StarNews May 2020

StarNews

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

NEWS REPORTING / NEWS RECAP / NEWS ANALYSIS

MAY 2020 • VOLUME 26 NUMBER 5

Message to the citizens of Carroll County from State Labor Commissioner Mark Butler Since the middle of March, the Georgia Department of Labor (GDOL) has issued over $2.4 billion in combined state and federal Butler unemployment benefits. We have processed 1,597,593 regular initial unemployment claims and of these claims, 778,330 were valid with enough earned wages to receive benefits.

Over half a million Georgians have received a payment from the GDOL in the past seven weeks.

We are working very diligently to come

See Commissioner Mark Butler page 6

Message to the citizens of Carroll County

Part 2

“Who’s Junior Carroll?” 2020 beginning page 10

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

Early voting begins for Primary Election Busy ballot for June 9th Primary: E-SPLOST yay or nay; state rep/state court judge/city council/school board/ party questions and presidential preference

Primary Election: JUNE 9 Early Voting: MAY 18- JUNE 5 Saturday Voting: MAY 30 Run-Off: AUGUST 11

See CENSUS page 5

Met Lane

Nathaniel Smith

Erica Tisinger

CANDIDATES COUNTY COMMISSION DISTRICT 5

Cason Hightower CANDIDATE STATE REP. DISTRICT 18

from Fire Chief / Emergency Management Director Tim Padgett

As Fire Chief of Carroll County Fire Rescue and serving as EMA (Emergency Management) Director it is my job to Padgett make sure our citizens and community are protected daily and informed of impending threats such as fire, weather, and natural disasters. Being in Public Safety through

See Chief Tim Padgett page 29

Census 2020:

by Sue Horn / Prissi Sullivan State Court Judge CANDIDATES Carroll County voters will have an unusually See Page 18 busy ballot for the June 9th Primary Election. In Partial operational addition to presidential preference choices, District 5 Commission CANDIDATES census activities to there will be a local E-SPLOST Yes/No quesSee Page 19 resume May 13th tion; specific Republican/Democrat party questions; and contested races for State Court Judge, Education Districts 1, 3, 4, and 6.

Voters must first choose a party ballot. This by Prissi Sullivan Carroll County Commission District 5, State 2020 Census operational activities Representative District 18, Carrollton City will determine which and how many of the have been classified as essential, See PRIMARY JUNE 9th page 8 Council Ward 1, and Carroll County Board of mission-critical federal work, and, as CANDIDATE such, the United States Federal CANDIDATES STATE COURT JUDGE STATE REP. DISTRICT 18 Government will resume partial census operations May 13th in a phased return-to-work plan.

As of April, the Atlanta Census Bureau Region, which includes

James Fulford

Lee Powers

Ernie Reynolds

Tyler Paul Smith

Southwire to donate $1M to help counter COVID-19: half will go to combat hunger Three phases to focus on hunger, education and the holidays from press release Southwire Company has announced a decision to expand their giving efforts throughout 2020 in response to COVID-19 with a focus on hunger, education and hope for the holidays.

“Southwire has always sought to give back

The Small Business Development Center at UWG helping businesses navigate COVID-19 crisis

submitted by Sam Gentry University of West Georgia The COVID-19 crisis has doubtless presented difficult challenges for small businesses. Many of them have turned to the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at the University of West Georgia for help.

See SBDC assistance page 5

Labor department has issued more payments during COVID-19 than in past four years combined

from press release and improve the quality of life in the communiThe Georgia Department of Labor ties in which we live and work,” said Rich Stinson, Southwire’s president and CEO. “Our (GDOL) has received and docucommitment to expand our giving efforts to mented 92% of the claims filed durhelp support COVID-19 relief builds upon our ing the COVID-19 pandemic. Since See SOUTHWIRE page 4

See LABOR DEPT. page 33

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GET RID OF CHRONIC PAIN AND WEAKNESS with a little help from Dr Templeton

P

ain serves an important function in our lives,” observes Dr Ralph Templeton, of Bremen Family Health and Wellness Center and Axiom Chiropractic in Villa Rica. “When you suffer an acute injury, pain warns you to stop the activity that is causing the injury and tells you to take care of the affected body part so the injury doesn’t worsen!" On the other hand, chronic pain that persists for weeks, months, or even years can alter brain functions. Pain pathways are far reaching and have the potential to impair your abstract thinking skills making it more difficult to embrace more complex abilities that require such thinking. Hence, people may become more difficult to get along with and/ or less productive within the family or workplace setting. Persistent pain can also weaken your immune system making it harder to fight off all disease including cancer, as well as colds and flu. Some people suffer from chronic pain without any definable past injury or outward signs of body damage.

Common chronic pain can be caused by ANY tissue disease, such as stomach or colon ulcers/inflammatory conditions and stiff, arthritic joints (poor joint mechanics).

So, the hard thing is explaining to a patient that these brain altering sensations do not necessarily have to hurt (be consciously felt) to cause unrest, depression, or infectious disorders.

Fortunately, there are plenty of objective evidence or physical findings to explain such pain. Unfortunately, your medical physician is not

Dr Ralph Templeton with Heather Alexander CA aware of or has the clinical skills to identify the most important ones...and so, for those who go to them first (and last) many times are not informed of these contributing factors and therefore inclined to accept an incomplete diagnosis that leaves them to believe there’s nothing that can be done for them to achieve a more comprehensive healing. The actual problem is patients believe pharmaceutical medications should be used as a first resort instead of the last.

Some patients assure me they don’t have much if any pain and I must advise them that their awareness of pain has little to do with how much neurological compromise they are coping with. In other words your brain accommodates to “feeling” the pain due to long term protective mechanisms built into our body but the negative neurological imbalance will prevail nonetheless.” Some doctors, who can’t not find a physical cause for a person’s pain, may simply suggested that it is “psychosomatic” which may imply to the patient that their pain is “all in your head.” This is unfortunate, because it is now known that all pain is real and not imagined, except in the most extreme cases of psychosis.

Scientific evidence demonstrates that the nerves in the spinal cord

of patients with chronic pain undergo structural changes.

“Psychological and social issues often amplify the effects of chronic pain, Dr Templeton continues. “People with chronic pain frequently report a wide range of limitations in family and social roles, such as the inability to perform household or workplace chores, take care of children, or engage in leisure activities. In turn, spouses, children, and co-workers often have to take over these responsibilities. Such changes often lead to depression, agitation, resentment, and anger for the pain patient, and also more stress and strain on family and other social relationships.”

Depression is the most common emotion associated with chronic pain. It is thought to be 3 to 4 times more common in people with chronic pain than in the general population. In addition, 30 to 80% of people with chronic pain will have some type of depression. The combination of chronic pain and depression is often associated with greater disability than either depression or chronic pain alone. This constellation of disabilities starts a vicious cycle— pain leads to more depression, which leads to more chronic pain. Our solution is finding the root cause of your

pain,” Dr Templeton continues.

“That is the hallmark of my practice. We can work with all the conventional tools of modern medicine and science to find that root cause and then correct it.”

Dr. Templeton suggests: “Come into our office for a complete assessment of your neurology associated with Posture and Balance controls as these centers when compromised will lower responsiveness in other key areas that initiate emotional responses, ability to reach deep sleep and handle stress hormones like cortisol. This assessment period will also explore the possibility of visceral stress factors (bowel, stomach, liver, pancreas) that can be a driving force of pain sensations into your Central Nervous System (CNS).

Also included is a review of what medications have been tried in the past as well as a review of what’s currently being tried. After I have a complete understanding of your history and lifestyle we will do a complete evaluation and I will then review with you how we can then proceed with treatment to solve the root cause of your problem, so when you say are having a great day, you mean it! Call us today!”

Dr Templeton’s locations participate in over 80 different health benefit plans including Medicare, Personal injury, and Workers Compensation programs. Bremen Family Health and Wellness Center 507 Alabama Avenue, Bremen and Axiom Chiropractic, 941 S Carroll Rd, Villa Rica For more info go to www. drtempleton.com Or CALL 770-537-5555 OR 770-459-8782 today!

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StarNews May 17, 2019 Page 3

Early Voting runs Monday May 18 - Friday June 5 & Sat. May 30

Election Day is Tuesday, June 9

Page 4 May 17, 2020

StarNews

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SOUTHWIRE from front page company’s principle of supporting those in need with our time, talent and financial resources, and we are pleased to join others who share this vision as we all continue to respond to this global Rich Stinson challenge.”

Southwire Southwire’s dona- president/CEO tion, totaling $1 million, will be made in three phases, which focus on hunger, education and hope for the holidays. These donations will be divided out through the rest of the year and will provide meals, school supplies and more. The first phase of giving will be activated in the early summer months and will provide families in need with meals. As of April 30, more than 30 million Americans have filed for unemployment, and 55 million students are out of school – many of whom rely on school meals.

Southwire will be donating a total of $500,000 to Feeding America, the nation’s largest domestic hunger-relief organization, and other similar international organizations in our Giving Back communities. For every dollar given, Feeding America provides 10 meals to those in need.

The second phase of the donation will take place in late summer and will connect with Southwire’s continued commitment to education and our annual Back to School event.

For the past 16 years, Southwire has held Back to School events at many Giving Back communities across the company, but this year’s efforts will have a larger impact than

ever before through a committed contribution of $250,000. With this commitment, we will be able provide more than 25,000 bags of free school supplies to families and children in our local communities who need them most.

“We are in truly unprecedented times, and our leaders recognize that, now more than ever, we must find a way to support our communities,” said Kristian Whittington, manager of communication and engagement.

“We are not reinventing the wheel; rather, we are increasing our existing Giving Back efforts because there is a much larger need.

This is one of the largest donations we’ve ever done, and I’m incredibly proud to see it come to fruition at a time when our nation and world need it most.”

The third, and final, phase of the donation focuses on hope for the holidays and will take place during the months of November and December. We know that the economic impact of COVID-19 on families won’t subside quickly. With that in mind, this phase of giving allows us to consider expanded ways to provide support, gifts and hope to our communities during the holiday season. Each of Southwire’s 23 Giving Back communities will work with local organizations to identify specific needs at the time.

