’ve just had.”

The Council also awarded Mayor Cason avowed, Application - Southern two major bids including the “is almost unheard of, Home and Garden - Ace Hardware, 1110 N. Park St. landscaping of a 2,800 ft. especially in the year Request for a maximum of stretch of Bankhead Highway we’ve just had.”

2 food trucks to be allowed between Cedar Street and at one time at location.

Thomas Newell Way. The bid • Resolution 03-2021. Requesting and was awarded to Archstone Inc. for the amount of $220,804.23 and will include authorizing the local delegation to introduce selective removal and replacement of some legislation at the regular 2021 Georgia trees, shrubs, and other landscaping materi- General Assembly Session to authorize a refals, in addition to traffic control and con- erendum election concerning the authorization of the city to exercise all redevelopment struction staging along the passage.

Another award in the amount of and other powers under the redevelopment $2,034,545.98 was given to Baldwin paving, powers law.

During the meeting, council also recogwho recently finished paving the same stretch of Bankhead Highway in December, nized Carrollton High School Cheerleading for the city’s 2021 Asphalt Milling and Squad for winning the Georgia State Cheer Resurfacing Project. City Manager, Tim Competition for their class. Furthermore, the Grizzard pointed out that the city had not bid Office of the Mayor declared March out paving, milling, and resurfacing in seven American Red Cross month, wherein it recyears and that, during that time, there have ognized the organization for their mission of been many changes in prices, as well as helping others in need both in Carrollton and changes in management among paving con- globally. tractors, so it was time to be re-bid. The project will involve over 16,000 tons of materials in addition to labor to cover numerous paving projects across the city.

The following requests were also granted by the council. All requests were approved, unanimously, 6-0: • UDO Amendment - 02-2021. A resolution to amend a section of the city’s Unified Development Ordinance to authorize the City Manager to waive the sidewalk require-

Cotton Mill Farmers Market accepting applications for 2021 vendors

Applications are now being accepted for teh Cotton Mill Farmers Market. The Market celebreates their 20th year here in the West Georgia community.

Applications for 2021 vendors is available online @ CottonMillFM@ Gmail.com.

Or, you may fill one out in person on Monday, March 15th at 6:00 p.m. at West Georgia Church located at 1106 Maple Street, Carrollton. This meeting will be held outside under the pavilion if the weather is accommodating. If not, the meeting will be held inside the church.

Scale certification will begin at 6:00 p.m. with the meeting starting at 6:30 p.m, on Monday March 15th.

Any questions can be answered then in person or via our website CottonMillFM@gmail.com

Speakers and testing coordinators for the March 27th Community Diabetes and Education Event sponsored by District L Lions Club and University of West Georgia Wolf Wellness Lab are shown above clockwise (left to right): speaker Chrissy Knoll, M.S., NCSF-CPT, ACE- GFI; speaker Jamie Brandenburg, MPH, LPN, DE; Event Testing Coordinator, Gina Brandenburg, M.S., CHES, CWP; speaker Melissa Brillhart, M.A., R.D., L.D.

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www.starnewsgaonline.com GEORGIACARRY.ORG from page 5

HB 296 has their attention which would require “probate judges to require a training course to be completed within three years prior to issuance of a Georgia Weapons License.” Moreover, the training course would not required of everyone: this law would allow certain persons exempt. So, not everyone would be considered equal under this legislation. GeorgiaCarry.Org strongly opposes HB 296 as “no other constitutionally enumerated right requires training before exercising”.

The voters of West Georgia have elected and re-elected two representatives in particular: State Senator Mike Dugan (R) and State Representative J Collins (R) - both are strong 2nd Amendment supporters. U.S. Army veteran Senator Dugan has been Senate Majority Leader since 2018, and has run on 2nd Amendment rights. Of Representative Collins, Camp observed, “He has been pretty supportive of the Second Amendment.” Freshly elected State Representative Tyler Paul Smith (R) of District 18 ran on the platform of “Pro-God, Pro-Life, Pro-2nd Amendment” last year.

Collins and Smith are sponsors of House Bill 640 that states sheriffs must sell guns collected from crimes; and probates cannot arbitrarily deny conceal carry permit to an otherwise qualified applicant.

Another bruise for citizens wanting to exercise their 2nd Amendment right through hunting or target practice, is the current shortage of ammunition. Some conspiracy theorists believe the government is behind the shortage. But, it is caused by a direct supply and demand situation. A record number of firearms sales occurred in 2020.

Whether due to fear over the novel coronavirus pandemic, the months long destructive riots in the U.S., or concerns about the presidential election, the record number of new guns purchases required an accompanying amount of ammunition purchases. Demand outran supply.

When asked as to a prediction when ammunition supply will meet the demand, John Paulk, owner of Shot Spot in Carrollton, stated, “I don’t think ammo supply will return to normal levels until 2022.

The supply of standard hunting rifle rounds are the most impacted from 243 to 400HH. The manufacturers can turn out so much more per hour of pistol ammo and 223/556 ammo, than rifle ammo. Most machines turn out 5000 rounds per hour of small caliber, where the rifle ammo a max of 1000 rounds per hour are produced.”

The Virginia Citizens Defense League boasts of its Second Amendment Sanctuary cities, but the Carroll County Board of Commissioners took a different approach to showing support for the 2nd Amendment by formally making Carroll County a “Second Amendment Preservation County”. At their regular meeting held Tuesday, March 2, 2021, the Carroll County Board of Commissioners unanimously passed the resolution that was presented by District 3 Commissioner Tommy Lee, who is also vice chair. At the commission’s work session on Feb. 25th, Lee said, “This is just another layer of protection for the citizen’s of Carroll County. With what is going on with the federal law, I feel it is something we need to put in place now. This is not a ‘sanctuary’. . .

I’m asking for preservation of the Second Amendment.” At the March 2nd meeting, District 5 Commissioner Ernie Reynolds observed that this preservation status will “uphold” laws already in place, and will not

much rhetoric at the Federal Level in recent create any “new powers”.

When pressed for further clarification, the times from various officials throughout our elected Government county’s The voters of West Georgia suggesting support in Communications Director Ashley Hulsey have elected and re-elected the passage of laws that could possibly be in respondedt: “The term two representatives in conflict with the ‘sanctuary’ by definition particular: State Senator Constitutional Rights of means ‘a place of refuge Mike Dugan (R) and State our citizens such as their or safety.’ While the term ‘preservation’ by Representative J Collins (R) - ability to bear arms for lawful self protection, definition means ‘the both are strong Second The Board wishes to state of being preserved, Amendment supporters express ‘to a specified especially to a specified degree.’ Vice-Chairman Lee’s presentation degree’ our commitment in both upholding of the proposed resolution has chosen the and ‘preserving’ our sworn duties as local term, ‘preservation’ as it most clearly defines elected officials. Those include protecting the intent of Carroll County’s purpose in this the Constitution without infringement while matter; “1) Each Commissioner was sworn in tandem ‘preserving’ your rights as they into office to uphold the Constitution of the relate to the 2nd amendment.”

Concerning Constitutional Carry, James United States and thereby we are called to defend and ‘preserve’ its purpose in our Camp clarified that, “Currently, long guns Nation of Laws. “2) Since there has been carried openly, and knives, swords, and

StarNews

March 14, 2021 Page 9

other edged weapons less than 12 inches can be legally carried without a license. They would be unaffected by constitutional carry legislation. Concealed long guns, handguns, and edged weapons longer than 12 inches in length all require a weapons carry license.

Constitution carry would allow the carrying of those items without a weapons carry license provided the person is not a ‘prohibited person’. The weapons carry license would remain optional for those that want reciprocity to carry in other states and who wish to be exempt from the background check for firearms purchases.”

GeorgiaCarry.org James Camp may be reached at: jcamp@georgiacarry.org State Rep. J Collins: j.collins@house.ga.gov State Rep. Ty l e r Paul Smith:tyler.smith@house.ga.gov State Senator Mike Dugan: mike.dugan@senate.ga.gov

Southwire

Page 10 March 14, 2021

StarNews

www.starnewsgaonline.com

NEWS RECAP -

from stories on StarNews Online website at www.starnewsgaonline.com More alleged voting violation cases sent to prosecutors

Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger and the State Election Board sent another batch Wednesday of alleged voting violations to prosecutors after hearing what investigators discovered.

“We will continue to root out voting fraud and make sure anyone guilty of it faces prosecution,” Raffensperger said. “Fortunately, these individual cases aren’t large enough to change the outcome of a statewide election. Their prosecution is an example to others who may contemplate skirting the rules that protect election integrity in Georgia.”

The five member State Election Board heard investigative findings in 63 cases. The board voted to refer 24 to the attorney general for prosecution. One of the most highly publicized cases involves a Florida lawyer who allegedly appeared on a video telling a local Republican group to register to vote in Georgia using his brother’s Hiram address so they could participate in the January Senate runoff. The investigation showed he attempted to register online with that address but Paulding County officials did not accept his application because it lacked proof of residency.

The board also heard a report from an independent elections expert it had appointed to monitor Fulton County’s progress in complying with the board’s corrective-action plan. The monitor, Carter Jones, spent more than 250 hours onsite observing the county’s preparation and execution of the November general election and the January runoff. He told the board he found multiple systemic managerial problems and procedural lapses despite marked progress in implementation the corrective-action plan. He said he saw nothing that suggested widespread fraud.

Following are some of the cases bound over to the attorney general’s office: · Avanti H. of Temple for allegedly filing a notice of candidacy as a convicted felon in the 2017 municipal election · Chadrick C of LaGrange for allegedly making a false statement in a notice of candidacy in the 2017 municipal election · Milton K of Douglasville and members of the Douglas County Board of Elections and Registration for allegedly failing to upload one memory card recording 293 votes in the 2020 general election · Hancock County Board of Elections and Registration and Gerald M for allegedly using an unsecure cardboard drop box for absentee ballots in the 2020 primary · William P. of Lynn Haven, Fla., for allegedly registering to vote while living out of state · Dexter M of Conway, S.C. for allegedly voting in two states for the 2018 general election · Travis W of Blakely for allegedly offering a drawing for a $25 gift card on Facebook for people who voted for him for city council in the 2017 primary · Paul L of Ringgold for allegedly trying to buy votes by offering a free meal to any voter in the 2019 mayoral race · Karen A of Atlanta for allegedly offering prizes to residents of the Friendship Tower senior center for voting in the April 2019 Atlanta runoff · Marsha G, and the Peach County Board of Elections and Registration for various

alleged procedural violations in handling absentee ballots in the May 2016 primary · Aretha H of Sparta for allegedly imposing illegal requirements for candidates in the 2017 municipal election · Robert B of Americus for allegedly failing to seal voting equipment in 2017 and 2018 elections · Jaquory S, Larry S, Casetra M, Arthur H, and Kabrea L, all of Covington, for allegedly using a fraudulent address to register to vote and then voting while not eligible in the 2017 Covington municipal election · Yaritza G of Mesa, Ariz. and Brenda G of Townsend, Ga. for allegedly registering and voting in 2014 when not eligible, and Kierra H, and the Long County Board of Elections and Registration for allegedly failing to determine their eligibility

Carrollton Artist Guild’s Creative Perspectives and Play Exhibit now through March 25th

The Carrollton Artist Guild’s Creative Perspectives and Play exhibit, opened February 18th at the Center for the Arts, encourages artists and patrons to expand their worldview through the exploration of different subjects and new media. The show runs through March 25th and features selected works from guild members in a variety of themes and media. Works included in this exhibit were selected by a guest judge.

“This annual exhibition is a highlight of the gallery season,” Arts Superintendent Tim Chapman said. “Showcasing the work of fellow artists illustrates how our local artists continue to improve and evolve as artisans.”

In conjunction with the exhibit, the center will host two Gallery Play workshops on March 20, designed to enhance a participant’s understanding of art shown in the center’s galleries: Gallery Play: Group Collaboration and Trade, 10 – 11:30 a.m., Ages: 8 – 12, $10 (all materials included), Participants are paired with other artists to make shared artwork pieces.

Gallery Play: Group Collaboration and Trade for Teens and Adults, Ages and Times: 13 – 17, 12 – 2pm; 18 – Adult, 3 – 5pm, $15 (all materials included), Portrait drawing with a twist: shared portraits using mixeddrawing media.