Many of Southwire’s community volunteerism and giving efforts flow through our non-profit organization, Project GIFT®, which stands for Giving Inspiration for Tomorrow. Project GIFT began 15 years ago when a team of 10 employee volunteers traveled to Waveland, Miss., to assist with a Christmas event planned for victims of Hurricane Katrina. Since then, Project GIFT has grown from 10 to more than 1,200

Tyler Smith candidate

PRO-GOD, PRO-LIFE, PRO-2ND AMENDMENT, PRO-TRUMP & PROBUSINESS - KEEP THE 18TH HOUSE DISTRICT GREAT! PRO-GOD, PRO-LIFE, PRO-2ND AMENDMENT, PRO-TRUMP & PROBUSINESS - KEEP THE 18TH HOUSE DISTRICT I am running forGREAT! election to

Early Voting runs Monday May 18 - Friday June 5 & Sat. May 30

MET LANE FOR STATE COURT JUDGE

See $1M DONATION page 33

✔ Born and Raised in Carroll Co.

Met Lane

✔ Is a former Assistant District Attorney who prosecuted felonies & misdemeanors. ✔ Has practice law in Carroll County for over 18 years.

Join me in supporting and voting for Met Lane for State Court Judge.

- Coach Ronnie Burchfield

✔ Served on Carrollton City Council.

✔ Born and Raised in Carroll LEARN MORE ABOUT MET Co. LANE:

MetLaneforJudge.com

facebook.com/votemetlane ✔ Born and Raised in Carroll Co.

VOTE JUNE 9

the 18th District of the Georgia House of Representatives on a conservative agenda and pledge to fight for smaller government, sustaining life, protecting our values and fueling a stronger economy.

I believe my work, alongside many others, will make West Georgia and our State a better place to live, work and raise a family.

OR BY ABSENTEE MAIL TODAY!

Election Day is Tuesday, June 9

www.starnewsgaonline.com CENSUS from front page

Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, and Louisiana, employs 6,106 of a total of 41,616 temporary workers. The phased return-to-work plan adheres to guidance from the Office of Management and Budget and the Office of Personnel Management as well as federal, state, and local authorities, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The Census Bureau has taken the following safety measures prior to resuming field operations: • Secured Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and sanitizer for field and office staff • Conducted deep cleaning of office workspaces • Developed mandatory COVID-19 training (outlining steps for staying safe while performing field duties) • Practicing social distancing, including shift work, in offices • Maximizing telework, when possible Due to the outbreak of COVID-19, the Non-Response Follow Up phase was delayed the middle of March for two weeks.

That situation became more fluid as further closings were mandated by the states.

Everyone living in the United States and its five territories is required by law to be counted in the 2020 Census. This is mandated in the U.S. Constitution. Census Day was April 1, so statistics for households are based on that day. The data compiled by the 2020 Census will determine congressional representation, federal funding to local areas, and data that will impact communities for the next decade.

Census forms may still be completed online at my2020census.gov. This form must be completed in one sitting, as there is no ability to save progress.

The Census Bureau began mailing paper questionnaires in mid-April to homes that had not yet responded. If you have not already responded, please complete and mail

SBDC assistance from front

The SBDC at UWG is part of the Richards College of Business and is one of 17 centers in the University of Georgia SBDC network.

Funded in part by the United States Small Business Administration (SBA), the center offers confidential consulting services free of charge to companies seeking management, marketing and financial advice to help them grow and succeed. Some assistance is also provided to pre-venture businesses that have gathered the necessary information and are ready to move into the marketplace.

Todd Anduze, area director of the SBDC and former Navy plane captain who had the opportunity to train with Navy SEALs teams during Desert Storm, is no stranger to remaining calm and focused during chaos. Anduze, along with other representatives from the UGA SBDC network, has worked diligently alongside state officials to get help for Georgia business owners. The state director for the SBDC is on Gov. Brain Kemp’s Coronavirus Task Force.

“We worked with them on day one to try to get the data for Georgia to be declared a disaster area,” he said. “Once that happened, it opened up a lot of things and people were qualified for other areas of assistance.”

The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, signed into law on March 27, 2020, allocated $349 billion to help small businesses keep workers employed amid the current circumstances.

The CARES Act provided funding for the See CRISIS HELP page 32

back your form as soon as you receive it.

And if you prefer, you still have the option of responding online or by phone instead. To respond by phone, call 844-330-2020 or go online to obtain the number to go on for languages other than English.

All answers are kept strictly confidential in accordance with Title 13 of the U.S. Code.

No identifiable information can be released about an individual, a home, or a business, even to law enforcement agencies. The answers are used only to generate statistics.

The security of the IT systems is a top priority and the IT infrastructure is designed to defend against cyberthreats.

All valid Census Bureau websites will always have “.gov” at the end. The Census Bureau will never ask for a social security, bank account, or credit card numbers, anything on behalf of a political party, money, or donations. In addition, the Census Bureau

will not contact anyone on behalf of a political party.

If someone visits your home to collect a response for the 2020 Census, you can do the following to verify their identity: First, check to make sure that they have a valid ID

StarNews

May 17, 2020 Page 5

badge, with their photograph, a U.S. Department of Commerce watermark, and an expiration date. If you still have questions about their identity, you can call 844-3302020 to speak with a Census Bureau representative.

Sheriff Terry Langley endorses Cason Hightower for State House seat District 18

from press release Republican Candidate for the 18th House District, Cason Hightower, has received the endorsement of Carroll County Sheriff Terry Langley: “Cason Hightower is a committed conservative who will serve Carroll and Haralson Counties well” Langley stated. “She’s got what it takes to help keep our families safe.

And I know she will be a strong voice for the law enforcement community. I strongly

endorse her candidacy for State Representative.”

Hightower is a 4th generation small businesswoman born and raised right here in west Georgia. She is running as a Republican in the upcoming primary election in the contest to replace retiring State Representative Kevin Cooke. You can learn more about her campaign at www.CasonHightower.com or by visiting her Facebook page at www.facebook.com/CasonHightowerGA18.

Dear Voter, Thank you for voting! Local governance depends on people like you exercising your right to vote by participating in elections. I realize it takes time and effort from you and I want to “thank you”.

James Fulford

Let’s keep Carroll County moving forward together!

A vote for me represents support for:

• County Support Services • Emergency Services • Small Business • Agriculture • Housing Please vote for me to represent you and the citizens of District 5 and Carroll County Thank you!

JAMES FULFORD

Page 6 May 17, 2020

StarNews

Message from Labor Commissioner Mark Butler from front page

www.starnewsgaonline.com

up with solutions to get Georgians back to work as soon as it is safe to do so. Although some people are returning to work, the GDOL will continue to process and make payments for all weeks an individual was eligible for benefits.

Despite claims to the contrary, returning to work does not automatically eliminate an individual’s state unemployment eligibility.

Thanks to Governor Kemp and his support, we were able to issue an emergency rule that increased the earnings exemption amount from $55 to $300 allowing individuals to make $300 a week without reducing their weekly benefit amount. This option was created with lower wage employees in mind.

The rule states that earnings of $300 or less will not affect entitlement to benefits.

Any amount over $300 will be deducted from a claimant’s weekly benefit amount, a payment determination based on an employee’s past wages. As long as a claimant is awarded at least $1 in state or federal benefits, he or she is eligible to receive Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation (FPUC), the additional $600 weekly payment.

If a business opens back up slowly and their employees are returning to work with reduced hours, employers can continue to file employer-filed partial claims on behalf of their employees. Employer filed (partial) claims have proven to be beneficial for employers and employees during this pandemic, taking less time to process and allowing employers to provide financial support for their employees that are temporarily laid off. Employers are required to report an individual’s weekly gross wages when certifying

on behalf of the employee with the GDOL allowing for continued benefits for those employees working reduced hours. An employer’s account will not be charged for claims filed against it for employer-filed partial claims during this time.

Those individuals with invalid or denied claims that could potentially be eligible for Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) have begun to see payments. This includes individuals who are self-employed, gig workers, 1099 independent contractors, employees of churches, employees of nonprofits, or those with limited work history who do not qualify for state unemployment benefits. Over 34,000 applications have been processed, but applicants have not requested payments. In order to receive benefits, applicants must request payments for each eligible week. Applicants are continuing to be identified as potential PUA recipients when deemed ineligible for state benefits and directed to apply for federal benefits.

The total federal funds issued for the FPUC, totaled over $400 million last week.

As of 5/02/2020, the Georgia Unemployment Insurance Trust Fund Balance was $2,126,662,546, up $34 million, from the previous week’s balance. This upward tick was attributed to tax revenue collections of $165 million deposited on April 30, 2020 outpacing the benefit payments for the week.

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

Cheers

Edward Jones

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

Derick T. Newton, AAMS® Dennis Brightman, CLU® Financial Advisor Financial Advisor 937B Maple Street 801 Old Newnan Road Suite C Carrollton, GA. 770-832-9515 Carrollton, Ga 770-834-0570

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PRIMARY JUNE 9th from front page

non-binding party questions you will be asked to consider.

To view a sample ballots, view specific party questions/your specific ballot, go to carrollcountyga.com/548/Sample-Ballots.

All ballots will contain the local ESPLOST question. Three school systems Carrollton City Schools, Carroll County School System, and Bremen City Schools are asking Carroll County voters to approve a one cent tax to raise $143M. - Carroll County Schools would receive 71.77%, $102,631,000 - Carrollton City Schools would receive 26.23%, $37,508,900 - Bremen City Schools would receive 2.00%, $2,860,000 In any of the following races with more than two candidates, a run-off race is possible (if no single candidate garners 50% of the votes plus one vote). The Primary Election Run-off is scheduled for August 11th.

Candidates in the non-partisan State Court Judge race are Met Lane, Nathaniel Smith, and Erica Tisinger.

Candidates in the State Representative Race District 18 are one Democrat, Pat Rhudy, and three Republicans, Lane Daniel, Cason Hightower, and Tyler Paul Smith.

There is no incumbent. The Republican winner (either June 9th or Run-Off August 11th) will face Rhudy in November.

Candidates in the Carrollton City Council Ward 1 race are Jacqueline Elaine Bridges, Danielle Fluck, and Rodney Ridley.

Candidates in the Commission District 5 race are all Republicans: James D. Fulford, Lee Powers, and Incumbent Ernest “Ernie” Reynolds.

For the Carroll County Board of Education, there are four seats open for these

non-partisan jobs. Candidates are: District 1: Bernice Brooks and Incumbent Rob Cleveland.

District 3: Incumbent Bob Pinckney and Kerry L. Miller District 4: Incumbent Clayton Kierbow and Jessie Strickland.

District 6: Incumbent Bart Cater and David Smith County School District 4 Candidates Clayton Kierbow, incumbent for the District 4 seat on Carroll County Board of Education, has been challenged by Jesse Strickland. Kierbow feels that his experience serving on the board for the past 3 years and his ability to listen to opposing views and making decisions on all the available information makes him the best man for the job.

He sees the hard-working employees as the main asset of the school system. “They do amazing things in the lives of our students every day,” he said. “Retention of these outstanding people is essential.”

Kierbow said he sees the necessity of standardized testing in order to measure progress. “However,” he clarified, “it should not be the only way progress is measured.”

He is a proponent of educational field trips for the students. “Field trips are a great way for students to get out of the classroom and learn in a more hands on process,” he explained. “By going to the zoo in Atlanta students can actually see the different animals they have been learning about in class, by going to Etowah they can learn about Native American culture, a trip to Kennesaw Mountain will help them learn about the Civil War.” Kierbow feels that transparency is important for public officials. “The public has a right to know who is funding a campaign, and if the official may be profiting from See KIERBOW page 31

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Honoring the HEROES who served to hold our flag high and courageously gave their h lives...and those who BRAVELY fight today THANK YOU!

Thank you CARROLL COUNTY COMMUNITY for showing such appreciation and kindness to us during this time...from the donation of masks, meals, cards and kindness, we want to say THANK YOU!!!

WEST GEORGIA AMBULANCE, INC. “Dedicated Healthcare When You Need It Most”

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Who is Garrett Gordon?

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

by Prissi Sullivan

Garrett Gordon is a 16-year-old rising junior, class of 2022, at Mount Zion High School.

He is a responsible, hard-working young man who enjoys life to the fullest. Garrett represents his school on both the football and baseball fields of competition.

“I learn a lot from sports,” he said, “such as teamwork and sportsmanship, in addition to the fundamentals of the game.” His football team won the region championship in 2018, of which he was proud to be a part. That season he earned Newcomer of the Year award for being the best new player of the team, along with All Region and All Area accolades. “I was very proud I had accomplished so much, “ he remarked.

Garrett is a member of Beta Club and the National Honor Society, which reflect his academic achievements. He was chosen by his teachers to be a member of the leadership team for the school. “Every couple of weeks we meet and have a speaker teach us certain skills,” he explained. “They also share what they have learned over the years.”

Garrett’s favorite subject, by far, is math. “I just love learning more and more about it and being able to solve a huge equation,” he stated. Not surprisingly, Mrs. Heather Morse, who is his math teacher, is his favorite.

“I was lucky enough to have her for three years, and she is an amazing teacher--the best I have ever had,” he declared. “She has helped with anything I have asked and is such an amazing person. Everyone loves her. She is one of the reasons I love math so much. Not only has she taught me the dynamics of math, she has changed my view of school and instilled in me a dynamic work ethic.”

Garrett said he hopes to become an engineer of some sort in order to use the math skills he is developing. “I just love problems; working them out and finding a solution,” he explained. “It goes back to loving math. I have tried to get a little practice in with my Garrett Gordon with his mother, Jenny Gordon uncle and grandfather.” His uncle is an engineer, and the three built a cabin on their hunting property, which included design, construction, wiring, and plumbing. He has a dream of attending Georgia Tech, because of their renowned engineering school. Wherever he chooses, he plans to play either college football or baseball and is hoping for an athletic scholarship.

Outside of school, Garrett is a member of a church in Buchanan, Pleasant Grove Baptist Church. “It is a small church--not much larger than my own family,” he said. He was nominated by the male members of the church as a representative to the New Hope Baptist Association. Upon arrival, Garrett was placed to serve on the finance committee. He and his dad serve to clean the church and keep it looking nice. This is important to Garrett for many reasons.

“The obvious reason is to stay on the right path of the Lord and worship Him, but also to see my family,” he explained. “I spend a lot of time with family at church and it’s the only time I see a lot of them.” One can tell that familial connections are important to him and that he treasures their fellowship.

Due to the pandemic of COVID-19, students have had to face a lot of challenges this year. “Personally, I can’t stand the ‘shelter in place’,” he stated vehemently. “I was always doing something—football, baseball, workouts--always something! When all of that was shut down, I felt like a lost puppy. Not only See GARRETT GORDON page 16

Dugan GEORGIA SENATE MAJORITY LEADER

CONSERVATIVE . PROVEN . LEADER.

State Senator Mike Dugan

2020

Senate District 30 Republican

CAPITOL OFFICE 121-J State Capitol Atlanta, GA 30334 Phone: (404) 463-2478

Thank you to all who serve today Paid for by State Senator Mike Dugan

PAID FOR BY DUGAN FOR STATE SENATE

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RECOGNIZING CARROLL COUNTY’S FUTURE YOUNG LEADERS

Who is Allison Gibson?

by Prissi Sullivan

Mount Zion High School senior, Allison Gibson, is looking forward to a career in education.

She plans on obtaining a dual major: Special Education and Early Childhood Education. She discovered she had the heart for this field when she visited Bright Life Farms, a residence facility for mentally challenged adults. “I was so touched by the love I received, I have gone back to see my second family several times since then,” she stated. In addition, her Sunday School teacher invited her to the Special Olympics and was impressed by Allison’s empathy for the group. “I have sat in on a special ed class at Central High School, as well as taking several dual enrollment courses,” she explained. “I plan to attend the University of West Georgia, because of their amazing education program! This will help me grow in knowledge and provide me with amazing opportunities.”

Allison is the senior class president, a position nominated and elected by her peers. The class president has the responsibility of helping plan graduation, class reunions, and other events that may occur after high school.

She loves to study both math and science, but if pushed to choose a favorite, it would be science. “I love that there is always something new to learn, and how broad a subject it is!” she declared. “I like diving into the mystery of how things work and why things are the way they are. Taking classes such as forensics, chemistry, and biology were a fascinating!”

Allison is the head of MZHS Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Captain of the Color guard in marching band, and Vice President of Beta Club. She is also a member of National Honors Society, the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) Team, Yearbook Editor.

She is a HOBY Alumni (Hugh O’ Brien Youth Leadership). As part of HOBY workshop, Allison, along with other students from all over the state, attended a leadership retreat on how to be a leader to their peers.

Allison is a member of Literary Trio and was a Governor’s Honors Science competitor. She is also a member of Carroll County Honor Chorus. Her favorite of all of these has been Fellowship Allison Gibson of Christian Athletes (FCA). “My Sunday school teacher always told me that while in high school, I was in one of my biggest mission fields, surrounded by people of the same age, similar backgrounds, and in the same setting,” she said. “I began to help take over FCA towards the end of my sophomore year and was able to go strong with it. While we did not always have a huge turnout, the passion was there. Getting together with other classmates and share the love and joy of Jesus with them was inspirational!”

It should come as no surprise that this young lady has garnered her fair share of awards and recognitions. Since 9th grade, Allison has received 1st in region and 5th in state for literary, the Coaches Award for Tennis, Most Improved in color guard, most consistent in color guard, and the Eagle Award for the overall marching band. She has also received the Coca Cola Award and recognition for all A’s all 4 years. She is a Certificate of Merit recipient and earned the highest average in Biology.

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Who is Katie Horsley?

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

by Kim Reine

It’s no secret that our world has completely changed overnight due to COVID-19. All of our lives have been interrupted by this pandemic. The class of 2020 was finally getting their time in the spotlight to experience the bliss of their senior year, when they suddenly found themselves in the midst of a global pandemic. Graduating seniors have not had the senior year they had been hoping for. With school closures causing the school year to end early, high school seniors watched their last high school year change with dismay. Final milestones of their school careers - senior prom, senior trips, Grad Bash, perhaps commencement itself - evaporated before their eyes. Some events may be rescheduled to take place during the summer months. Sports fields and theater stages stand empty, mute witnesses to students cheated of perhaps their final shot at high school glory after years of hard work.

Katie’s advice for This generation of kids were born and raised among the most upcoming seniors, unforgettable crises of our time, 9/11 terror attacks, and now a global “Don’t procrastinate pandemic. They have had to learn to take what life gives and that sometimes it just doesn’t go as expected but this may make them very on getting your strong, more resilient and more resourceful individuals. StarNews had school work done, it the pleasure of speaking with two seniors, Katie Lyn Horsley from can be easy to get Central High School and William Grey Clements from Bremen High School. behind. Appreciate Katie Horsley is a senior at Central High School. She has been an your last year and honor roll student all four years, participated in dual enrollment and AP the memories you classes. She has been very active in the F.F.A program, serving as their Vice President this year. She enjoyed being in chorus all four years and make, don’t take any immersed herself in the high school’s theater productions. She starred in of it for granted.” the musical “Annie” last year as Ms. Hannigan and she had a lead role in this year’s musical, “Once upon a Mattress” (a spin off from “The Princess and the Pea”), which was canceled due to the coronavirus. She has accepted both an Katie Horsley academic and theater scholarships to Young Harris College, where she will continue her passion for theater while continuing her education.

Katie expressed her feelings about the coronavirus, sharing that “It’s very scary and I feel like I’m missing out on my senior year. But I totally understand what’s most important, and that’s staying safe by sheltering-in-place to help slow the spread, and it’s about thinking of my family and knowing I could put them at risk if didn’t.”

She added that she misses time spent with her friends, but knows it’s part of sheltering in place. Katie’s advice for upcoming seniors, “Don’t procrastinate on getting your school work done, it can be easy to get behind. Appreciate your last year and the memories you make, don’t take any of it for granted.”

Central High school has chosen several dates to hopefully hold their graduation commencement on their football field May 30th or possibly at West Georgia

See SENIORS 2020 page 13

Lizabeth Art Camp

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StarNews Who’s Junior Carroll? 2020

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RECOGNIZING CARROLL COUNTY’S FUTURE YOUNG LEADERS

Who is Will Clements?

SENIORS 2020 from page 12 University June 20th, July 25 or 28th. Choosing the final date will be done at the schools discretion in order to follow the current social distancing guidelines. Central High School will keep their seniors and parents informed.

William “Will” Clements is a senior at Bremen High School. He has been very involved in school activities; cross country, soccer team, wrestling team and the academic team, as the class officer. He has been a dual enrolled student and has been attending West Georgia Technical College while in high school. Will shared that his biggest accomplishment has been receiving scholarships to attend the college of his dreams, University of Alabama. Along with several other scholarships, Will also received the Alumni Scholarship because his mother attended the University of Alabama as well. He will be pursuing his nursing degree.