Go to www.carrolltonarts.com call the center at 770-838-1083 to register.

State swears in new fire marshall

Craig Landolt was sworn in as Georgia’s newest State Fire Marshal by Deputy Commissioner for Safety Fire Mark Revenew at a socially distanced ceremony in front of family, agency staff, and representatives from the fire industry.

Fire Marshal Landolt had served in the role in an interim capacity since July of 2020. He brings with him over 30 years of fire code and fire safety experience, including roles as a volunteer firefighter, a City of Savannah Fire Inspector, the Savannah City Fire Marshal, and a Fire Inspector for the State Fire Marshal’s Office.

“We’re thrilled to officially have Craig on board as our new State Fire Marshal,” said Georgia Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner John F. King. “Craig has served in the State Fire Marshal’s office in a number of capacities over the years, including most recently as our interim Fire Marshal.”

The State Fire Marshal is responsible for promoting fire prevention and life safety through the enforcement of the state minimum fire safety standards.

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Among expenditures slated for future SPLOST revenues are new vehicles and body cameras for the Carroll County Sheriff’s Department, advancements to the county’s technology infrastructure, as well as continued public works and parks improvements.

One major proposed project is a replacement station for Fire Station no. 9 in Villa Rica, which Hulsey cited as the busiest in Carroll County. The new 3-4 bay station would be placed on the now vacant lot where the old State Patrol Post was located on Hwy. 78 and “would provide adequate space needed for equipment to meet the growing needs of the city and county,” according to Hulsey.

Other major projects addressed by Chance were possible new administrative and judicial facilities. A new County Administration Facility was discussed by the Board as early as 2013, but had to be put on hold at that time, mainly due to major leaks at the existing courthouse and ensuing litigation against several contractors involved. Chance said, however, “That’s another thing I think this board is committed to,” though he admitted he didn’t know if that would take the form of an entirely new facility or use or renovation of existing county properties.

The Board of Commissioners discussed other business at their regular monthly meeting on March 2nd. In attendance were Chairman, Michelle Morgan, District 1 Representative, Montrell McClendon, District 2 Representative, Clint Chance, District 3 Representative, Tommy Lee, District 4 Representative, Steve Fuller, District 5 Representative, Ernest Reynolds, and District 6 Representative, George A Chambers. Chairman Morgan and Commission McClendon were wearing masks. The other Commissioners were not.

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March 14, 2021 Page 11

Among major items covered at the Financial Recap for the month of January requests at the March meeting. Both requests meeting was the acceptance of a bid to had also been presented by Finance Director, were approved unanimously, 7-0.

• Conditional Use - 5316 Smithfield Road. replace the roof of the Carroll County DFCS Alecia Searcy. Searcy reported that the financial year is about Consideration of Owner/Applicant: Jacklyn building located at . . .a special presentation was 58% complete with and Kurt Ross’s Request for a Conditional 165 Independence led by Commissioner Fuller to the County’s expenses Use Permit for a special event venue.

Drive. Director of • Conditional Use - 1748 N. Highway at only about 55.6%.

Public works, Charles declare that a portion of Year-to-date revenue 113. Consideration of Owner/Applicant: Pope recommended Cartbody Creek along in January was at Tobin Hart’s Request for a Conditional Use the contract be $46,469,061 with Permit for a secondary detached dwelling. awarded to Ben Hill Old Stagecoach Road be expenditures at Approved with the stipulation that the roofing for the dedicated as Aaron Q. Cook $30,922,456, leaving Conditional Use is only limited to the amount of $219,236.

Memorial Waterway, in honor a b a l a n c e o f current owner.

The request was Additionally, a special presentation was $15,546,605. The passed unanimously, of the long-time Carroll led

by Commissioner Fuller to declare that a county’s total fund 7-0. resident and owner of balance in January, portion of Cartbody Creek along Old Fire Chief, Tim Cook’s One Stop Store. according to Searcy Stagecoach Road be dedicated as Aaron Q. Padgett requested the equaled $32,450 Cook Memorial Waterway, in honor of the Board’s permission to long-time Carroll resident and owner of apply for the SAFER Grant to man two new million.

The Board approved the following zoning Cook’s One Stop Store. fire stations-Station 17 at Tyus-Carrollton Rd. and Station 18 at Jones Mill Rd. The Request was approved unanimously, 7-0.

In item 11 on the agenda, Commissioner Tommy Lee presented a consideration to declare Carroll County a Second Amendment preservation County. The resolution declares, among other points, “that it is the desire of the Carroll County Board of Commissioners to declare its support of the Second Amendment to the United States Constitution and to the provisions of the Constitution of the State of Georgia that protect Carroll County Voted Best Salon!

Citizens’ individual, inalienable rights to keep and bear arms.”

At last month’s work session, Lee iterated “It’s not a sanctuary. I know the newspaper said sanctuary,” (referring to a February article printed in another local newspaper Tues & Wed: 9am-6pm•Thurs: 9am-8pm Fri. 9am-5pm•Sat: 9am-3pm Times Georgian), “but I wouldn’t ask for sanctuary. I’m asking for preservation of the 2nd amendment. …This is just another layer of protection for Carroll County with what’s going on in the federal law.”

APPOINTMENTS At the work session, The County’s

methods and techniques. You can sign up at: https://www.beaconcommunities.com/freefrom page 6 ceu The Birches at Villa Rica Assisted Living family caregivers. A free live virtual Continuing Education Course (CEU) is and Memory Care, 201 Permian Way, Villa already on the calendar for anyone in the Rica, GA 30180, are pre-leasing and currently accepting reservations. Sales and community who would like to participate.

On Wednesday, March 24th at 12:00 Marketing will assist with the application p.m., the one-hour webinar “Managing process. If you would like more information Caregiver Stress” will be presented by or would like to meet with Rita or Rahimah James H. Collins, Ph.D., founder of Collins in person (mask wearing/socially Learning. This course has been approved for distancing): Rita Miller: 678-840-1800; nurses, nurse case managers, and nursing home administrators, but will provide infor- ed@birchesvr.com Rahimah Bernard: 678-840-1800; mation for anyone who is a caregiver for a loved one. It will offer stress management marketing@birchesvr.com

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Turner Pharmacy Shown above left testifying at the board of appeals hearing held in the historic courthouse is David Grayson on behalf of Green Rock, LLC. Photo by Sue Horn QUARRY LAWSUIT from front page

The crux of the issue of who knew what and when is the Zoning Compliance Certificate, the document that is considered an official ‘starting point’. Green Rock, LLC submitted an application for a commercial building permit (for a trailer) Nov. 10, 2020,.

On Nov. 19th, the Carroll County Director of Community Development issued a letter of denial for a Zoning Compliance and Commercial Building Permit. This was based on the county’s zoning of the property that “a rock quarry was not a permitted or conditional use in an Agricultural district...”.

During the hearing, it became apparent that the county contends that Green Rock was not forthcoming of their full intentions during May 2020 conversations between Green Rock representatives and the county’s representatives. Green Rock alleges that the county “confirmed that the first step in obtaining approval for the use of the property for a quarry in Carroll County would be to submit the DRI application to the Three Rivers Regional Commission.” Green Rock completed the DRI application and submitted it on May 28, 2020. In their lawsuit, Green Rock contends that based on the “affirmation of Carroll County officials”, it then “began making substantial expenditures.... over $300,000....”

At the board of appeals hearing, Green Rock representatives testified under oath of conversations with Carroll County Board of Commission Chairman Michelle Morgan last summer, and of statements made at a July public meeting by Commissioner Ernie Reynolds that they allege the county knew what their full intentions were for the quarry property.

At the hearing, county attorney Avery Jackson stated that in the absence of the Zoning Compliance Certificate, “no representation by any official, nor any employee can legally bind the county, or in any way constitute a determination of the proposed usage for the property... Essentially, if you want an official letter from Carroll County ... you must submit all your claims, plans, all your drawings, an inventory of all your proposed structures... uses...so the county can review all that...to see if it is in compliance.”

Jackson stressed this point of apparent obfuscation further saying, “You can’t call up various county employees or offices of the county, and tell bits and pieces of information and get answers from them, and have that legally bind the county.”

Also at issue is the fact that Carroll County updated its zoning in August 2020

which further clarified the definition and use of a “quarry”. Another point of contention by Green Rock is that prior to this update, the required buffer from a property line was 200 feet; after the amendment, the buffer was extended to 1000 feet. Green Rock contends this longer buffer precludes the quarry from operating on the 360+ acre site. This site is located about five miles from the City of Whitesburg, bordering Black Dirt Road on one side and the Chattahoochee River on the other.

Another factor concerns “vested rights”.

Green Rock’s position is that it “acquired vested rights in the development and use of the property for the removal of minerals and natural materials prior to the August 4, 2020 Zoning Amendment”. And as such, should be allowed to proceed with the quarry development and operation; that it has a “clear and legal right to the issuance of a certificate of zoning compliance”. At the hearing, David Grayson, speaking on behalf of Green Rock, said, “We have the right to move forward.”

In the county’s answer to Green Rock’s lawsuit, it lists twenty-one separate defenses, including that the plaintiff “failed to use the proper procedure or method to appeal a zoning decision”. In other words, Green Rock’s application - the first step - for a zoning compliance certificate which happened in November, occured after the zoning amendment in August. While Green Rock contends it was told in May the first step was the DRI application and should be held to that.

Another defense is that the plaintiffs’ complaint is “barred by the doctrine of estoppel”.

This is to prevent someone from asserting a right that contradicts what they previously said or agreed to; prevents someone from being wronged by inconsistencies of another person’s words or actions. In other words, Carroll County believes that prior to the August zoning amendment, they acted and advised Green Rock on how to proceed based on what they said Green Rock told them or led them to believe, which was not an aggragate commercial facility. Carroll County has several surface mining operations, plus one full scale rock quarry. These existing surface mining operations do not involve a blasting process. The quarry is operated by Vulcan Materials on Flat Rock Road, Villa Rica and has been in operation since 1973 (originally named Carroll Rock Co.) and was “grandfathered in” under the August zoning amendment.

The February hearing concluded with a 4 to 1 decision by the Carroll County Board of Appeals to deny Green Rock’s appeal.

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Southwire to build new copper rod plant; also partners with Carroll EMC with goal of becoming “Carbon Zero” by 2025 from press release Southwire will soon begin construction of a copper rod manufacturing plant in Carrollton, featuring an SCR-9000S Copper Rod System.

“Southwire is investing in a multimilliondollar modernization initiative that will allow us to best serve our customers, increase our efficiency and introduce newer and better equipment, systems and technology. In doing so, we’re reaffirming our commitment to providing a work environment that supports the wellbeing of our employees, our communities and the environment – for today and for the future,” said Rich Stinson, Southwire’s President and CEO. “Installing a new SCR system is an important part of this effort, as copper rod is the start of the manufacturing process for many of the products that make Southwire an industry leader.”

Southwire started operation of its current copper rod system in Carrollton in 1980, and four decades later, copper continues to be the primary source of metal for the company’s wire and cable operations. Construction of the new plant is expected to begin in the first quarter, and production should begin in the new facility by the end of 2022. When the construction project is completed, the current system will be decommissioned.

The new, 100,000 square foot facility will be located on the same property as the existing manufacturing plant and will utilize the company’s patented Southwire Continuous Rod (SCR®) technology, which transformed

the wire and cable industry in the early 1960s. The new SCR system in Carrollton will have the capability to produce more copper rod than any other SCR rod system in the world.

“To put the technology itself into perspective, fifty percent of all copper rod made in the world passes through one of our SCR systems at some point in its lifetime. That’s significant,” said Charlie Murrah, executive vice president of metals. “Our copper rod manufacturing plant in Carrollton is more than 40 years old, and it is the right time to upgrade to a new, state-of-the-art SCR system for continuity and efficiency of our processes. Having a new SCR system in place for Southwire’s copper rod production will help keep us strong and sustainable for decades to come.”

In addition, the company continues to pursue its commitment to Growing Green as it plans for the replacement system. In support of Southwire’s Carbon Zero initiative to achieve 100% carbon free energy for our operations by 2025, Southwire is partnering with Carroll EMC to utilize all renewable electricity for the facility.

“We’re excited about the future of our Carrollton copper rod manufacturing facility, and we are proud to partner with Carroll EMC as we pursue our Carbon Zero initiative,” said Stinson. “Through this effort, we are not only supporting our modernization strategy and strategic efforts, but also strengthening our commitment toward remaining generationally-sustainable.”