When asked about any adjustments made to his life due to the COVID-19, Will answered, “Since I still work, it hasn’t been that big of an adjustment. Really, the biggest thing is that I’m missing out on some of the things we as seniors get to look back on for the rest of our lives.

Stuff like senior walk and being able to spend the last couple of months making our impact on Bremen before we set off into our adult lives.”

He also shared that he felt as though Bremen High School has been very courteous and mindful of this year’s seniors by making posters and banners, sending all the seniors t-shirts, organizing a parade of cars while seniors wore their caps and gowns.

“Bremen is such a close knit community and they have done the best they could in making us feel like we have accomplished something great.”

Bremen High School has planned to host Graduation and Prom on the same day, June 27th, with the graduation commencement will be held in the morning and prom that night.

Will’s advice to his fellow seniors,” Always look at the bright side, we’ve been through a lot but we have also learned a lot and it’s definitely shown us that life doesn’t go exactly the way you want it and its really a good lesson to learn as we submerse ourselves into adulthood. You can’t really plan for anything you just have to go with the flow and take it as it comes. Cherish every moment you get with the people you love because you never know when it can be taken away from you.”

To all of the graduating seniors of 2020: You have endured what some may have thought to be impossible, but you did it. Walk with your face towards the sun and know that your future is bright. All of us at StarNews wish you happiness and great success in your future endeavors.

“Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you have imagined.” - Henry David Thoreau

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Who is TJ Middlebrooks?

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

by Prissi Sullivan

TJ Middlebrooks is a highly acclaimed senior, who is valedictorian for the class of 2020, at Oak Mountain Academy in Carrollton. He is an accomplished student with a GPA of 4.3830.

TJ’s favorite subjects have been social studies and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) classes. “I particularly enjoyed American History, Macroeconomics, and Physics, because I enjoy learning about the history of our world and how it works,” he stated. “Any class involving problem solving has always caught my interest.”

TJ acknowledges Mr. Ben Pullin as having had a major influence on his life by being a part of many aspects of it. Pullin is his history teacher, economics teacher, and soccer coach. “He helped me to my rst 5 on an AP Exam and coached me to three straight soccer state championships.” He declared. “Mr. Pullin has taught me valuable lessons about the value of hard work and perseverance.” TJ’s awards and recognitions lay claim to this.

Not only has he maintained his high academic status, he has been an active participant in all aspects of the high school experience. He participated in varsity cross country in 9th grade and played varsity soccer and varsity basketball all 4 years. As a senior, he served as Varsity Boys Soccer Team Captain. TJ states that his favorite extra-curricular activities have always been in the field of varsity sports—soccer and basketball. This past season, he was captain of the soccer team, which allowed him “to further develop leadership skills outside of the classroom.”

TJ has earned accolades all through his high school career. In addition to being valedictorian, he has earned the GISA (Georgia Independent School Association) Morris Johnson Academic Athlete Award along with being named the GISA Varsity Soccer State TJ Middlebrooks Champion and earning a Georgia Certificate of Merit. He was presented the Presbyterian College Fellows Award, Daughters of the American Revolution Excellence in History Award, Woodmen Life American History Award, and AP Psychology Award, Spanish 4 Award. In addition, he earned the GISA Literary Team Region Champion, One Act Play Outstanding Crew Award, Science Festival Project Award, and AP United States History Award. He has also won awards for Public Speaking, American Literature, Chemistry, Pre-Calculus, English, Biology, Geometry, World History, Spanish 2, and Drama Class.

TJ has been designated as an AP Scholar, a Furman Scholar and is a member of the National Honor Society. He was a member of the Inter-School Academic Team Tournament All-Tournament Team, and the Quizbowl Camp All-Tournament Team. He also served as Academic Team Captain.

He was a Homecoming Court Class Representative in the 11th grade and earned the Carrollton Civic Woman’s Club Leadership Certificate in 9th grade. He is a member of Carroll County Junior Chamber of Commerce and has been awarded the Rotary Youth Leadership Award.

TJ participates in the literary team, boy’s quartet, One-Act Play, Key Club (through which he serves as a Kiwanis Bowl volunteer), STEM Club, and Current Events Club. He is also a member of Fellowship of Christian Athletes, and Young Republicans. He is the OMA (Office of Multicultural Affairs) social media manager and OMA Student Ambassador.

See TJ MIDDLEBROOKS page 17

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said, “watching the things I had dreamed of for months fall through my fingers.”

Allison credits many of the staff members Being an upbeat person of faith, Allison of MZHS with helping to mold her into the has drawn strength from her teachers. individual she is today. However, the teacher “They have gone above and beyond in who has been the most influential on her life making us feel special,” she explained. “The is Mr. Scott Jones, the band director, chorus school is having a graduateacher, and tennis coach. tion ceremony and a late “The biggest benefit of He was always a teacher this quarantine has been prom for us. My tennis who went the extra mile.

Coach, Mr. Jones even “Upon entering high seeing how loved I am! drove out to each senior’s school, I was very nervous, People have sent me house to give them a yard but had taken chorus with such encouraging words, sign and a goody bag since Mr. Jones,” she explained. we will not be able to have “He recommended color and some have dropped our tennis senior night. off gifts. I realize how guard as a good fit for me, The biggest benefit of this but I used every excuse I blessed I am and how quarantine has been seeing could think of to avoid much I have taken for how loved I am! People doing it. I eventually gave granted.

This time, while have sent me such encourin and went to auditions. words, and some tough, has been eye- aging My perfectionism kicked have dropped off gifts. I in and I decided I was not opening,” Allison said. realize how blessed I am good enough. I told Mr. and how much I have taken for granted. This Jones I was not going to do guard, but he time, while tough, has been eye-opening,” insisted he wanted me to be a part of that Allison said. program. Hearing him tell me I was wanted, Outside of school, Allison is a member of and I could help the program grow really First Baptist Church Bremen youth group. meant a lot and helped me gain confidence They volunteer at Haralson Counties CCC in myself. Mr. Jones has been there with an and have redone the playground at the open door when I went through some tough DEFACS center in Haralson County. The losses and some extremely hard days. He group has sponsored backyard Bible clubs. has encouraged me to go above and beyond Through the church, Allison is involved in and reminds me all I am capable of achiev- the Youth Praise Band, Drama Team, ing and just how much of a life changer I Welcome Team, and she is a Cell Group can be if I approach things with a positive leader (small youth Bible study people’s mindset!” said Allison. homes once a month).

The COVID-19 “sheltering in place” has “I have had the opportunity to help minisbeen a challenge for Allison. She is gregari- ter to children in the nursery, kids during ous and fun-loving and misses her friends Vacation Bible School, and have even gone and classmates. to help lead VBS in West Virginia at “It was very hard in the beginning,” she churches,” she stated.

ALLISON GIBSON from page 11

GARRETT GORDON from page 10 socially - not being able to see my friends and teachers and coaches is rough, but academically as well. Online school is hard for me. I need pencil and paper and to be personally taught. Learning online was a big learning curve.”

Being an optimist, though, Garrett found the silver lining.

“One thing I love is home time,” he said.

“I have never had more free time in my life to spend with my family. It is amazing how much closer we have grown over the quarantine. It’s great.”

Garrett has wonderful memories of a trip he took to Cooperstown, New York, while participating in a baseball World Series.

“I will always remember going through

the Baseball Hall of Fame,” he enthused.

After his family arrived, they visited Niagara Falls. “It’s such a beautiful place,” he said.

His family connections are the core of his life. He loves playing basketball and video games with his fourteen-year-old brother, Jake, and considers himself lucky that his grandparents are retired so he can spend a lot of time with them.

His dad, Brad Gordon, is a football coach and teacher at Mount Zion High School.

His mother, Jenny Gordon, works for a speech clinic at the University of West Georgia.

Garrett’s family has given him the roots to keep him grounded, while his intellect and athletic abilities have given him the wings to fly.

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www.starnewsgaonline.com TJ MIDDLEBROOKS from page 14

TJ is not one to rest on his laurels just because its weekends or summertime. He has served as a Systems & Methods Inc. intern in 11th grade and spent a weekend at the Duke Talent Identification Program Scholar. He attended the Community Leadership Education Workshop in the 9th grade. He has attended BigStuf Christian Camp three years, along with Lee University Basketball Camp three years, Mike Noonan’s Clemson Tiger Soccer Camp two years, and Georgia Southern FCA Basketball Camp in 9th grade.

TJ gives every activity or organization in which he is involved his all. He was involved in establishing the Student Collective group at Southern Hills Christian Church.

“It has been one of the most important community organizations to me,” he stated, “for it has been a way for me to use my talents and interests to serve others.”

This group helps plan and make decisions on events and ways to reach out to more youth. He acts as a student coach for recrea-

tional basketball and soccer and has participated for JDRF (Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation) One Walk. He serves as a Vacation Bible School volunteer and a Solid Rock Youth Ministry video volunteer, and a soup kitchen volunteer. He also visits shutins at Christmas.

TJ is looking forward to entering eld of business management in the future. Raised by two business leaders—his dad is the president of Communication Services Integrated Inc., providing phone and other communication services for small businesses and his mom is the Chief Marketing Officer for Systems & Methods Inc., creating proposals to earn contracts with state governments to other child support services and other solutions - he has developed quite an entrepreneurial spirit that he plans to carry out in his career.

“The biggest step I have taken in pursuing this future career has been my college decision,” he said. This fall, he will enroll at the Georgia Institute of Technology as a Business Administration major.

“As a student of Tech’s Scheller College

StarNews

May 17, 2020 Page 17

of Business, I plan on taking advantage of recently developed through an internship the vast number of opportunities provided by with the social media and design team for Georgia Tech and the city of Atlanta. Georgia Tech Men’s Basketball.

He said he feels blessed Located in Midtown to have had many opportuAtlanta’s Technology TJ is looking forward nities to travel. He took an Square, Scheller opens to entering eld of EF Tour through his school the door to many business management to England and France.

Fortune 500 companies and business incubators in the future. Raised by “We saw many famous sights and experienced new that will undoubtedly two business leaders. . cultures,” he stated. One of help me achieve my .he has developed quite his all-time favorite family career goals in business,” he explained. an entrepreneurial spirit vacations was to the British Virgin Islands. “We sailed Not unexpectedly, TJ that he plans to carry from island to island and has a myriad of hobbies, out in his career. snorkeled at beautiful reflecting his vast interlocations.” est in all things. His TJ said he has found “sheltering in place” main hobbies are graphic design and video to be a mixed blessing/curse. He has found editing.

“Following my dad’s passions for photog- online learning a bit harder, but not a drastic raphy and lmmaking, I have found a pas- impact on his academics. He hasn’t liked the sion for design, especially sports design, and lack of social activities but has found more making my own videos/short lms,” he time to utilize social media more often and explained. “I have utilized this passion to more effectively. It has also given him much make numerous videos for my school over more family time before leaving for college the years.” His graphic design skillset has in the fall.

Oak Mountain Academy Class of 2020

Valedictorian TJ Middlebrooks

Salutatorian Lauren Taylor

Page 18 May 17, 2020

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PRIMARY ELECTION Tuesday, JUNE 9, 2020

Primary Election Run-Off (If no candidate receives 50% of the vote plus one vote) Tuesday, August 11, 2020

CANDIDATES for Carroll County STATE COURT JUDGE

for the Coweta Judicial Circuit a five county circuit comprised of CARROLL, COWETA, HEARD, MERIWETHER, and TROUP counties

Met Lane

Nathaniel Smith Question #1: What do you perceive as the greatest obstacles to justice?

Candidate Met Lane response: Because of the tremendous caseload in Carroll County State Court, a victim of a crime or a civil litigant might not have their case heard for years. This is our greatest obstacle of justice.

For example, in 2019 there were 10,980 criminal and traffic violation cases and 859 civil cases filed in the Carroll County State Court. In 2018 there were 12,500 cases filed. As judge, I will most assuredly remedy this problem.

Candidate Nathaniel Smith response: It is a challenge of our State Court to devote an effective and efficient amount of time with each case. The greatest obstacle to justice is time and people’s faith in the system.

Our community has grown and the number of cases filed in State Court has increased with it.

People all across the country are losing their faith in government and the justice system and to aggravate people’s growing lack of faith in the justice system, the judiciary is flooded with potential distractions: political pressure, media, and limited resources.

Erica Tisinger

Candidate Erica Tisinger response: Justice is defined as “fairness in the way people are dealt with”, and there is no greater place where this should happen than in a courtroom. However, lack of funds for representation or understanding your legal rights are often perceived as obstacles to justice.

When going to court, you need a lawyer to guide you to justice. The truth is that good legal representation is expensive. A lawyer is trained to know the rules of evidence and how to act in a courtroom. Without having representation or knowing your legal rights, it can leave you feeling that justice wasn’t served.

Question #2: 2. Please explain your judicial philosophy (in plain English).

Candidate Met Lane response: My judicial philosophy is that as judge the law must be applied as the Georgia legislature has written it. I will respect prior decisions and not create or rewrite the law.

Our justice system is founded on the principals of the presumption of innocence until proven guilty. My experience as both a prosecutor and criminal defense lawyer has enabled me to always practice this truth.

I will serve the people by ensuring that the rule of law, the wisdom of sound precedent, and the rights of the individual are protected while the role of government is limited to the powers given to it by the people.

Candidate Nathaniel Smith response: My judicial philosophy is to simply find justice for the people that come before the Court: To give people a just solution within the guidance of the law.

As judge I will listen, be fair, apply the law, and be impartial.

Candidate Erica Tisinger response: Georgia judicial candidates are required to be non-partisan and do not run on political platforms. A judicial candidate is not supposed to divulge his or her political party affiliation, and I will not breach such judicial ethics in my campaign.

The main types of judicial philosophy are “judicial activism” verses “judicial restraint”. Activist judges use their political beliefs to attempt to change the law or enact social or political change in their rulings. Restraint judges believe their role is to strictly interpret the law rather than make new laws.

Since the inception of my campaign, I have stated that I will not be an activist judge. I believe in our system of checks and balances and that the legislative branch is responsible for making and changing laws. However, if I disagree with a law, I will not attempt change from the bench. I will attempt change by contacting my representatives to voice my concern for why I think change is needed.

Question #3: Please use this space as if you were at a public political forum and you were given the opportunity to give an “Opening Statement”.

Candidate Met Lane response: My name is Met Lane and I am running for the State Court Judge. I am fortunate to have been born and raised in Carroll County.

As a partner in the law firm of Shadrix, Lane & Palmer, P.C., I have practiced law for over eighteen years.

Moreover, I am a former Assistant District Attorney for the Coweta Judicial Circuit.

Also, I have served on the Carrollton City Council.

My wife, Corbett, and I have been married for sixteen years and have three children.

We are members of the Carrollton first United Methodist Church where I have been privileged to teach adult Sunday school for over twelve years.

Over 90% of all cases in State Court are criminal and traffic violations. As a former prosecutor, I have the most experience prosecuting felonies and misdemeanors. As your State Court Judge, my number one priority is to protect our families from dangerous criminals by punishing them without hesitation.

Secondly, I will work to create a local Veterans Court that will divert eligible veteran defendants with substance dependent and/or mental illness to a specialized criminal court.

Thirdly, I will establish a DUI Court as a sentencing alternative for those who qualify after being convicted of multiple DUI’s.

To learn more about me please visit metlaneforjudge.com and Facebook.com/votemetlane

Candidate Nathaniel Smith response: In understanding that we all have busy lives with things that press upon us for our attention, I ask, if you will, that you take just a moment to quiet those things inside and reflect about what is most important to you. It may be your spouse, child(ren), health, home, or even your freedom.

Now, what if it was taken from you? In an attempt to be restored, you go to court.

As you enter the building, you see countless people who came before you. You make it into the courtroom and you see even more people. You ask yourself, “Do I have to speak in front of all these people?” You see the court reporter near the judge’s bench and someone approaches and states loudly: ALL RISE! Is it anxiety, anger, fear, relief? What do you feel? Do you feel that you will receive justice? What are the traits of the judge who presides over your case? Is the judge compassionate enough to understand your situation? Is the judge arrogant, cold, and disinterested? Do you feel that the judge is too far removed to understand your situation? Does the judge care about justice, you, or your loss?

My name is Nathaniel Smith and I want to restore people’s faith in the justice system, we must take action to make sure that we not only have qualified judges, but judges who follow the law, are impartial, have no appearance of impropriety, and who have a calling to serve the purpose of the Court: ensure due process of law, guarantee liberty to all, and to do justice.

Justice for you. Justice for all.

Candidate Erica Tisinger response: I have no other political aspirations or calling than to serve from the bench. I am the only candidate with experience in State Court from the perspective of the judge (including one of the first 3 DUI courts in Georgia) as I served as a State Court Staff Attorney. Such position gave me invaluable insight into the inner workings of the court, and I attended all civil and criminal hearings and trials and drafted orders for the judges’ review. I am the only candidate to have served as an administrative law judge, where I heard evidence and issued rulings considering the due process clause of the Constitution. I’ve handled 1000s of cases throughout my 16 year career, and I pride myself on giving honest advice to clients to help guide them to a just and fair result.

As judge, I will apply the law as written and will not be an activist judge attempting to change law from the bench. I understand the accused or civil litigants rely upon judges to enter rulings supported by the law. I understand the law applies just as equally to me. I am honest and fair, and I will treat everyone with respect. I support sentences that match the crimes committed, and I support justice for victims. I also support helping facilitate lives of purpose that in turn benefit the community that we love. I support creating accountability courts for sentencing to combat substance abuse and mental health issues. Without treating the problem, we are failing the futures of our neighbors, our loved ones, and our children.

Experience counts for a lot, but the character of the person you are electing matters just as much. Your vote and your voice matter, and I humbly request that you vote for me, Erica Tisinger, as your next State Court Judge.

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May 17, 2020 Page 19

PRIMARY ELECTION Tuesday, JUNE 9, 2020

Primary Election Run-Off (If no candidate receives 50% of the vote plus one vote) Tuesday, August 11, 2020

CANDIDATES for Carroll County Board of Commission DISTRICT 5 COMMISSIONER

Ernie Reynolds Lee Powers Question #1: The current state of emergency/sheltering-in-place due to COVID-19 has cut revenue from taxes (SPLOST, retail sales, tourism, etc.) drastically, which is negatively affecting Carroll County’s budget. As commissioner, you will have a vote in either cutting parts of budgets or raising the millage rate.

What are your thoughts on which parts of the county budget could be cut, and how much of a millage rate increase would you agree is reasonable?

James Fulford

Candidate James Fulford’s response: Through my years of developing and managing a $120MM+ budget, departments should be capable of recognizing areas within their budgets they can forgo or delay until such time our revenue recovers. A balanced budget was presented to our commissioners at the most recent work session. If there are circumstances where departments have request for additional funding for critical issues, a millage rate increase should be considered to offset the associated expense. I would only increase the millage rate to allow for a responsible balanced budget that addresses our county’s needs to be approved, so not to overburden the taxpayer.

Candidate Lee Powers response: I don’t believe any increase in the millage rate is reasonable. While nobody likes budget cuts and I would prefer to cut nothing, in these extenuating circumstances I would ask the heads of each department to identify potential savings.

Due to decreased use of services and facilities, the Parks and Recreation budget should be considered, but never First Responders or essential positions. If all possible cuts have been done and revenue still needs to be raised, I would look to other options rather than taking the easy way out for a politician and placing more of the burden on landowners.

Candidate Ernie Reynolds response: No part of a millage rate increase is reasonable. I am steadfastly opposed to increasing the millage rate and feel strongly that home & landowners should not pay increased property taxes. They have been easy prey to target when government wants more revenue - but I am opposed to this. I am here to protect home & landowners - especially when our county Tax Assessors Office has absolutely no system to ensure corporate cell-tower giants are paying their fair share of property taxes. Let’s fix that hole in our pocket and stop giving an unfair advantage to national corporate giants over our already-burdened home & landowners.

Question #2: Please use this space as if you were at a public political forum and you were given the opportunity to give an “Opening Statement”

Candidate James Fulford’s response: Ladies and Gentlemen of District 5 and Carroll County.

Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to speak with you today.

This election is about having the right voice to represent our citizens and allowing Carroll County to further prosper.

Who better to serve you than someone who understands the values that have made our county such a wonderful community and business center.

We are blessed to have such a wonderful balance of agriculture, education, industry, residential and retail, which affords us an array of amenities usually associated with more metropolitan areas while maintaining our rural communities.

Since three years old, Carroll County has been my home.

My family established small businesses here, I received all my education here, and I continue to work and live in Carroll County.

I have served in multiple areas of our community in small business, government, and in larger companies. These experiences have allowed me to understand how the needs of each can be different, while working together to create a better county.