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Everyday cleaning and health during the pandemic and beyond (BPT) - The coronavirus pandemic has shed light on the dangers of rampant overuse of harsh chemicals in products we use every day - making natural and skin-friendly cleaning solutions more important than ever. A CDC study, “Cleaning and Disinfectant Chemical Exposures and Temporal Associations with COVID-19,” warns Americans to be vigilant when using harsh cleaning products (including sprays, wipes and hand sanitizers). So, what is safe?

1. The base for most disinfectants contains toxic chemicals like alcohol, bleach and acid. In contrast, Disinfect & Shield Surface Cleaner kills on contact and protects for 28 days against viruses, bacteria, molds and fungi, such as strains of SARS, H1N1, E. Coli, and harmful microbes, including the coronavirus. Extensive third party and university testing has proven the product’s effectiveness as none of these organisms were able to penetrate or survive contact with the protective coating. Disinfect & Shield is both eco-friendly and safe for use around humans, animals and plants - including crops.

2. With as many as 45% of Americans reporting sensitive skin, it is important to take into account how many commonly used household items contain allergens or irritants that might cause skin irritation and discomfort.

Many laundry detergents include chemicals and ingredients like surfactants, parabens, dyes and artificial fragrances.

Instead, choose skin-friendly substitutions to ensure the health and well-being of your family is protected. Hypallergenic Arm and Hammer Sensitive Skin, Free & Clear Laundry Detergent is a preservative-free and safe detergent to clean everything from clothing to household linens to protect skin from harsh, reaction-producing allergens.

3. The harsh chemicals suggested to kill SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, as well as other dangerous viruses, bacteria, E. coli, Salmonella, Staph and MRSA also kill the good bacteria. Our environments and bodies need these good bacteria to fight infections and protect our immune systems, making it critical to add environmental probiotics to our cleaning regimens at home, in office buildings and in public places. Chemical-free P2 Probiotic Power products offer external probiotic technology to deliver a stronger defense barrier than antibacterial products, disinfectants and bleach.

Remember: take caution when using traditional household cleaners containing alcohol, bleach, and acid as they quickly lose their effectiveness, destroy surfaces, and harm skin. Instead opt for external probiotics that replenish the good bacteria that help us stay healthy and protected. In addition, look for products that not only kill viruses and bacteria, but also offer long-term protection against them and prevent dangerous organisms from attaching.

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Spring Home Lawn & Garden 2021 Signs you might need new water pipes (BPT) - While spending more time at home during this pandemic, you’ve probably started noticing repairs you need to make. There are some improvements you might not have noticed, because they’re hidden until they reach their breaking point - like your home’s plumbing system. There are signs that indicate it’s time to repipe your home. Here’s what to look for.

1. Is your home over 50 years old? If the original pipes weren’t replaced, repiping might be a good idea - before large-scale water damage occurs. Older homes typically used galvanized pipes prone to corrosion, leaking and bursting. If your house was built even earlier - around the 1920s the pipes were probably made of polybutylene and/or lead. These materials are dangerous and should be replaced immediately. Polybutylene is highly prone to breaking and leaking, so it’s only a matter of time before a serious problem occurs. And lead seeps into drinking water, which can cause serious health problems for your family.

2. Do you have low water pressure? When pipes contain rust or mineral buildup, it eventually restricts water flow into the house. By the time it affects your water pressure, it’s the result of years of buildup - a clear sign repiping is needed.

3. Have you had leaks? Bigger problems start small. If you’ve welded or

patched leaks in small sections of pipe, this can indicate your entire system is at risk.

4. Do you see a problem? Stains, flaking, indentations or rust on the pipes signals corrosion. Corroding pipes may leak and should be replaced. Rusty pipes can also turn water reddish or brown, indicating the need to repipe to make your water healthy to drink.

5. Does your water taste or smell bad? An unappealing smell or taste may also mean your water is unsafe, because of a breakdown of your pipes.

It’s best to have them inspected immediately - and drink bottled water in the meantime.

6. Is it making odd noises? If your plumbing rattles, clanks or bangs, this is a sign of a larger problem. You should have your pipes checked right away.

7. Does it run hot and cold? If your shower quickly switches from icy cold to burning hot, corroded materials may have broken off inside the pipes and jammed the anti-scald device or valve regulating your water temperature.

If any of these signs sound familiar, contact a professional. Each house is different, requiring a unique repiping solution. Professionals like Uponor Pro Squad experts are trained on multiple installation configurations and considerations that can arise in your home.For more information, visit ConnectWithUponorProSquad.com

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heaters are designed to save energy, which saves you money and protects the environment. For example, Thermalux tankless water heaters, on average, help reduce up to 118,000 tons of CO2 emissions a year.

Constant hot water without the waste: With a tankless water heater, you get to enjoy an endless stream of hot water because it’s heated through a compact yet powerful system that mounts on a wall. Once the demand for hot water no longer exists, the tankless water heater automatically shuts down and stops using energy. Choose the right size tankless and you’ll always have hot water when your family needs it.

Small size equals significant space savings: Usually about the size of a carry-on luggage bag, tankless water heaters can help you reclaim space compared with large tank-type heaters.

These compact systems can be conveniently located in a utility room, garage, attic, basement or closet.

Cleaner water: Traditional tank water heaters can build rust and sediment inside the tank after years of use. This material can end up in the water that you use in your home. Since tankless options do not store water and heat it only on demand, you get fresh, clean water every time without worries of sediment.

Lower costs: The upfront cost of getting a tankless can be defrayed thanks to possible local, state and federal tax credits. Check out energystar.gov for more information.

Finally, tankless water heaters have double the lifespan of their tank-style counterparts.

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Tankless water heaters poised to become top 2021 home improvement trend (BPT) - Tankless water heaters are gaining popularity: These modern systems make your home more comfortable, save space, lower costs and provide eco-friendly benefits.

Traditional versus tankless The problem with traditional water heaters is they have a holding tank that heats a specific amount of water. When that water is not being used, it sits there being heated, which wastes energy. On the flip side, when in use, when the hot water is gone, it’s gone. It doesn’t matter if you’re mid-shower, mid-bath or mid-laundry load.

A tankless water heater solves these problems, making it both a logical and luxurious home improvement. Tankless water heaters are popular in homes throughout Europe, plus they are commonly used in spas or other facilities in the U.S. due to the benefits of ondemand and endless hot water. They are slowly gaining popularity in U.S. homes as Americans are becoming more energy-conscious and discovering the many efficient advantages over conventional types of water heating.

Top reasons to go tankless The pandemic has people researching new solutions to their household issues, which is why many are learning about the numerous benefits of tankless water heaters and making the switch. Here are some of the top reasons why this option is trending for 2021: Efficient and environmentally friendly: Tankless heaters flash-heat water when you need it, and turn off as soon as you turn off the faucet or shower. That means water is heated instantly and heated only when you need it. Tankless

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Spring Home Lawn & Garden 2021 What to know before buying an air purifier

(BPT) - It’s easy to see how breathing cleaner air could improve overall health and well-being - and some independent studies do show a benefit from air filters and purifiers. In fact, some of the technologies now used in these devices have been scientifically proven to remove or destroy harmful pathogens in the air. Before you buy, learn about the three primary types of air cleaning technologies.

HEPA (high efficiency particulate air) filters use a woven filtration material to trap particles like smoke, dust and pathogens. Certified HEPA filters can collect 99.97% of particles of a certain size (0.3 microns in diameter or larger), which includes many viruses. Filters need to be changed on a regular basis.

While HEPA filters capture the most contaminants, they can also impede the volume of air that circulates.

Ultraviolet germicidal irradiation, (UVGI) also referred to as UV-C, uses a specific type of ultraviolet light that deactivates pathogens such as bacteria and viruses. It’s a technology that’s been tested and used in hospitals and healthcare settings for years. A UV-C purifier doesn’t just trap smoke and dust like a HEPA filter: instead it inactivates viruses and other pathogens, rendering them harmless. While direct exposure to UV-C light can be harmful, it is safe when the UV-C bulb is completely concealed inside the unit, shielded from sight.

For the most effective results, it’s important that the UV-C light is strong enough and the air exposure time is

long enough. One UV-C purifier, the Airetrex 365, uses a 5-watt UV-C bulb for powerful exposure, with an air replacement rate of up to four times per hour in a 10’ by 10’ room. With average use, the bulb lasts up to two years. More details can be found at airetrex365.com, under “Why UV-C.” Ionization uses electricity to change airborne particles from a positive to a negative state, weighing them down and causing them to drop from the air effectively deactivating the virus particles. However, in the process, a potentially harmful byproduct called ozone is created. Anyone considering this technology should check the Ozone Parts Per Million rating (PPM) to ensure it is below the Food and Drug Administration’s limit of .005 PPM. Can you combine technologies?

What about filters and purifiers that combine multiple technologies, like HEPA, UV-C and ionization - would that produce even cleaner air? The findings here are still unclear, and more is not always better.

It’s best to focus on the features and benefits most important to you - and how well different filtration components can meet those needs in your selected space. For example, if you only want to trap most large airborne particles and allergens, a HEPA filter might be sufficient. On the other hand, if you’re concerned about viruses, like the coronavirus that causes COVID-19, you might consider the more advanced features of an air purifier with a UV-C light.

(BPT) - Your backyard or local park is home to ballgames and barbecues with family and friends. But did you know that it is so much more? The trees, grass, plants and flowers in your yard, local parks and ballfields play an important role in fighting climate change.

The planet is growing warmer because there is too much carbon in the atmosphere, which acts as a blanket that traps greenhouse gases. Excess carbon is added to the atmosphere in all sorts of ways, but the easiest way to “sequester” the carbon (storing it in the ground) is through photosynthesis of trees, grasses and plants. So, the more plants, trees and grass you have around you, the more carbon is removed from the air, and the more oxygen is produced.

Also, a properly landscaped yard, including trees for windbreaks and shade, can save energy by warming your home or office building in the winter and keeping it cooler in the summer.

“Many people don’t realize the positive impact they can have by adding plants and trees to their landscape and maintaining a healthy lawn,” said Britt Wood, NALP CEO. “Landscape and lawn care professionals help home and business owners create climate-friendly landscapes that clean the air and help save energy.”

Help your yard become a climate change fighter Follow these tips to boost your yard’s climate change-fighting abilities.

Add more trees and shrubs. When you plant more trees, plants and shrubs in your yard, you are not only sequestering carbon, you are also producing oxygen and cleaning and filtering the air you breathe.

Ensure that your lawn is healthy.

Turfgrass is excellent at capturing carbon and turning it into organic matter that improves soil quality. Keep your lawn healthy to capture more carbon and filter stormwater. If you aren’t sure how to improve your soil conditions or build stronger turfgrass, consult a lawn care expert who can help determine a care plan for your particular grass variety and soil quality.

Plant trees in the right spots. By planting trees and screening shrubs that help block the prevailing winds, you’ll reduce the impact of the wind on your house, keeping it warmer in winter.

And, by planting shade trees in the right places, you can cool your home in the summer.

Make the right plant choices. By choosing plants adapted to your particular climate zone and planting them in their ideal growing conditions (full sun, shade or partial shade), they will thrive and use less water to maintain. If you aren’t sure which plants are best for your yard, consult a landscape professional.

For information about making your yard climate-friendly or to find a landscape or lawn care pro near you, visit loveyourlandscape.org

How to fight climate change from your backyard

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Spring Home Lawn & Garden 2021 Fresh trends to inspire your 2021 garden (BPT) - The 2021 Burpee GardenCast forecast, found at www.burpee.com/ GardenCast, is an inspirational resource based on industry trends and cultural insights The GardenCast trends for 2021 include: Immunity Garden: Health is top of mind for people across the country. An abundant garden full of vibrant vegetables like winter squash, radishes and tomatoes can help you commit to a nutrient-rich diet that strengthens your immune system.

A vegetable’s color reflects the different phytonutrients and antioxidants inside, according to the Journal of Nutrition and Metabolism. Growing a rainbow of vegetables allows you to create multi-hued meals with health and disease-fighting benefits.