It takes a unified team to lead us in the right direction, not people with individual agendas, narrow understandings and that lack the ability to work with other community leaders.

The decisions facing us today and in the future will have a major impact on our lives and those of our children. I have helped lead through tough times and helped make difficult decisions. It is through these times, that we define ourselves and evolve to be even greater than we were before.

More government is not the answer, but a great governing body will allow us to provide for our citizens the quality of life they expect and deserve.

Now is the time to stand together and VOTE to allow me to serve you and Carroll County.

Candidate Lee Powers response: My name is Lee Powers and I would like to serve the citizens of Carroll County as District 5 County Commissioner.

We are in trying times right now, and more than ever, we need a proven leader who has been a business owner for many years and knows what it is like to lead through hard times. We have more tough times ahead, tougher than even the Obama years.

Our tax revenue is down and there will some very hard decisions to make, similar to the decisions I had to make in my business during the Obama years. Do you want a true constitutional conservative whose voting record proves my life long conservative credentials? My experience as a former commissioner, farmer, entrepreneur and lifelong Republican uniquely qualifies me to serve in this position.

I would like District 5 to remain an agricultural community and I humbly ask for your vote and support in the 2020 primary election on June 9th.

When the people of District 5 give me the honor of serving them again, I promise to fight for and protect our County Employees and First Responders, (who are our main assets) in every way.

I will protect the rural heritage of Carroll County, work closely with the cities in District 5 and maintain productive relationships with city leaders.

I pledge to do my best to honor my Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ in every decision and always be available and responsive to the needs of the citizens of District 5.

Lee Powers 404.969.8169

Candidate Ernie Reynolds response: This election is not about me - it’s about You! You decide which candidate will: • take the time to handle and resolve your concerns; • be transparent to you about your county government; • bring you decades of proven conservative government leadership and budget control experience; • share your outlook about raising children here with decades of experience doing so; • share your love for our rural lifestyle and has a lifetime of farm experience - driving tractors, raising livestock, and thoroughly enjoying the outdoors; • bring familiarity of living in this community for 40 years with 34 years of government leadership.

You elected me to fill all of the above! I have done that and will continue to bring these qualities to your county government, if you re-elect me.

During my career as Deputy Director in the State Audit Department, I evaluated the efficiency and effectiveness of statewide agencies and recommended improvements to the governor and legislative leadership, saving taxpayers millions of dollars and winning the National Conference of State Legislatures’ “Program Impact” Award. I continue to uphold government transparency and accountability.

Now retired, I have the time and am driven to respond to your concerns and resolve your issues! I have thoroughly enjoyed doing this, since you elected me last summer!

Since then, I have accomplished several things for you, including: • Opening the Jones Mill Road fire station, lowering homeowners’ insurance rates; • Installing enhanced 911 to reduce emergency response times; • Approving cell towers to improve rural connectivity; • Paving and striping numerous roads; • Building new bridges on Roopville-area roads; • Promoting Whitesburg-area parks and tourism; • Improving accountability/transparency of SPLOST funds; • Spotlighting problems/needed improvements in Tax Assessors Office; etc.

I enjoy working for you - bringing you transparency, accountability, responsive actions, and proven conservative government leadership. I ask for your re-election vote.

Page 20 May 17, 2020

StarNews www.starnewsgaonline.com

We Are Here for You. The tubes in your daughter’s ears. Your son’s delivery and your wife’s maternity care. The new joint in your father’s hip.

We’re the care after the car wreck. The stent that saved your husband’s heart.

For 70 years, that’s been us — here when you needed us. That’s never been more vital than now.

You’re doing your part to stop COVID-19. And we’re doing ours.

Expanding care, with telehealth, emergency department appointments and walk-in care. Ensuring your wellness — not only with our community programs, but with special measures to sanitize and enforce social distancing inside our hospitals and clinics. And delivering the same exceptional care you expect from us.

Your health is our specialty. We are Tanner Strong.

#WeAreTannerStrong tanner.org/CareYourWay

WeAreTannerStrong-2020-StarNews-v05.indd 1

5/8/20 10:09 AM

COMMENTARY

Page 21 May 17, 2020

StarNews / StarNews Online www.starnewsgaonline.com

“Not just what happened, but what matters”

SUSAN M. HORN EDITOR/PUBLISHER

ADVERTISING DIRECTOR: WAYNE REYNOLDS

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PRISSI SULLIVAN KIM REINE

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Sunshine Laws need to be updated to lift this new darkness caused by COVID-19

S

One very important change that the COronaVIrusDisease of 2019 UE (COVID-19) has brought about conHORN cerns government public meetings.

Groups of ten or more were banned EDITOR/ from being in the same space for PUBLISHER weeks; now space is limited to ensure a safe six feet distance between persons. This hasn’t stopped public meetings - government business must go on. New “Zoom” meetings are being streamed live online and recorded to substitute for previously in-person held meetings. Other government entities are also recording their meetings that are available for anyone to see online. This keeps attendees safe, but does not keep our Sunshine Laws safe. If meetings are being held live and recordings are available, how are Sunshine Laws in danger?

It’s a law that public business cannot be discussed unless a quorum is present AND a quorum cannot be present unless it is a public meeting (regular/called/special). This is a perfect law. It works. (Quorum: a certain number of elected officials that represents a particular majority; this number is special for each governmentt entity.)

So, a quorum is present and legal when the meeting is held and recorded.

At the conclusion of the meeting, the camera shuts off. Those of us at home at disconnected instantly. Are we then certain that the elected officials disperse? Are we certain that public business discussion has stopped? We, the public and the press, are not there in-person. We don’t know.

At recent county commission zoom meetings, the chairman conducted it from her office with commissioners and others connecting via internet. I do not know who else was in the room with her, as the camera was stationary.

Historically, the press is present at these meetings in-person. In Carroll County, it could be newspaper or radio attending in-person and, for StarNews, on a front seat/bench. (Every now and then, Atlanta television crews grace us with their presence.) We, the press, tend to get there early, we watch people as they arrive, we see who is talking to who, and we usually stay afterwards awhile, again, watching to see who is talking to who, but also if we need more information we stop a public official to question them, or to get a quote.

We are in unprecedented times and until a vaccine is available, it is risky to attend public meetings. We are fortunate to have the technology to bring the news to us, right into our offices or homes. It’s a way to stay safe, and it is also much easier. We must not allow “ease” to rule.

The City of Villa Rica carelessly held an in-person meeting during sheltering-in-place with the public and press prohibited from attending inperson. New Zoom meetings are not difficult to participate in; what was so urgent they needed to risk meeting in-person? Nothing, just regular business.

Fortunately, everyone seems to be healthy. We assume that the Villa Rica council, mayor, attorney, etc. added up to ten people in council chambers that evening. Maybe so, maybe not. Maybe there was room for one press person, or two? Maybe someone else should have stayed home, opening up a space for one press person, or two?

The Georgia Open Records Act - Georgia Sunshine Law - guarantees that the public has access to public records of government bodies at all levels. I strongly suggest that Sunshine Laws be updated to meet this new darkness caused by COVID-19. I understand COVID-19 caused a state of emergency, and this allowed the darkness the creep in as we the press and public were pushed out, temporarily. I suggest that it be made law that during a state of emergency/sheltering-in-place, that space be reserved for a certain number of press to attend in-person any government meetings that are being held in-person, and, for any Zoom meeting, space be reserved for press to present in the same space as the government official who is conducting the meeting.

Justice cannot be purchased

Carroll County State Court Judge I have always been interested is expensive. It’s terribly uncomin the law and how it affected fortable to ask friends, family, people. I wrote many letters to the neighbors, and peers for camWhite House throughout my paign money, but I had to. The childhood to state my views on reality is that winning is almost how laws could serve everyone impossible without money. In my equally. But, I was never interCANDIDATE honest opinion, it is shameful ested in becoming a politician; I State Court how this may appear to the public was always interested in serving JUDGE in a judicial race. as a judge.

I have never liked to talk about Some states appoint judges, 770-841-3406 money. In my experience, money some states hold partisan elec- Facebook: Erica Tisinger divides the “haves” and the tions, and some states hold non- for State Court Judge partisan elections. The State of to every case fairly and firmly “have-nots”. I often hear comments about how public trust of Georgia holds nonpartisan judi- and as it was written. cial elections. Nonpartisan Do the “haves” get a better deal in court? the Georgia judiciary is eroding. Do the “haves” is defined as “not biased or partisan, especially toward Are the “have nots” disadvantaged? It can get a better deal in court? any particular political be frustrating to watch a young adult from Are the “have nots” disadgroup”. the wrong side of the tracks receive a vantaged? It can be frustratJudicial elections are harsher sentence because (s)he didn’t ing to watch a young adult from the wrong side of the nonpartisan so that our trial have money to be properly defended. tracks receive a harsher sencourts remain impartial when deciding issues before the Contested political races are tence because (s)he didn’t have court. The law should be applied expensive. The contested race for See ERICA TISINGER page 26

ERICA

TISINGER

Property taxes: I’m working for you, my constituents As your District 5 County Commissioner, I work diligently for you; bringing transparency, accountability, responsiveness, and budget controls into the spotlight, and pressing to make affiliated improvements toward these hallmarks of good government. I know you appreciate this, as so many of you have told me and have even dubbed me as your “working commissioner.”

Thanks, I owe this effort to you and would not have it any other way.

Before addressing property tax situations, I want to say that I have great rapport with, and I greatly appreciate, our dedicated county government employees. I could ask for no better response to my inquiries and requests from our employees throughout Carroll County government.

For example, problems I bring

ERNIE

REYNOLDS District 5 Carroll County Commissioner

ereynolds@carrollcounty ga.com 770-851-6215 with roads are promptly and pleasantly handled by our Roads Department; problems I inquire about concerning noisy dogs or trashy yards or county parks or planning and zoning are promptly and pleasantly resolved through our Community Development Office; and I have no more than to make a single call about any issue or question with the Fire Department or other public safety

Lane is the choice for judge

functions and it is addressed, and I am given a complete and thorough explanation by our Fire Department and EMS Director; etc., and etc., throughout county government.

However, this fine cooperation and great rapport has only been missing from one department the Tax Assessors Office. I have worked for 34 years as a performance/program auditor throughout state government. I held the title of Deputy Director at the State Department of Audits and was a Certified Government Financial Manager and a Certified Fraud Examiner during my audit career there. We were the watchdogs within state government; assigned to disclose problems with management, operations, expenditures, budgets, personnel, ineffective and inefficient processes, etc.