“Planting an Immunity Garden right in your own backyard will do a world of good,” says Moore. “It offers unlimited access to nutrient-dense vegetables that help support your overall health and well-being. Tomatoes are a great example: they are rich in vitamin C, which plays a vital role in a healthy immune system.”

Garden of Joy: Gardening helps you reduce stress, move your body and enjoy the outdoors. The psychological benefits

of caring for plants can support the mental health of people at any age.

That’s why individuals as well as families are planting gardens of joy, with blooms that are as pleasant as the process of gardening itself.

The garden of joy is a flower bed full of bright “faces”, including pansies and violas, that are sure to inspire many smiles of pure happiness. Every time you tend to these happy blooms you will feel a little lift in your day, plus it brightens your outdoor landscape in a cheerful way.

World Herb Garden: Experiencing international flavors in food is an important part of traveling and with so many people pausing vacation plans, the associated explorational eating has paused as well. Your palate is ready for something new and you can experience a world of flavors from your own backyard when you grow a world herb garden - no passport needed.

Herbs like lemongrass, dill and cilantro are easy to grow and offer bright flavors to enhance your favorite recipes, no matter the cuisine. Whether you use them fresh, dry or in custom blends, you’ll have a bounty of flavor at your fingertips to complement meats, vegetables, pasta and more.

Tips to prevent home break-ins (BPT) - Top 10 states for USAA personal property theft claims in 2020 were 1. California; 2. Texas; 3.

Washington; 4. Colorado; 5. Georgia; 6. Virginia; 7. North Carolina; 8.

Oregon; 9. Florida; 10. Arizona. Here are five ideas to help prevent home break-ins.

Install a home security system: Security systems offer perhaps the most powerful protection for your home.

Even a simple alarm system and a few well-placed signs in your yard and on your windows can greatly diminish the likelihood of home break-ins.

If you can afford it, motion sensors on doors and windows, along with 24-hour monitoring, deliver even greater protection. Monitored security systems, such as ADT Home Security, may allow for discounts on your home or renters insurance.

Don’t hide keys outside of your house: For convenience, many people hide a key outside near the front door. If a key is easy for your family or friends to

find, it’s easy for a thief to find. Instead, leave a key with a neighbor you trust.

Make it look like you’re home: Most thieves want to strike while you’re away.

With some good sense and creativity, you can fool them into thinking you are home.

Consider purchasing timers that turn your lamps and TV on and off at different times in the evening. You may also consider a timer for your front porch light. Also consider suspending your mail and newspaper delivery while you are away.

Install outdoor lighting: Darkness is a burglar’s best friend. When thieves approach your home, a bright light suddenly turning on may have them consider moving on. Motion activated lights are inexpensive, easy to install.

Keep windows and doors locked: This tip may seem obvious, but unlocked doors and windows are the cause of successful burglaries. If you open a window to let the crisp, cool air in, remember to close them.

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StarNews

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PERSONALIZED FUNERAL & CREMATION SERVICES 1011 Topaz Lane Villa Rica Ga PERSONALIZED FUNERAL & CREMATIO 1011 Topaz Lane Villa Rica Ga WEST GEORGIA MEMORIAL PERSONALIZED FUNERAL & CREMATION SERVICES PERSONALIZED FUNERAL & CREMATION SERVICES PERSONALIZED FUNERALLane & CREMATION SERVICES 1011 Topaz Villa Rica Ga WEST GEORGIA MEMORIAL and small, public or private. z Lane Villa Rica Ga LOCALLY OWNED & OPERATED WEST GEORGIA MEMORIAL Douglas Chapel LOCALLY OWNED & OPERAT WEST GEORGIA MEMORIAL Villa Rica Chapel Douglas Chapel LOCALLY OWNED & OPERATED LOCALLY OWNED & OPERATED Villa Rica Chapel LOCALLY OWNED & OPERATED Douglas Chapel Douglas Chapel Villa Rica Chapel Villa Rica Chapel Chapel Douglas Chapel 206 South Carroll Road Villa Rica, Ga 30180 4194 Carrollton-Villa Rica Highway 548 Newnan Street 206 South Carroll Road Villa Rica 4194 Carrollton-Villa Rica Highway 206 South Carroll Road Villa Rica, Ga 30180 4194 Carrollton-Villa Rica Highway206 South Carroll Road Villa Rica, Ga 30180 4194 Carrollton-Villa 206 South Carroll Road Villa Rica Rica, GaHighway 30180 P.O. Box 1321 Carrollton, Georgia 770-942-2311 770-459-3694 Carrollton, GA 30117 P.O. Box 1321 Carrollton, Georgia 770-942-2311 P.O. Box 1321 Carrollton, Georgia P.O. Box 1321 Carrollton, Georgia 770-942-2311 770-459-3694 770-942-2311 770-459-3694 770-459-3694 3694 770-942-2311 770.836.1336 Phone: (770) 832-7056 770.836.1336 www.jones-wynn.com 770.836.1336 770.836.1336 www.jcollinsfuneralhome.com www.jones-wynn.com www.jones-wynn.com www.jcollinsfuneralhom www.jones-wynn.com www.westgeorgiamemorial.com nes-wynn.com www.jcollinsfuneralhome.com www.jcollinsfuneralhome.com www.westgeorgiamemorial.com www.jcollinsfuneralhome.com www.almonfuneralhome.com www.westgeorgiamemorial.com www.westgeorgiamemorial.com forfor complete obituary listings daily go go to:to: www.starnewsgaonline.com for complete obituary listings daily go to: www.starnewsgaonline.com complete obituary listings daily www.starnewsgaonline.com www.starnewsgaonline.com newsgaonline.com for complete obituary listings daily go to:

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www.starnewsgaonline.com ATHEA Y. MADDOX from page 22

According to the American Psychiatric Association, the symptoms of a Major Depressive Disorder are: - Depressed mood most of the day and nearly everyday - loss of interest or pleasure in what was once preferred activities -significant weight loss or weight gain - loss of energy, fatigue - loss of sleep or sleeping too much - not able to think clearly or concentrate - recurrent thoughts of death - feelings of worthlessness and unnecessary guilt How can we help? If you know someone who suffers from depression like my friend, it is important that you try to encourage her to make an appointment with a psychologist or professional counselor. Therapy is where a professional can objectively listen and, if needed, prescribe medication. It has been proven in many studies that therapy, along with medication, has helped tremendously with mental wellness. Some studies have seen over 60% improvement.

Also, do not condemn, but instead listen.

Remember, depression is not the same as being sad. Those that suffer with depression cannot just ‘turn it off’.

Consider Jesus! Let’s consider Jesus!

Remember, the Bible states in Acts 10:38 that “…Jesus went around doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with him” (New Living Translation). Jesus did not condemn the man who had leprosy, but healed him. He healed and forgave the man who was paralyzed, healed a man who had a deformed hand, healed the woman with the issue of blood, casted out devils, and raised people from the dead. All of this was out of love because people needed to be healed and their loved ones wanted them alive.

Let’s remember the greatest thing we can do for Millennials, or anyone who is suffering from depression, is to love them. 1Corinthians 13: 4 begins by saying, “Love is patient and kind.” And verse 7 says, “Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance” (New Living Translation).

So, to you dear reader, I will not give up on my friend. Let us pray and love.

fraudulent.

And, despite the fact that a former demic, more people wisely chose absentee ballots to lower their risk of contracting the president launched a months-long virus. We understand the signature disinformation campaign about our election verification process for these ballots was a system, it is certainly odd that no state tedious, inefficient, and time-consuming representatives or state senators in Georgia one. So it may make sense to find some way have complained about THEIR particular election results. One would have thought around that in future elections.

Efforts to address this problem, however, this would surely be the case if they truly should be designed in such a way that they believed there was something amiss with the do NOT create obstacles for those who work present system.

Any effort to restore confidence in our overnight shifts; are disabled; or have no ready access to transportation, copiers, or election process should begin with a strong, various means by which the verification of clear, and plainspoken critique of false statements that identity can be erroneously caused readily established.

We encourage our It’s important to Republican friends to not do the people to lose confidence in the past elections. keep in mind that bank statements and dirty work of fringe elements in Research conducted in Georgia showed that only bills, more often than their party and to cease not, are made out in conveying to constituents that three counties in Georgia had swings toward the the name of only one their misguided efforts to hold Democrats, and these person in a were attributed to shifts household - namely on to power are actually a the male (who is still noble effort at voter reform. . . in the composition of the electorate in those seen by many as the We applaud Raffensperger’s counties. “head” of the We encourage our household). efforts to maintain public Republican friends to not It may be that confidence in our elections do the dirty work of ballot boxes need to fringe elements in their be inside polling places for security purposes, but we see no party and to cease conveying to constituents need for removing a host of options for that their misguided efforts to hold on to voters that are already in place. We are power are actually a noble effort at voter against proposed changes that needlessly reform.

We support Secretary of State decrease the time available for voting on weeks during early voting, disallow local Raffensperger’s call for basing any change election departments to set work hours in our election laws on proposals that truly during early voting, and restrict the time prioritize security and best practices without period in which voters can either request or interfering with accessibility of election submit absentee ballots. Such proposals processes to the voting public. State election seem more mean-spirited meddling in the boards currently have the authority to inveselection process than bonafide efforts to tigate complaints of illegalities in our elections and from all we’ve learned they did a make elections more secure.

Despite the typical hue and cry from fine job in that regard in the recent election. lawmakers about limiting the scope and The Secretary of State even held his ground reach of government, getting on the steadfastly in the face of what may be bandwagon of such alleged “election adjudged to be criminal attempts on the part reform” by such proposals seems [as an of our previous president to actually change editorial in the AJC (2-7-21) put it], an the true outcome of our Georgia election.

We applaud Raffensperger’s efforts to uncharacteristic and colossal “overreach - to put it charitably.” More than sixty courts maintain public confidence in our elections have already determined lawsuit claims instead of caving in to pressure applied to alleging election malfeasance to be simply overturn the decision rendered by the frivolous, unsubstantiated and even majority of Georgia voters.

StarNews

March 14, 2021 Page 19

Edward Jones

ANNE and FRED RICHARDS from 21

Fred O’Neal, AAMS® Financial Advisor 410 College Street Carrollton, GA. 770-832-2141

Derick T. Newton, AAMS® Financial Advisor 937B Maple Street Carrollton, GA. 770-832-9515

Charles Shiver Financial Advisor 102 Trojan Dr Suite B Carrollton, GA. 770-834-4311

Joey L. Key, CHFC®, CLU® Financial Advisor 105 Somerset Pl,Suite A Carrollton, GA. 678-890-1067

Chantrice Swint Financial Advisor 801 Old Newnan Rd. Ste. C Carrollton, GA. 30116 770-834-0570

www.edwardjones.com Member SIPC

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Page 21 March 14, 2021

COMMENTARY

StarNews / StarNews Online

Preserving your 2nd Amendment and your Constitutional Rights

On March 2nd, I presented a resolution for consideration by the “Not just what happened, but what matters” Board of Commissioners to declare Carroll County, Georgia a SUSAN M. HORN 2nd Amendment Preservation EDITOR/PUBLISHER County. In recent times, we have ADVERTISING DIRECTOR: GRAPHICS DESIGNER: witnessed an unprecedented chalWAYNE REYNOLDS SHERRY REYNOLDS lenge to law abiding citizens in an REPORTER: BRANDON KERR attempt to infringe upon your rights in owning legal firearms Our goal is to produce a quality newspaper, locally oriented and designed with the readers’ interest in mind. Letters to the editor are welcomed and should include a signature, either by burdensome regulations address/email addrees, phone number. Liability for an error will not exceed the cost of the and/or extensive taxation. Many space occupied by the error. We welcome reader input, ideas and criticisms. Your right to of these efforts are descending read this newspaper is protected by the First Amendment of the United States Constitution. from Federal Agencies either by Published monthly. Periodical postage paid permit #16154 Carrollton GA. Elected Officials within Congress Delivery mail/carrier $20 per year. $30 out of county. Send address changes: P.O. Box 680, Carrollton, GA 30112. or through proposed Executive P.O. Box 680 Carrollton, GA 30112 Actions. Each Commissioner suehorn.starnews@gmail.com © 2021 Palindrome Enterprises swore an oath of Office to uphold cell: 770-301-1275 dba StarNews / StarNews Online both the Constitution of Georgia and also the Constitution of the United States which expressly includes your rights to keep and Carroll County voters are asked bear arms. In a unanimous vote, once again to approve a Special the following pertinent details of Purpose Local Optional Sale Tax the resolution were formally SPLOST (Tuesday, March 16th/ a one penny tax). We have always There has been a change in my approved this tax (five times before).

We have always approved the neighborhood. As you approach Educational Special Purpose Local Whitesburg, either along HighEDITOR/ PUBLISHER Optional Sale Tax E-SPLOST (five way 5 or Highway 16, from any times before). A few years ago, we turned down the Transporation Special direction, from across the river in Coweta, or from halfway to Purpose Local Optional Sale Tax T-SPLOST (one time at bat - a strike out).

Why approve all of the others, but not the one? Presentation, I suppose, Carrollton, or up toward the and perception. We have perceived that the one cent per dollar was spent Douglas County line, you will wisely for county projects and school needs. But for the transportation penny, notice the red signs by the road, I heard from voters that the county already had taxed them to take care of “NO ROCK QUARRY: CALL county roads within the regular budget. Another way of saying that is they 470-562-9846”.

From the first article that I subdidn’t handle our money wisely. mitted to the StarNews, I’ve The school systems - two here in Carroll County, three if you count the miniscule portion of Bremen City Schools that sits in Carroll - have enjoyed called attention to the growing either an overall reputation of spending the money on what voters want, or, awareness of the formation of a the voters keep approving it under the threat that the school boards will jack larger Whitesburg community. In up the school millage rate to double to cover the debt of what they have 1972, we came to live on an already spent. Yes, the school boards vote to spend the SPLOST funds ahead unpaved Black Dirt Road, where of collection using the logic that they should buy now before prices increase. our nearest neighbors were about Remember, the first two or three E-SPLOSTS / SPLOSTS were advertised a mile away in either direction. as a way to make improvements without increasing millage rates: get rid of Today, our black-topped road is the trailers used as classrooms and build new bigger schools; tax everyone dotted with dozens of households, who spends in the county, tourists, etc. and we can build or remodel the plus many dozens more that exist county administration building. Well, as far as I know, the trailers are gone, on the connecting roads. Our but we still don’t have our ad-min building. Now, to clarify, these are two neighborhood now covers several miles, and several hundred housedifferent taxes managed by three different governing/taxing bodies.

My point is, at this point, despite some negatives, approving SPLOST or E-SPLOST works in the taxpayer’s favor. It does collect money from The efforts of some Georgia everyone, keeping county property owners from paying disproportionately lawmakers to make numerous high. So, vote “Yes” on Tuesday, if you haven’t voted already.

Dangerous legislation: On a related topic, our legislators were presented changes in current voting law, we with House Bill 352, a long winded bill that contains one very scary part: “to believe, is a far-less-than-sincere provide for the election of a chief tax appraiser for each county by the effort to ensure the integrity of residents of the county.” What? No way. You do not want the chief tax our current election system. It is, appraiser to be an elected position! Talk about influencing future real estate rather, a blatant attempt to place values through a nice campaign contribution. We have a elected tax obstacles in the path of those who want to exercise their right to commissioner, but that position does not set values of property.

Another dangerous piece of legislation is Senate Bill 156 to “create the vote. The sheer number of the office of the chief labor officer, who shall exercise the authority of the proposed changes panders to the Commissioner of Labor in matters performed by the Commissioner as baseless claims and beliefs of specified in this title. The actions of the chief labor officer shall have the fringe conspiracy theorists that the 2020 election (including runsame force and effect as the actions of the Commissioner of Labor”.

Incredible! We citizens elect our labor commissioner. We decide who that off elections) were somehow person is. This law creates a paid hired position with the authority to “rigged” to obtain a fraudulent supercede our choice. For our other elected representatives to vote to take outcome. Most changes appear to be a calculated form of voter supaway our power, is shameful.

Please subscribe: Your subscription dollars ($20 or $10) to StarNews is as pression and are consequently an valuable to us as your vote for a one penny tax. It’s a small amount per effort to undermine key principles person, but, like the SPLOST penny, all the subscriptions together can make of democracy.

Ironically, it’s possible these a huge difference in the continuance of YOUR local newspaper.

We are not in any way affiliated with any other newspaper. We are changes may increase the motivaindependent. And we like it that way. We are not influenced by anyone, tion of those who have long championed increasing voter regexcept our “voters” - our subscribers! (See page 24.)

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Your subscription dollars to a newspaper are as valuable as your vote on a ballot

SUE

HORN

Amendment to the Constitution of the United States reads as follows: “A well-regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall District 3 not be infringed;” and Carroll County WHEREAS, the United States Commissioner Supreme Court has affirmed an 678-633-4954 individual’s right to possess firepassed: A RESOLUTION TO arms, unconnected with service in DECLARE C A R R O L L the militia, for traditionally lawful COUNTY, GEORGIA TO BE A purposes, such as self-defense “SECOND AMENDMENT within the home (District of Columbia v. Heller (2008)); and PRESERVATION COUNTY” WHEREAS, the United States WHEREAS, the Board of County Commissioners of Carroll Supreme Court has affirmed that County, Georgia, being elected to the right of an individual to “keep represent the People of Carroll and bear Arms,” is protected County, Georgia, and being duly under the Second Amendment sworn by oath to uphold the and is incorporated by the Due United States Constitution and Process Clause or the Privileges the Constitution of the State of and Immunities Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment and is Georgia; and WHEREAS, the Second See TOMMY LEE page 25

TOMMY LEE

No Rock Quarry: Call 470-562-9846

BILL

BOURIS digi@mindspring.com holds. This is where the population of red signs is densest. Our community, whose center is the City of Whitesburg, identifies with the anti-quarry sentiment.

Among the first opponents to the quarry, Whitesburg’s current mayor has been outspoken. Three previous mayors are residents and they oppose the quarry. There is another ex-mayor who is retired in Panama, and he is anti-quarry.

Isn’t it rare that five mayors who served the same city would be in

such agreement? As crows fly, City Hall must be some five miles away from the proposed quarry.

Why is it so upsetting? What’s going on here?

Because Whitesburg city goes down to the Chattahoochee River, there are environmental concerns for the quality of the water as well as that of the air. The city is in zip code 30185. Consider the fact that in the last twenty years, Whitesburg’s population has varied possibly by no more than 1%, and maybe has now shrunk. But, the population of 30185 has grown by at least 10%. The population of the community surrounding Whitesburg may have grown ten, maybe twenty times faster!

Add to that the fact that much of this new population is closely connected to those living inside the city’s boundaries. This is so

See BILL BOURIS page 24

In search of election reform that has integrity

FRED and ANNE

RICHARDS

istration and voter turnout. It’s also possible that efforts to block absentee voting in particular will undercut the vote in unpredictable ways (even unwanted ways) from the point of view of those pushing what they believe is “reform” legislation.

As we see it, the following principles should be honored for ANY proposed changes in election law if the aim is truly to

enact measures that support the integrity of and confidence in the voting process: (1) avoid unnecessarily and unconscionably stripping powers from people who have done a capable, effective, and professional job of handling our elections in the past; 2) promote the involvement of more rather than fewer eligible voters in our election process; (3) seek to ensure that those elected to office in Georgia represent a MAJORITY of their constituents in the state of Georgia, and not simply a vocal minority who are more interested in retaining power for power’s sake rather than accessing power to better serve the needs of the people they were elected to serve.

Clearly, in the midst of the panSee ANNE and FRED RICHARDS page 19

Page 22 March 14, 2021

StarNews

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The Holy Week pattern: love, pain, transition, resurrection

REV. JEFF

JACKSON

REVEREND St. Margaret’s Episcopal Church jeff@stmargaretsga.com Love - Pain - Transition - Resurrection. It is the pattern of life. In my Christian tradition, and in other churches that follow the ancient Church calendar, we follow this pattern during Holy Week, the week before Easter. We gather on Maundy Thursday to experience the selfless love of Jesus. We gather on Good Friday to experience the agonizing pain of Jesus. We gather at the Easter Vigil to experience the transition from darkness to the first sparks of light. Finally,

COMMENTARY

we gather at Easter to experience the fullness of the Resurrection. Easter is a day of joy, but it is a joy that can only truly be experienced once you walk through the other days of Holy Week.

Experiencing Easter without the rest of Holy Week is like eating only dessert for dinner, you can do it and survive, but there is so much more that can nourish you in the rest of the meal, and in fact, if you eat the veggies and meat, you might even enjoy dessert more.

Another way to look at it is that you can’t be happy all the time. You have to experience some sadness and pain in life to appreciate the good times, right? That’s why Holy Week is a pattern of life. So if you could use a day of Holy Week to describe where you are right now, which day of Holy Week are you?

Maybe you’re in Maundy Thursday, where things are good, you’re comfortable, you’re feeling the love, you’re being exactly who God has called you to be. Maybe you’ve got-

ten the warm fuzzies of being loved and loving others. Maybe you’ve been surprised by God’s love and are resting in the satisfaction of everything going well. Maybe you’ve had your feet and your soul cleansed and all is right in the world. You’re in love and feeling loved back.

Or maybe you’re in Good Friday, where your world has crumbled. Maybe you’ve experienced a significant loss. Your belly is sore and your face is tread with tear stains.

Your heart is throbbing with pain at whatever or whomever you’ve lost. It can be as significant as the death of a loved one or the loss of a privilege. It can be the deep, deep sadness that you carry and let no one else see. It can be the longing for the way things used to be.

It can be the anger and frustration of not having your expectations met. It can be the wedge between you and the person you are struggling to love and stay committed to.

Either way, it’s painful. You’re suffering.

Or maybe you’re in the Easter Vigil, where

overhanging sky. Staying still is not easy to accomplish in a life composed of many lives. Who knew it would be a virus that would finally keep me home?

In younger years, I was an object in motion, enough to earn a gypsy status, so that staying in one place for a year still feels radical. I suppose many of us could say that.

We Americans celebrate our mobility, upward and outward; small wonder a long dose of confinement goes against all concepts of national identity. I won’t say this year has been a gift; there’s been too much grief, fear, and anger along the way. But it has taught me, willy-nilly, and it has delivered time, time to deepen an awareness of the river in new and intimate ways.

I could give you many delicious details: all the different shapes and textures fog can take; the exact moment when the young spring leaves push up out of their buds; how the song of the water changes with every flood, every fallen tree rearranging the plash

of the current, the musicality of the tide; that first informing flash of the River Cooter’s back paw, never seen before, flat as a spatula, broad as a reptilian backhoe. I have marveled at the fawns’ leggy elegance in June, grieved over their carcasses in hunting season come fall. I have watched the Sun make its yearly march up and down the horizon, its beams sweeping my walls at changing angles day after day. All this and so much more was given me this year.

What does it mean to wake beside the same river every morning, to fall asleep each night to her lullaby’s croon? I don’t know exactly; I only know I can never take her for granted. So, I guess it means to be grateful, first and foremost.

If you’d asked me this question a year ago - before this unimaginable year took place - I probably would have said something about knowing the river better, more deeply, etc.

Now, a year later, trying to answer the question to the best of my ability, I can only say

much of an appetite for a while. As we talked, I could not help but think that she maybe suffering from depression. During our conversation, she expressed how she had not stopped grieving over the recent accidental death of her brother, the death of her father, and the death of her best friend. All of these deaths had happened in less than three years!

It was shocking to see this frail young woman struggling to think, to compose sentences.

A millennial, she had been so focused on success, vibrant, full of life, quick witted and a go-getter. At work, she was always on top of her game. She was also what younger people would call a “Foodie”. She had loved to go to restaurants and try different types of food. This woman sitting in front of me was not like that at all.

“Depression is one of the most harmful and pervasive conditions among Americans” (Latham, 2020). And it is on the rise, especially among teenagers and Millennials.

Millennials are defined as people born 19811996. Depression has historically been known to be higher among teenagers and young adults. “A 2019 study published in the journal of Abnormal Psychology reports an increase of 63% in the incidence of psycho-

logical distress among young adults and 53% rise for teenagers in the last decade” (Latham, 2020). Younger millennials (ages 18-25) have a high rate of major depressive episodes. This is definitely alarming considering that depression, if undetected, can lead to suicide.

Suicide is considered the number one leading cause of death among millennials (Wells, 2019).