See ERNIE REYNOLDS page 26

actions involving land, divorce, After many years of honorable child custody, adoption, parental service, Judge Robert Sullivan is rights, or any other family law retiring as the State Court Judge matters. of Carroll County. I have In 2018, more than 90% of the appeared before him on a regular caseload in the State Court of basis for 17 years. He is one of Carroll Co. consisted of criminal the most fair, intelligent, and SWINDLE and traffic matters. It is safe to community driven judges in our LAW state. He will be missed.

GROUP, P.C. say that the state court is a criminal/traffic court.

Fortunately, we have three below.

It is also safe to say that state highly qualified candidates who First, let’s consider exactly courts not only serve the are seeking to become Fortunately, we have three highly county where they are our next judge. That is actually a rare occur- qualified candidates who are seeking established. The people of Douglas, Coweta, rence. Each is knowlto become our next judge. That is Haralson, Troup, Heard, edgeable, experienced, actually a rare occurrence. . . While and the surrounding counand has a history of servany of the three would do an ties will be affected by who ing our community. Each excellent job, Met Lane is the choice. wins this race. possesses character attribSo, why is Met Lane the utes like integrity, honwhat state courts do in Georgia. esty, and a strong work ethic. In 70 counties, state courts handle best candidate for this particular Each is also an excellent attorney. misdemeanor charges, including judgeship? Consider these seven While any of the three would do D.U.I., family violence, traffic objective reasons: 1. Lane was born and raised in an excellent job, Met Lane is the cases, and some civil cases. The choice. My reasoning appears state court does not hear civil See JASON SWINDLE page 27

JASON

SWINDLE

StarNews

COMMENTARY

Page 22 May 17, 2020

www.starnewsgaonline.com

www.starnewsgaonline.com

COMMENTARY

StarNews

May 12, 2019 Page 23

The “Newcommission Normal”chairman race: “Sit Suffragator Cave” (let the voter beware) The current

died from this Covid-19 virus. That’s more ing) was bewildering. She said, “wearing a average unemployment rate of 15%+, which

to balance the provision of public for years 10.7% of our population. of our toproviders five candidates. voters suffered should take a ten than all theWe fatalities in the mask would be19.3% upsetting customers; is in itself staggering. It is said that half the greater interest in the candidates who offer County lives in poverty; worse yet, 26% of facilities with the demands of new growth.” of the Viet Nam war.

Back then, Americans besides his son is an ER doctor in Florida and restaurants and 20% reached: “Many of theof hotels/motels will themselves to lead our County Government. our County’s’ children live in households Another conclusion protested by the tens of thousands to stop the he says masks do not protect the wearer, but likely close.

Too in other small busiIt is no small task and should not be left for below the poverty level. 14.56% of our recent migrants to Carroll County livemany war, yet, today, see public protests to end population only others” to which I replied, “I’m wearnesses will likely close estate development.

This pattern can simply because a does- not even have a rural the unqualified.

Our ICounty budget is County’s the oneand bestthe thing we canis do to prevent the ing to increased sprawlunemployment and decline in rate does not afford a mask because I respect lead you and your 15%+ high school education. $53,000,000 Chairman chiefly neighborhoods, envi- money for restauThese responsible thisbeing massive spreadfor of administering this virus; that quarantine at statistics health.”are contained in a 239 downtown and existing household discretionary Wmk@bellsouth.net budget ronmental deterioration, study present andwith future) while supervising 15 Department home and wearing face masks whenpage youforensic do As a (past, senior citizen underlying health rants and rising travel. use Thisofis our “new normal”. of prime agricultural lands and called Theconcerns, Comprehensive Plan (lastto energy, employing over 663 employees.

770-328-6450 have to go out.

I beg everyone wear aloss mask We are fighting an invisible virus for wmk@bellsouth.net Heads Carroll County has grown massively updated in 2018). This “road map” for our fiscal imbalance.”

I am appalled seeing thousands flock to the until everyone has been vaccinated in 2021. which there no present Our next Chairman must notisonly know cure. In fact, scien(26.8%) in the past 16 years. We now have a future growth is mandated by State Law “Sit Suffragator Cave” beaches Florida and and seeing thousands “New Normals” are not really new.

This has toAct be our new 45-12normal.the As contents an aside,ofI these tists239 saypages, a vaccine will not be available for but, most The proGeorgia Planning (OCGA population ofin116,261 the Atlanta “Let the Voter Beware” test (without wearing face masks) to end the Everyday, week and month we have to looked across the street at my favorite our 325 million population for at least 12-18 importantly, must diligently synthesize these 200).

The conclusion of our study states in Regional Commission (ARC) projects our I deeply regret not being able to qualify as these32,000+ protestors underadapt, improvise and County overcome changes county to quarantines. chicken sandwich restaurant see alldemands of theirinto a clear vision for future months.

We were led to believe that with our “….Carroll County’s annual growthto many will grow byDo another in thenotpart a candidate for Carroll Commission growth in ourred County. mandates that localwearing decisionan makers years. the past 10 years,persons Villa rate stand thatIn asymptomatic (those our everyday routines employees identical bright warm spring weather, the virus would magiChair due to mylife. recentOur cardiac surgery.are As often I next ten Six years ago (November 2013), we vot- and Americans are plan are for provision of vital Rica showing grew by no 237%, Temple obvious signsbyof77%, contagion) sit homeand recovering, I am taking a great changed thus become our new normal. facemask.

Theypublic get it!facilities I applaud them. cally disappear.

It didn’t, ersmake approved a SPLOST tax toinbuild a new services. We Limited will require to Bowdon by 4.2% and Whitesburg shrank by and the campaigns the remaining in fact contagious and unknowingly spreadAinterest simpleinexample wouldofinvolve your daily havefunding been asked/forced major still dying every state including Georgia 1.3%.ing Seniors (over 65 -virus? that’s me) account the County to coordinate with local service See BILL KECSKES page 29 the Covid-19

BBILL ILL KECSKES

KECSKES

commute to work; say a bridge washed out adjustments to our daily life. Being fur- and Carroll County. Until a vaccine for 325 Recently, I had to drive to my favorite loughed or fired from your job is an incredi- million Americans and indeed the world forcing you to drive an extra five miles via a orange big box store and I talked to three ble financial burden suffered by upwards of population is delivered, we can expect daily new route to work. This is a new normal.

2. Like communism, socialism’s main maries and caucuses. Polls find that, not only His prophecy would not come to pass. employees not wearing masks. The first said, 27 million What’s been different the past three The $1,200 stimulus numbersnationwide to be our “New Normal”.

But,Americans. workers earn wages Instead, his ideas would usher in 100 years focus is on equality. do a large majoritydeath of millennials “he could the notdeaths find one and heofneeded to spend months is we are being forced to drastically checks checks even opinion Oneofarea that I ado have some expertise is they can as and theyunemployment choose, while the of enslavement, of millions havedon’t a favorable socialism, near work”.

The of cashier said not wearing masks begin adjust our lives and livelihood in order to to cover theandfinancial ofwould indi- prefer the toeducation of our children. In order to not citizens, owns operates losses people.

Followers Marx would also bring agovernment, majority live under socialism “her personal supervisor’s the means for production. (factories, compa- Our fight an invisible and deadly virus. In just viduals and small businesses. “new aboutwas the creation, rise andchoice”. implosionThe of the rather than norcapitalism. protect our children, attending schools in ASON businesses, Workers receive Soviet Union.(while Even though Marx used the nies, are answer monitoring customers enterthree months, over 60,000 American have mal” etc.) in the coming 18 what months Further. will seeforanthe first time, socialists See BILL KESCKES page 28

Red tide rising

J SWINDLE terms socialism and communism interchangeably, over the subtle differWhat isSWINDLE really important toyears, you” ences have developed between the two

they need to produce and survive, but there’s taking advantage of the Bernie Sanders pheno incentive to achieve more, leaving little nomenon to organize, raise funds, and field motivation. popular and talented candidates from New LAW Travel has been one of our life’s great in Atlanta.

I joined the York Toastmasters Both program are the opposite of capitalism, political philosophies.

City to Oakland, California.

A major to pass on something of value to those3.you GROUP, P.C. where reward to those who go In will general, communism and socialism instrument is the adventures.

Democratic Socialists During aofperiod starting in the club comes in Marietta.

I served as an officer and soon leave behind.

If you are are blessed February - 1848 - London, England: economic beyond minimum.ofInthe capitalist societies, Association, that proAmerica (DSA).

Management in 1960s, for about 25 years or so, we - wife, with and goodpolitical health,structures you probably do not eventhe director Atheist and socialist Karl Marx and his mote equality and seek to eliminate social owners are allowed to keep the fruits they Proof of socialism’s political and friends - travelled extensively.

Marietta on the west coast and I was a familynew-found think about it, you are invincible.

If you have friend, Frederick Engels, publish their radi- classes. earn minus the taxes taken by the govern- clout is found in a 28-year-old attractive, Fifty or so cruises and/or land trips to the “Loaned Executive” (fundraiser) for the constant pain or a serious disability, your cal and violent political book, “The 1. Marx’s idea was in a communist soci- ment. Competition occurs naturally, which articulate, and charismatic socialist named MexicanHer Riviera, all around the MediterUnited Way, Officer and Director of the Star health mayclass be all consuming.

Communist Manifesto”. The new ideas in ety, the and wealth. working owns everything, and fosters advancement Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez recent upset Thoughts ranean, Norway and Union, is now overvictory two billion Economics relative.

If you Today, are theOne this book would transform the world and everyone red Credit tide of socialism rising. works toward is the same communal over veteran Rep. Joseph Crowley of Sweden, England, While Shaving facilitate the deaths of millions.

Scotland, Ireland, in Wales, assets, of theNew Santa Clara, you areor“rich”.

If you Socialism cannot isdollars a newinidea for Director many people goal.comfortable, There are no wealthy poor people.

York, the number four Democrat the Turkey, Israel and The main idea that prompted such vio- All people cedwilson587 despite over 200 years old. While the Reserve equal, and the community disHouse police of Representatives, in theEgypt, June Greece, Russia, all the Holy Land, CA. Better Business Bureau, satisfyareyour wants, don’t confuse wants withbeing lence was the history of the class struggle tributes vast majority of young Americans in theCA., what ityou produces basedno onlymatter on need.