Why are so many Millennials suffering from depression? It is stated that Millennials have high expectations for themselves. Many of them strive for perfection and feel the pressure to be successful, fighting for financial security. The pressure of a competitive job market causes them to set high standards for themselves. Many Millennials are being inundated with social media such as Instagram, Facebook, Snapchat, Twitter, and etc. Information from these platforms creates anxiety and the desire to compete for the perfect lifestyle. This causes them to compare themselves with what they see on these platforms and think that they are not measuring up.

Some Millennials are not able to afford higher education, which hinders them from applying for higher paying jobs. Not to mention the stress of the overarching debt of pay-

One year of reflecting daily on the turning wheel of a river

SYBIL

THOMAS

River Rambles syllabil@aol.com Star News Publisher Sue Horn and I were both astonished to realize that the paper has been offering the River Rambles column for a year now! One year. And what a year it has been. Long before these past twelve months unfolded, I had a notion of staying home for an entire year, forgoing adventure, professional obligations, and meditation retreats, to stay put by the Chattahoochee River, to be present every morning and every night for one revolution of the Earth around the Sun. I relished the ritual of reflecting daily on the turning wheel of river, floodplain, and

Millenials and depression

ATHEA Y.

MADDOX

Millennials Christian Ministry (MCM) amaddox@mcm empowered.org A dear friend of mine asked me to visit a common friend of ours because she had not heard from her in a long time. So, I went.

She opened the door slowly looking expressionless, dressed in sweatpants, sweatshirt, and her hair was uncombed. I could tell she had lost some weight. We sat at the kitchen table, and I asked how she was doing. She said, “Not good. I’m worried about my job. I am having difficulty trying to figure out what to do and I’m afraid I may lose my job.” This was a concern as I remember she had been the top employee at her office.

I suggested she let her boss know her concerns, and then asked if she had been eating.

I noticed her hand was shaking as she was trying to talk and think. She told me that she had not eaten at all that day and had not had

you are in transition from the pain of Good Friday, but not quite to full joy. Your wounds are slowly healing. Time has given you a little grace, but the wound is still tender. There is a small spark of hope in your line of sight, and you’re walking toward it, but you’re not yet there. The stone has been rolled away, the tomb is empty, but you haven’t quite found where Jesus is yet. You’re in transition.

Or maybe you’re in full resurrectionmode of Easter, the new normal, the transformed life, the person you never would have been unless you had gone through all those other days of Holy Week. Maybe you’re completely healed, completely transformed, and ready to be who God has called you to be. Maybe you were dead, but because of what you’ve learned on the journey, you are wiser, kinder, more full of love, more compassionate, more ready to go out and change the world.

See REV. JACKSON page 25

that it has less to do with me, and more to do with the river herself, her presence, her power. I could almost write - in the attempt to find language to describe these feelings that there is less of me now, after a year of being constantly by her side.

She has moved into me, washing away fear and loneliness with her wordless wildness, soothing away grief with her timeless flow. Her rhythms have become my own; the rise and fall of her current is the rise and fall of my breath. Her language is heard not only by the ear but with the heart. Rather than a superficial knowledge worn on the skin, this is an intimacy that has expanded within me, leaving less room for sorrow and complaint, eking out more space for openness and reception, paradoxically making me more human.

I am grateful to Sue Horn and Star News for saying yes to River Rambles one year ago, allowing me the rare gift of becoming the river month after month after month. ing student loans. Jobs that pay less than $10 an hour are not enough to provide for them and their families. Because of the financial stress, many worry about not being able to pay for healthcare and not having enough money for retirement.

With all of this, Millennials, as well as everyone else, are still facing the uncertainty of the global pandemic caused by Covid-19.

All of these factors and others have caused an increase in depression.

What causes depression? It was once stated that depression is caused by how people think and the best way to overcome it is to think positively, read the Bible, pray, and read “self-help” books. Now, don’t get me wrong. All of these are good, but the mental disorder of depression is more complicated.

Many doctors cannot pinpoint exactly what causes depression. It is different for different people. But some of the known causes can be genetic. This means that the disorder can be passed from your mother, father, or someone in your family. It can be triggered from a severe medical illness, death of a loved one, loss of job, getting a divorce, excessive worry, and stress.

What are the signs of depression?

See ATHEA Y. MADDOX page 19

COMMENTARY

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StarNews

March 14, 2021 Page 23

Letter to the Editor:

Dear Carroll County Community Leader, For over 100 years the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) has worked to expand the franchise of voting to all Americans.

Years of battles over elections procedures contributed to record turnout in the elections in 2020, and the January 2021 runoffs for the US Senate. Along with record turnout these were the cleanest elections in Georgia history. A hand recount of the presidential election found almost no discrepancies.

In Carroll County one vote in the total of 54,474 was changed after close examination of a mismarked absentee ballot. A GBI audit of 15,000 absentee ballot signatures in Cobb County found 2 discrepancies, neither of which qualified as fraud.

We should be celebrating the success of how well the record turnout was handled. And we should be working to engage the 2.7 million who still did not vote, one third of registered voters.

Instead of celebrating success, Republicans in the Georgia legislature are working to take apart our elections systems.

Carroll County Senator Mike Dugan has taken the lead to introduce legislation-SB 241. SB 241 would reduce the number of eligible voters who can use absentee ballots, make absentee voting more difficult for all who use it, restrict local government and private efforts to encourage voting, reduce times when we can vote early in person, allow local legislators to appoint the local officials who will oversee their elections and interfere with the court’s ability to enforce election laws.

These are the kind of efforts Georgia saw in the aftermath of Reconstruction when White Citizens Councils worked to disenfranchise Black Americans. Just like in the late 1800s, political leaders are changing the rules in order to preserve their power.

Since the founding of this country, when only wealthy white male landowners could vote, we have made slow progress toward achieving the lofty ideal of a “government of, by and for the people”. A true commitment to democracy means making it easy for every citizen to vote. This includes allowing people to vote in the way that best fits their schedule and personal situation.

The changes being proposed by Senator Dugan and others would make it more difficult to vote for anyone who works multiple jobs, lacks personal transportation, cares for children or elderly parents, travels for their work, has significant health problems or wants to take the time to study the many questions and candidates that are on the typical ballot. While these changes will disproportionately affect Black and Brown Americans, they will affect people of all races. And the proposals to allow legislators to meddle in the administration of elections is something we would expect to see in Communist countries not the United States of America.

Senator Dugan says he wants to represent all the people of his district, yet he never reached out to us to discuss these proposed changes to election laws.

The Carroll County Branch of the NAACP calls on Senator Dugan to withdraw SB241 and to sit down with us and others to discuss how we can make elections the celebration of American democracy they should be.

James Stocks, President Carroll County Branch of the NAACP

Concerning Donald J. Trump . . . a wild ‘what if’?

C. ED

WILSON

Thoughts While Shaving cedwilson587@yahoo.com A wild “What if?”

If you heard former President Trump speak at the Conservative Political Action Committee (CPAC) in Orlando, Florida, on Sunday, February 28th, you know:

1. Trump is not “going away”. He and a lot of others feel that the last presidential election was stolen by “harvested” mail in ballots.

2. Trump called out, by name, the RINOs (Republicans In Name Only) who voted to impeach him. I expect that about a third of those will choose to retire. And all RINOs who choose to run in 2022 will probably face primary challenges, and about one half of those RINOs will likely be defeated.

3. Trump is organizing a new “super pac” which will be very well funded. Maybe better funded than the Republican National Committee (RNC).

4. Now for a wild “what if”?!: What if our

The greatest comeback ever

JOHN

LEMMINGS

PASTOR Journey Fellowship Baptist Church www.journeyfbc.com johnlemmings316@gmail.com Everyone loves a great comeback. We have watched great comebacks in the sports world such as the Atlanta Braves. Many of you remember watching our beloved Braves struggle year in and year out until the year they went from worst to first. We all remember Sid Bream coming around third base heading home. We are all saying, “Run Sid, Run.” Sid goes sliding into home plate and the umpire gave the safe sign. Then, Skip Caray yells out, “Braves win! Braves win!

Braves win!” That play still gets me fired up every time I watch it.

I love listening to comeback testimonies of people who have been on the brink of death due to sickness and God heal them. A family who comes to my mind is Mark and Melissa Buchanan.

Mark got sick with the Covid virus and it attacked his lungs in a severe way. Many of us would wait daily for the updates given by family members. There would be days when the family called out for all prayer

Far out, yes, but how did dead people former president, Donald. J. Trump, or a vote last year, and how surrogate of his choosing, What if... Donald. J. did some jurisdictions ran for a house seat in Florida in 2022 and won? Trump...ran for a house seat have more votes cast AND the Republicans in Florida in 2022 and won? than there were then won the House and AND the Republicans then registered voters?

Criminal charges are Senate?

Would/could Trump become Speaker of won the House and Senate? pending, but our legal the House? Or whoever Would/could Trump become system is slow. The damage was done, and the former president Speaker of the House? the Supreme Court, wants?

Who could then likely face under Chief Justice Roberts, chose not to impeachment? The then President? Vice hear election fraud cases.

Yes, politics is a dirty business, but time president? the Attorney General, etc.?

Would the Republican Senate confirm the wounds all heels - think the Dim Governors of California and New York. impeachments?

warriors to urgently pray. There were days If the resurrection of Jesus shows us Christ as your only hope to heaven? He when it did not look good at all. Mark would anything, it’s that life can have a comeback, loves you and so does Journey Fellowship eventually have to have a double lung and it can happen faster than we ever realize. Baptist Church. www.journeyfbc.com transplant and begin the long road to Will you turn to Jesus Christ today? Will 409 Centerpoint Road, Bremen, Georgia recovery. you repent of your sin and trust in Jesus Mark is making a great comeback from this health scare. He and Melissa are telling their story of what our miracle working God With the State of Georgia is doing in their lives. Mark and Melissa are scheduled to share their health comeback including Carroll County - as testimony on March 21st during the 9 a.m. the #1 producer in the nation service. You are invited to join us for this wonderful service. of Chicken Broilers, why is These are wonderful stories of this Carrollton restaurant comebacks; however, the greatest comeback serving chicken from China? of all time is the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

The Bible says in 1 Corinthians 15:3-4 “…

The University of Georgia (UGA) just Christ died for our sins according to the released their 2021 report on the state’s scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the agricultural economy, stating that three scriptures…” Jesus Christ left the glory of out of four counties in Georgia are heaven and was conceived in a virgin’s involved in poultry and egg production. womb, was born and laid in a manger. He This includes Carroll County. In fact, would ultimately go to the cross and pay for Georgia is the #1 producer of chicken all the sins of mankind. He would bleed, cry, broilers in the nation, with a and die on that old rugged cross. His body farmgate value of more than would be removed from the cross and placed in a tomb. $100M. The greatest comeback of all time, the So, curiosity begs the resurrection of Jesus Christ, took place on question as to why this that Easter Sunday morning when a group Carrollton restaurant’s lobby of women went early to the tomb and were chalkboard states, “Today’s told by two angels, “Why seek ye the living Chicken Is From CHINA”? among the dead? He is not here, but is risen.” Jesus Christ defeated death, hell, and the grave.

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Should you represent yourself in court?

JASON

SWINDLE SWINDLE LAW GROUP, P.C. “He who represents himself has a fool for a client.” Abraham Lincoln Can a person represent himself in court?

Yes. The law provides that anyone can be a defendant and appear pro se (without a lawyer.) Is this a good idea? In 95% of cases, it is a terrible decision that almost always carries negative consequences.

The vast majority of defendants are represented by lawyers. There is a good reason for this. A criminal defense lawyer is trained in the art of defending a person charged with a crime. The lawyer also has knowledge of the rules of evidence, complicated procedural issues, and knows how to make and handle objections in court.

Sometimes, a person exercises his right to represent himself. When I hear this announcement made by a pro se defendant, I always cringe. There are a number of reasons why some people choose to represent themselves. For instance, they may believe that they are more capable of handling the case than any lawyer. Others have such a distrust of the criminal justice system that they would rather take their chances going it alone.

However, most people would not perform their own surgery or replace the roof on their home. Instead, they would hire individuals

BILL BOURIS from page 21

through networks of families and descendants, andshared childhoods. I’m not just talking about a community that is a group who are “together” by accidental proximity.

Rather, it is a community, whose members have history, ties, as well as proximity to each other. Unlike the stereotypical suburban community, our community is one where most its members are of non-accidental proximity. What’s going on here is the development of a larger and more meaningful community that is centered in Whitesburg.

Ten years ago, you couldn’t really see this.

But, the creation of the Whitesburg Public Library was a significant step towards the making of our “larger community”. The use of a funding formula that almost forced our library’s closure, serves as an illustration of just how governmental and bureaucratic forces were not sensitive to the reality of our emerging community. Each year, Carroll County gives a sum of money to our West Georgia Regional Library System, that is divided among six libraries based on a combination of library-size and library-need.

Simply: money was based on population of the incorporated city in which each library existed. This was, on the surface, imminently fair, but was a disaster for our library.

It was with that challenge that the citizens of the larger community of Whitesburg began to make themselves known. We residents living outside the city originated the idea for a public library; the mayor loved the idea! The county board of education donated an acre of land, and the citizens of the area volunteered labor, donated money. The proSee NO QUARRY page 25

specifically trained in those fields to do so.

The legal field is no different. If a defendant wants to ensure the best possible result, he should hire an experienced lawyer to advocate for him in court. If a defendant cannot afford a lawyer, he can apply to have a public defender to represent him. Representing yourself in court just does not work. Here is why: 1. People who represent themselves lack specialized knowledge and experience.

While attempting to plead their case, they may say things that significantly damage their case. For example, facts that the defendant believes support his case may not be a legal defense to the charge.

The law is complicated. Navigating a courtroom and the procedures within it is daunting; even for matters that seem simple.

Just because a defendant has the ability to walk into a courtroom and represent himself, does not mean that he is going to do it well.

While the defendant may know the case better than anyone, he cannot be an effective advocate.

The defendant will face a prosecutor on the opposing side. The prosecutor has the knowledge, training, and experience that the defendant lacks. That prosecutor is keenly focused on a conviction.

Additionally, the defendant does not know the prosecutor, the clerk, or the bailiffs in the

courtroom. He has never interviewed testifying witnesses, argued motions, or presented neither opening statements nor closing arguments. He does not know the rules of evidence or when to object to the admission of evidence and have never argued evidentiary objections with opposing counsel. Many other pitfalls await the pro se defendant as well.

2. Emotions always cloud sound strategic judgment. The best lawyers have one thing in common. They are able to focus on winning without the distractions associated with emotional thought.

Persons representing themselves tend to get nervous and become defensive under pressure. Instead of attacking the evidence, they may resort to making emotional arguments and eliminate any chance of being effective. Throwing yourself on the mercy of the court is not a substitute for a legal defense or a good trial strategy. Disrupting the court and irritating the judge usually has a bad result as well.

3. Pro se defendants must know and follow court rules and procedures. While some judges will give a pro se defendant a little leeway, the defendant is required to know and follow the rules of court. The judge will usually not give him a pass on the rules because he is not an attorney and does not have experience. The defendant cannot

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ask for help from the judge in the middle of a trial.

4. The judge and court staff will not coach a pro se defendant. Court clerks are tasked with managing court records and providing information. However, they are prohibited from filling out forms or providing case evaluation or strategy. Judges and court staff are also prohibited from giving legal advice.

5. The consequences are not worth the risk. Unlike civil court where money damages are at risk, criminal trials pose the added risk of jail and / or prison time, obtaining a criminal record, and the loss of driving privileges.

Now, there are some exceptions to the rule. For instance, if driver who is 21 years or older and does not have a CDL license is given a minor traffic ticket like speeding 10 miles above the speed limit, common sense would dictate that he would not need a lawyer unless there are other extenuating circumstances. In this example, the driver would need to either pay the fine or appear in court so that he can negotiate with the prosecutor.

If you find yourself in a situation where you are unsure whether you need a lawyer, it would not hurt to just pick up the phone and call a lawyer or two with reputations for honesty.

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COMMENTARY

The evolution of Independent Schools

PATRICK

YURAN

Headmaster OAK MOUNTAIN ACADEMY

Independent schools have been around since the late 1700s with the first formalized, independent school in the United States founded in 1789. During this period, education was traditionally customized where boys learned core content subjects and girls learned more of the domestic arts. In the mid-1840s, an organized system of public education began to take shape due to a charge led by prominent community leaders wanting a more comprehensive education system for their children.

These community leaders understood how a rigorous academic education could ensure sustainable growth within the community while also providing a better educational opportunity. In several documented sources

REV. JACKSON from page 22 The Gospel of John, chapter 20, tells about how Mary Magdalene, the first witness to the Resurrection, the apostle to the apostles, moves from weeping to joy. The disciples return to their homes after seeing the empty tomb, but Mary stays there. She’s so consumed by her grief, and rightly so, that at first, she doesn’t even recognize that Jesus is right in front of her. It’s not until he says her name that she truly recognizes him.

I imagine that’s how many of us are. We may get to the pain of Good Friday, but that pain keeps us there. We sometimes never get to transition, much less to full-on resurrection and transformation. We rarely see Jesus in the midst of our pain. Instead, we often blame him for not being there.

But if we are like Mary, maybe we can stay grounded. Maybe we will have the grace to meet Jesus again in a new way.

Maybe we will hear Jesus say our name.

NO QUARRY from page 24

ject was funded by local SPLOST plus citizens’ donations, and when completed, the entire package was given to the library system.

At the dedication and opening ceremony, the president of the Friends of the Library asked for those who had volunteered to rise and be recognized - some 200 stood up proud! Surely, considering the population of the city to be some 500, many, if not most, of those who stood up came from outside the city’s borders. During the time leading up to the grand opening there never had been a thought among us of distinguishing between those two groups. The volunteerism based on neighborliness just happened.

So, back to those red signs.. I’ve read that Carroll County benefits significantly from outside visitors, like attendees at meetings and seminars, athletic meets and tournaments, or tourists. All this results in thousands of jobs and very significant income. In 2019, such revenues totaled some $184 million. It’s interesting to think that the absence of those visitors and tourists could cause a considerable bump in our taxes.

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March 14, 2021 Page 25

TOMMY LEE from page 21

on education, Horace Mann and Henry Barnard are credited with being the architects for the concept of public education by designing on-going, sustainable funding sources where children could attend school at no cost. This brought about the model known today as public education.

Philanthropist Stephen Girard played a pivotal role during the late 1800s in redesigning independent schools to meet student’s needs in a more focused, relevant manor. Many businessmen of the time understood the social and economic implications of a good education in areas of society. They shared a common vision of educating and training young people with the goal of becoming social, community, and scholastic leaders within society. The schools established through the efforts of Stephen Girard were and are some of the finest examples of independent education anywhere in the world today.

Independent education is still relevant and thriving throughout the world. Parents who felt they wanted a uniquely, mission-driven education had those options even in the early days. The concept and mission of independent education has evolved dramatically over

the past four centuries. In most independent schools today, the mission is typically to provide a challenging college-preparatory education in a safe family-type environment while also nurturing ethical, spiritual, and physical development of students. Inspiring students to serve beyond themselves in an effort to foster confident leadership is embodied within these missions as well.

Independent schools typically are innovative schools providing a level of unmatched academic excellence where students receive a personalized, college-preparatory education.

Vibrant campus-life offers dynamic opportunities empowering students within independent schools to grow into strong community leaders committed to living lives filled with service and integrity.

We are fortunate to have several viable independent schools thriving all around us.

These serve a purpose for many families who have specific needs and desires for their child’s educational experience. Founded in the late- 1700s, independent education still meets the ever-changing needs of the world today. Consider visiting an independent school near you – you never know how that visit just might change your perspective.

Then, we will be filled with joy. Then, we can run back and tell our loved ones what has happened. Then, we can find ourselves completely healed from the wound we suffered and can now use that woundedness as a tool to grow.

In the midst of this last year, I hear quite often that people are losing hope. That people have grown so cynical about life that they forget that there is always a new day ahead. That people are pessimistic that things will ever get better in our world. I’m here to tell you that there is always hope, because there is always Resurrection. Look around. Does it stay night all the time? Does it stay winter all year long? Are babies not born every second? Are small acts of kindness, generosity, and compassion not being performed? The world has not reached perfection, but we should never be satisfied that it hasn’t.

We are Easter people! We are resurrected

people! We are the ones who have walked from Maundy Thursday to Good Friday to Easter Vigil to Easter. Jesus is alive and there is no tragedy so painful that God cannot mend. As the old hymn says, “Earth has no sorrow heaven cannot heal.”

That is our hope, my friends, and that hope is not diminished. Whatever day of Holy Week you find yourself, know that the next day will come. When you are in Maundy Thursday, relish the selfless love that surrounds you. When you are in Good Friday, lean into that grief knowing that it will not last forever. When you are in Easter Vigil, hang on through the transition knowing that hope is near. And when you are in Easter, rejoice, give thanks, and share that joy with those who need to hear it.

No matter what day you’re in, Easter always gets the last word. Resurrection always wins. Peace, Jeff+

Further, because our population will surely increase, the county must have a strong interest in increasing this tourist income. Whitesburg and the Chattahoochee is central to such interests. It has McIntosh Reserve and Moore’s Bridge Park, Snake Creek, Historic Banning Mill, and Highway 5 leads to Blackjack Mountain Park. Across the river, is Coweta’s Chattahoochee Bend Park State Park. Clearly, the key to all these wonderful natural attractions is the river.

There are plans for the creation of a 100 mile hiking network along the river, from Atlanta to West Point. Whitesburg’s parks are key features in that plan.

The particular quality of life that we enjoy happens to be dependent on the same qualities that Carroll County wants in order to increase Carroll’s tourist dollars. All this is adding up to a realization dawning on the citizens of our area, and I submit that it is a “hidden driver” in our unanimously supported effort to keep the quarry from happening. Not only do we locals and our representatives not want it, but official Carroll County does not want it.

While the quarry people claim a property

value of the quarry would be in the neighborhood of $20 million and that it would bring dozens of jobs to the area, there is a counter-argument. The red signs show the concern and fear that all those properties would begin to lose value. Little by little, the tax base would decrease. With each BOOM that would start the quarry’s work-week, there will be a family of tourists who would figure the next nature-outing might as well take place somewhere else. Moore’s Bridge Park almost borders on the proposed quarrysite.

Across the river from Whitesburg is Plant Yates that has been straining to eliminate its threat to the Chattahoochee. What on earth does it look like to have a giant power producer sweating desperately to clean up its act while, just up-river, a mining company wants to beginblasting rock?

When you think of it all this way, the red signs by the road have greater meaning.

Until now, I thought that our red signs had to do only with our local concerns.

Now I’m saying, this is truly a countywide issue with the risk of losing of serious public money.

thereby enforceable against the states (McDonald v. Chicago (2010)); and WHEREAS, the United States Supreme Court has affirmed that the federal government of the United States cannot compel state law enforcement officers to implement and administer federal regulatory programs WHEREAS... “Arms, right to keep and bear,” provides that, “[t]he right of the people to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed, but the General Assembly shall have power to prescribe the manner in which arms may be borne;” and WHEREAS, the citizens of Carroll County, Georgia, regard the right of people to keep and bear arms for defense of life, liberty and property as an inalienable right of the people; and WHEREAS, the citizens of Carroll County, Georgia, derive economic and social benefit from safe forms of firearms recreation, hunting and shooting conducted within Carroll County; and...

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Carroll County Board of Commissioners, duly assembled this 2nd day of March, 2021, that Carroll County be, and hereby is, declared to be a “Second Amendment Preservation County;” and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Carroll County Board of Commissioners affirms its support for the Carroll County Sheriff and any embodied law enforcement agency in the exercise of his/her sound discretion to not enforce against any citizen an unconstitutional firearms law; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that no agent, employee or official acting on behalf of Carroll County, or any corporation providing services to Carroll County, shall provide material support or participate in any way with the implementation of federal acts, orders, rules, laws or regulations in violation of the Second Amendment to the United States Constitution; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Carroll County Board of Commissioners will not authorize or appropriate funds, resources, employees, agencies, contractors, buildings, detention centers or offices for the purpose of enforcing or assisting in the enforcement of any element of any acts, laws, orders, mandates, rules or regulations that violate the Second Amendment to the Constitution of the United States; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that all federal acts, laws, orders, rules, regulations that violate the Second Amendment to the Constitution of the United States or Article I, Section I, Paragraph VIII of the Constitution of the State of Georgia, are hereby declared to be invalid and are specifically rejected in Carroll County, Georgia, and shall be considered null and void and of no effect in Carroll County, Georgia.

As you have read, the creation of the resolution is an effort to solidify the United States Constitution recognized by local governing authorities and preserve your inalienable rights listed within. The right to keep and bear arms is at the very core of many fundamental freedoms in this Country, none less in which is the right to protect oneself, your family and property.

May God see fit to watch over this great Nation and may we pray that no one ever sees the day in which our rights under the United States Constitution are called into question by any dually elected governing agency.

Page 26 March 14, 2021

StarNews

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Financial checklist for new(er) parents

JOEY KEY

FINANCIAL ADVISOR If you’re a brand-new parent, or even if you’ve been one for a little while, you’re no doubt filled with the many joys your child brings you.

But as caught up as you are with the feelings and experiences of today, you also need to think about the future – specifically, the financial issues that accompany a growing family. What are some of the key moves you need to make?

Here’s “checklist” to consider: • Establish a budget. If you’re going to meet the additional expenses of a child, plus make progress toward other objectives, such as paying down debts, you’ll need to know where your money is going.

Setting a budget, and sticking to it, may seem difficult, but once you’ve gotten into

the habit, it will become easier – and for many people, following a budget actually gives them more of a sense of control over their finances.

Over time, expenses related to your children will change, so you’ll need to adjust your budget accordingly – for example, once a child is in school full-time, childcare expenses may drop, which could allow you to boost your savings.

• Protect against the unexpected. If something were to happen to you, how would your child, or children, be affected?

Even a family with two working parents can face serious financial difficulties if one of the parents were to die prematurely, or even just drop out of the workforce temporarily due to illness or injury.

To help ensure your family could still stay in your home and your children could still afford to pursue higher education, you’ll want to create an appropriate protection strategy involving both life and disability insurance.

Your employer may offer both, but the

Celebrating 19 years in business!

JILL

DUNCAN State Farm Insurance 770-834-6570

jill.duncan.j3mm@statefarm.com In 1990, I began my career with State Farm insurance in Birmingham, AL. I transferred to Atlanta to their operations center a few years later and worked there until I was offered an opportunity to become a State Farm agent in Carroll County, GA. Carol Ozier was retiring and I was

blessed to be considered to inherit her agency. Anytime you move to a new town to begin a new career, it is scary, but it is also exciting. We moved and found our new home to be inviting, friendly and very welcoming.

Jill Duncan State Farm’s doors opened April 1, 2002, and we began our mission of taking care of customers, supporting our local community and growing our business.

I fell in love with Carroll County and all it had to offer. We grew our business by being involved and sponsoring community events.

I joined Rotary Club of Carrollton, Carroll County Chamber of Commerce, and a local church. I have been able to serve on many boards and attend events for so many organizations in our community,

Carroll County marriage licenses

coverage provided may not be sufficient for your needs, so you may need to purchase your own policies.

And here’s another protection-related idea: Try to build an emergency fund containing three to six months’ worth of living expenses, with the money held in a low-risk, liquid account.

Without such a fund, you might have to tap into your longer-term investments to pay unexpected costs, such as a major car repair.

• Prepare for high cost of higher education. You may already be thinking about sending your child to college. And it is indeed a good idea to start planning early because college is expensive, and it’s getting more so every year.

However, you can prepare for these expenses through a college-savings vehicle, such as a 529 plan. A financial professional can help you pick the investment, or investment strategy, that’s appropriate for your needs.

But whatever route you decide to follow, you won’t want to wait until your child is allowing me the opportunity to meet many people in west Georgia and east Alabama.

This year marks ten years in our “new” office located on Maple Street in Carrollton across from the Univerisity of West Georgia. I am so thankful that so many choose to shop locally, supporting hometown business whether retail or service is important to a thriving community.

We appreciate our customers and our community for support for the past 19 years.

I am blessed to be able to call Carroll county home!

Jill Duncan, 1654 Maple Street, Carrollton, GA, 30117; business: 770-8346570; fax: 7708346560 jill.duncan.j3mm@statefarm.com www.jillduncaninsurance.com

February 1-28, 2021

close to college age.

• Keep long-term goals in mind. Even while planning for the costs associated with raising a child, including saving for college, you can’t forget your other long-term goals.

It isn’t selfish to build resources for your own retirement – in fact, you’ll ultimately be helping your family greatly by taking steps to maintain your financial independence throughout your life.

So, during your working years, try to consistently contribute as much as you can afford to your IRA and your 401(k) or other employer-sponsored retirement plan.

Having a child is obviously a lifechanging event, and one with considerable financial challenges – but they can be manageable if you make the right moves at the right times.

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

Carroll County pistol carry permits Number of Firearm Carry Permits applied for: February 1-28, 2021: 468

Carroll County prison population Total population as of March 8, 2021: 171 Capacity: 246 Males: 100%

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

Carroll County jail population (The Jack T. Bell Detention Center, 1000 Newnan Road, Carrollton)

marriages chart

Total population as of March 8, 2021: 414 Males: 367 Females: 47

Carroll County births February 1-28, 2021:

Tanner Medical Center, Carrollton: Girls: 40 Boys: 36 Tanner Medical Center, Villa Rica:� Girls: 21 Boys: 28

Carroll County cattle receipts Carroll County Sale Barn 225 Sale Barn Road, Carrollton March 1, 2021: 863 February 22, 2021: 293 February 15, 2021: 174 February 8, 2021: 356

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West GA Balloon and Party has been spreading the joy during lonely pandemic times with balloon surprises!

Patricia Clements Williams, owner of West Georgia Balloon and Party, is participating in the #adoptagrandparent project. “This is a balloon industry endeavor to bring smiles to the faces of residents in nursing homes because they’ve been locked down for a year. The lockdown is breaking their hearts. We are doing this to bring a smile to their faces for a while,” Williams said.

The project, funded by donations from individuals, corporations, and other local businesses and organizations, provides each resident with a “balloon buddy,” a two-foot tall balloon sculpture. The balloons are air-filled, so they last for weeks and so do the smiles! Each balloon buddy also comes with a handwritten note, which Northwest Exterminating is partnering with the project to provide.

Williams is working on a goal of providing 111 balloon buddies for residents in Bowdon Majestic Living and Pine Knoll in Carrollton. and 89 balloon buddies for Carroll Manor residents.

“There are nine homes in Carroll County. Wouldn’t it be great to provide them each with a buddy that will last them for weeks? I want these seniors to know that the community has not forgotten them. To let them know that we are thinking of them and that we care.”

If you would like to be a part of this joyful project: $15.00 donation for one balloon buddy, $50.00 for four balloon buddies, or $100.00 for seven balloon buddies. Donations can be made through the West GA Balloon and Party website or Paypal account: westgaballoonparty@gmail.com

StarNews

March 14, 2021 Page 27

Carroll County Department of Public Health

restaurant health inspections scores

To view complete restaurant inspection details, go to: dph.georgia.gov/environmental-health 2/04/2021: Spinnerz 117 N 113 Hwy Carrollton 100 2/24/2021: BBQ Plus 228 Wesley Mill Rd Villa RIca 100 2/01/2021: Young’s BBQ 3763 Old Villa Rica Hwy Carrollton 100 2/04/2021: C&K Auction, 1865 Mt Zion Rd Carrollton 100 2/11/2021: Diamond in a Cave, 502 Campbell Ave Bowdon 100 100 2/11/2021: 4am Coffee 401 Maple St Carrollton 100 2/25/2021: Central Coffee 820 Maple St Carrollton 100 2/26/2021: Olive Tree 150 Stone St Villa Rica 99 2/25/2021: Carrollton Nutrition 1010 N Winds Carrollton 99 2/25/2021: Willowbrook Medical 20 Herrell Dr Villa Rica 2/25/2021: Tanner Medical Center 601 Dallas Hwy Villa Rica 99 99 2/05/2021: Subway 24 W Hwy 5 Whitesburg 2/19/2021: Big Chic 650 W Bankhead Hwy Villa Rica 99 99 2/11/2021: Carrollton Club 1130 Cedar St Carrollton 98 2/02/2021: Hot Wings 932 Alabama St Carrollton 2/05/2021: Mohave Hot Wings 1069B Main St Whitesburg 98 2/08/2021: Dairy Queen 1515 Alabama St Bremen 98 98 2/12/2021: Smokin Pig 409 W College St Bowdon 2/25/2021: GC Feathers 883 W Bankhead Hwy Villa Rica 98 98 2/02/2021: Arby’s 122 Hwy 61 Villa Rica 2/22/2021: New Evergreen 1004 Bankhead Hwy Carrollton 98 97 2/02/2021: Wendy’s 186 Hwy 61 Villa Rica 97 2/18/2021: Moe’s Southwest 700 Hwy 61 Villa Rica 97 2/03/2021: Subway 827 Maple St Carrollton 97 2/03/2021: El Morella 225 David Blvd Bremen 97 2/17/2021: Plates 301 Adamson Sq Carrollton 96 2/01/2021: Five Guys 1435 S Hwy 27 Carrollton 2/01/2021: Tanner Medical Center 705 Dixie St Carrollton 96 2/19/2021: Kong Long 82 Hwy 61 Villa Rica 96 96 2/02/2021: KFC 126 Hwy 61 Villa Rica 96 2/01/2021: Carroll 168 Donuts 928 S Park St Carrollton 96 2/01/2021: La Chiquita 901 S Carroll Rd Villa Rica Listen to WGMI 1440 2/05/2021: O’Berry’s Pies 208 E College St Bowdon 95 THE TRAIN easily on your 95 2/11/2021: Subway 101 N Way Blvd Carrollton phone or other mobile device!

2/01/2021: Wendy’s 139 E College St Bowdon 95 Simply download the Pizza Hut 614 Bankhead Hwy Carrollton 95 2/08/2021: TuneIn Radio app and select 1440 The Train!

95 2/02/2021: Jefferson’s 750 W Banhead Hwy Villa Rica WGMI IS West Georgia & East Alabama's Available for Android, station for the best in Southern Gospel music 95 iPhone, as well as the iPod 2/10/2021: Sutton’s 477 Rome St Carrollton 24/7!!

Touch & iPad, and other 2/03/2021: Nama Asian 108 Admason Sq Carrollton 95 tablets!

No other station in the West GA / East AL 2/08/2021: Tropical Joes 928 S Park St Carrollton 95 Look in the Google Play area plays as much Southern Gospel music as store or iTunes now!

2/19/2021: Giovanni’s 1124 N Park St Carrollton 94 WGMI 1440 The Train!

2/10/2021: Wendy’s 803 S Park St Carrollton 94 From the classic groups of the past such as the Cathedrals, the Hinsons, to the chart 94 2/03/2021: Pita Pit 106 Adamson Sq Carrollton toppers of today such as the Kingdom Heirs, 94 2/25/2021:Thai Basil 921 Moore’s Ferry Rd Villa Rica The Talleys, Brian Free and Assurance, Jason 2/25/2021: El Ranchito 606 Carrollton-Villa Rica Hwy Villa Rica 94 Crabb and all the rest!

2/18/2021: Trading Post 664 W Bankhead Hwy Villa Rica 94 We also air your favorite shows such as Gaither Homecoming Radio, Southern Gospel 94 2/03/2021: Blazer’s 23-B Tyus-Carrollton Rd Carrollton Breezes and more!

2/25/2021: Brothers Bar 901 S Carroll Rd Villa Rica 92 Tune in today and tell your family, friends, co92 2/19/2021: El Tio 110 Hwy 61 Villa Rica workers and fellow church members to listen to 91 2/11/2021: Osaka Japanese 808 Maple St Carrollton the all new WGMI 1440 The Train!

2/19/2021: Station 1 Hot Wing 118 Hwy 61 Villa Rica 90 90 2/01/2021: Jack’s 729 E College St Bowdon P.O BOX 1440•Bremen, GA 30110 84 2/08/2021: Marco’s Pizza 40 Villa Rosa Rd Temple T: 770-537-0840•F: 770-406-2324 82 2/03/2021: Little Caesar’s 160 Hwy 27 Bremen www.1440thetrain.com 82 2/17/2021: Maple St Diner Carrollton

AM

WGMI 1330

in Local News

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