Democratic concerned even House @yahoo.com the Caribbean and South America, The officer, City of Santa Clara, Member primary of over needs, are poor what your between wealthier members of society and Nothing is obtained by working more than South, Midwest, and Mountain states gravi- Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi. She cauthe Board of Assessors, Carroll County, GA. Philippines, Bataan and Corregidor, Manila income or net worth.

One secret, keep your those who were poorer. Marx predicted that what is required. tate toward capitalism, there is evidence that tioned Ocasio-Cortez not to oppose liberal The key point is that, in every event, I and Baguio. and who knows where else.

What is really important to you?and the wants modest and debts minimum and the inevitable collapse of capitalism In reality, communism has resulted in low nationwide, there is significant sympathy for Democrats.

Seeing how worked with those wiser thanAllme, andcombined Possible answers: It depends on your age, current.

Pay cash and do not incur debt for victory of the poor would end the conflict production, mass poverty and very limited socialism among our younger population. of this, with the deepothers chasm lived gave an for our way of life, particularly through the education and training inherent health, economic situation, family, anything that depreciates.

Time theinstance, and usher in a classless society of politics, pure advancement according to the Heritage other than the advancement of andFor that exists in ourappreciation country, provides fertile socialism orcharity, communism usedwelfare, both weaponry. our 1st toand We had each position, I acquired education, jobs(Marx versus powerPoverty of compounding Foundation,inover two million people underinformation spread so widely are in thepowerful ground forand a socialism take2nd rootAmendments! in terms interchangeably). the or ageaof 30 voted for democratic socialist Soviet Union intools. the 1980s itsof citizens America very soon.

Get involved withMexico peo- and Saratoga, FL. timeshares in PV, knowledge that has served me well. aspirations, et al. financial Betterthat a jar jam today Both haveanswers. been referred to as “red don’t tides” have in the 2016 Democratic pri-have revolted. ple and candidatesOften who seek to keep us free. on TV, The Vatican seeing something certifications provided Probable 1.You really case of jam tomorrow? Check howBernie muchSandersEarned

ED

WILSON

What is next in the world of independent education?

a clue, or 2. You need to think about it, or 3. “cash” Warren Buffet and other oracles are practical knowledge not commonly available or Notre Dame Cathedral or The Great in academia: Real Estate Salesman, Georgia; Pyramid, or the Onion Domes in Moscow or Just forget it and play games on your holding and ask why. live harmoniously a multi-cultural world.”personal A Global-Minded Environment awareness and outsidethe of Blue their Mosque own personal in Istanbul or Church of Brokerage, smartphone.

Given that ILearning am older than most readers (I Real inEstate Independent schools seek to broaden stu- frame generation of global-minded fami- “lessons of reference. corporate, California; Enrolled Agent, EA, the Nativity in Jerusalem and others, we can To discuss a few, age is relative, if you are A new am 91 years old), may I share some from multiple perspectives. lies are looking to educate their children in dent’s minds A Technology-Driven have been there” and relive the to practice before the IRS; and a say “weCurriculum “young”, you are focusing on the future that learned” that may be of interest to someone, enrolled independent schools today. This new genera- Students at an independent school in Atlanta Technology today is evolving at such a great experience.

Securities Brokerage License and Life and you poorly understand and is verytion of if and when they are receptive? parents have experienced travelling team up with kids their own age living in high-speed pace that many school systems ATRICK havethe dined in the Waldorf Astoria in andnota able Junior unpredictable. If you are “middle aged”, you has been rewarding for me. Disability to discussInsurance cultural License, differ- are abroad Volunteerism opportunities, learned a second or Australia to keep We up with advanceYURAN NY independent (not so great), Top of the Mark and Accounting, are likely consumed by current events, myand working years (32 years at College ences/likenesses, shareTeaching ideas, andCredential collaborate in thirdDuring language, developed diversity ments.

This is giving schools Wharf turned down a “grandfathered” marriage, children, obligations and hopes for on class California. projects Ithrough Skype/ awareness as partMarietta, of their personal educaLockheed, GA and Sunnyvale, the opportunity toFisherman’s forge ahead and blazeinaSan Francisco (pretty Headmaster and participate in an annual pathway tionalCA), experience. seeyears the value more Facebook/email The According Brave Bull, Financial Planner, CFP, certifias digital good), innovators. to San Jose, CA, (many a secure retirement.

If you are older, you I servedThey three as business advisor Certified OAK MOUNTAIN trip. now for than the everJunior in broadening their child’s Lesley Monette, Director of the Conference cation as I saw no reason to pay for one. may reflect on what might have been or how Achievement high school ACADEMY

P

See ED WILSON page 29 Another independent school in Atlanta has of Independent Schools eLearning knowledge and understanding of internaToday’s ever-evolving world will continue tional perspectives to help them integrate into a pen-pal program where students exchange Consortium, “With the financial resources in to present both challenges and opportunities an ever-evolving, multi-cultural world. weekly correspondences with students in place, private schools are equipped to move for independent schools across the United Due to small school size, freedom from China, learn common Chinese phrases, share ahead with the adoption and implementation to help. I spoke to it softly and played this and tinyexchange bird. hosting I hadstu-all of technologies these trying mouse, butlimitations, upon further to mytraditions, States. Over the course of the next decade, state/government and a inspection variety of family of new to prepare students for meditation music, in hopes it would help it would do such a thing!? surprise, school there resources, thrown toindependent the grounddents was for a athoughts....Who the widening gap between the haves and non-traditional two-week emersion program university and beyond.

Technology prorelax.

Yes, I played music for a bird. heartless couldtothis person be? creative Did theways bird!

A tiny appearing lifeless in the AsHow have- nots, changing lifestyles, and eco- schools the world continues become have moresparrow opportunities to design a annually. motes of teaching and caters nomic volatility are just a few of the trends global-minded students require a better to booth feet were free from glue and I for today’s more interconnected, big chain store manager instruct thelearnersSoon grass. Was environment it alive? all types of all types co-operation that will influence where people choose to students.My reaction was to quickly reachsense of cultural literacy to thrive andtoss collaboration of learners.

The the skills removing glue from its feathers. employee toindoorder this?

To just out a began down live, work, and educate their children. within global context and independent According Moore, acquired and include After about a halftime hour, the feathers were living thing!

Who does this!? are invaluable and pick ittoup,Dr.andElizabeth when I did, I realized thatthis breathing Families will become even more fiscally- Executive Director of the Independent schools are offering these dynamic management, self-directed the glue,co-too. Then, using the Upon arriving home, I quickly searched free from learning, something was horribly wrong.The bird minded in the future when it comes to Schools Association of British Columbia, opportunities. operation and collaboration.”

Dawn dish detergent, the internet for the best way to remove glue moved its eyes, but wasn’t able to stand or choices in education and will seek out “It’s about fostering cultural awareness, a Extending the global classroom beyond the Technology-driven curriculum in inde-I worked on removing the oilstudents from the feathers. a gluemany trap on a bird. Then asked my provides make noises.

My hands jerked back when I afrom options that have a Certified bigger return on investwalls of building, independent deeper understanding of international perIntuitive pendent schools with inter- Next, was the beak was glued shut. other to bringtrips, me active an olddevices tooth-andthat felt it: from a glue This littlealsosignificant ment. Two primary Life areasCoach families see great spectives schools organize service-learning andglue an appreciation fortrap! the fact thatpoor programming in all con-I decided to carefully use a tooth pick to get value in terms of future success in commu- thingssparrow exchange and cultural emersion oil are done was differently all over world.trap brush, warm water, vegetable and Dawn covered in the mouse glue, programs, tents.

These may include the following: tra- the glue off. Before I nity engagement globalminded to support exploration of stuWe want our students be broad-minded, ditional boardtowork conducted knew it, the via birdinterachad opened its mouth and The other day include I had toa run some essential detergent.

He was sweet enough and now dirt andtograss.

He must haveexperiences gotten dish learning environment technology-driven in thebring worldme beyond the walls of their tiveI sat tolerant andand knowledgeable because of dents digital whiteboards, social YES!! It was free grabbed utilizing the toothpick! errands (practicingand social distancing of everything I requested. on the stuck tried its best freeallitself but by curriculum. a global-minded things so willitcontribute to classroom See PATRICK YURAN page 34 to wiggle out of my from the glue and trying course).

Upon leaving the bank, I noticed these a doing backdeveloping patio replaying the video I had found managedtotobeing get able covered in the while

Compassion

KIM

REINE

store employee carrying something. I watched her cross in front of the vehicle and toss something on the ground and hurried back into the store. I tried to see what it was she threw out, but couldn’t. Something told me to get out and look closer. I got out of the car and was looking all over the ground and that’s when I saw it! At first I couldn’t make out what it was. I thought it was a dead

glue. Its feet were stuck shut and so was its mouth, and its tail feathers stuck to its stomach.

After I was able to think clearly, I put on gloves and picked the helpless bird up and placed it in a shallow container. I wasn’t going to let that bird just lay there lifeless and helpless to just die. I had to do something to help it. My heart was breaking for

showing how to get the glue off of a bird. I gently got started trying to remove the glue, first with the toothbrush dipped in vegetable oil. I began gently trying to brush the glue away from its feet. To my surprise, it began to come off! Within about fifteen minutes, I had freed one foot that was able to open and close.

The bird seemed to understand that I was

hand.

I gently placed it on the grass and it started hopping around. It was so happy to be back up on its feet and able to go. There’s no telling how long it had been stuck in the glue trap. I followed it to make sure it was ok. I reached down to pick it up and it squeaked at me, as if to say, ‘thanks for your

See KIM REINE page 28

COMMENTARY

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May 17, 2020 Page 23

Letters to the Editor

Letter to the Editor: Judges play a significant role in society! We entrust them to make decisions that affect our lives, which is why I’m endorsing Erica Tisinger! Erica epitomizes what it means to be an Officer of the Court.

She has character and possess personal and professional qualities that combine to make her uniquely qualified to serve as Carroll County’s next State Court Judge. For example, she consistently demonstrates excellent temperament and is always prepared, professional, courteous, respectful, patient, open-minded, tactful, courageous, firm, understanding, compassionate, humble, and dignified. She’s also logical and reasonable. She asks the right questions and is adept at finding just, practical and sensible solutions to problems. Erica is also a very good listener and an effective communicator.

Erica’s community involvement has exposed her to a variety of people from wide-ranging

backgrounds with diverse kinds of training, education and experience, thus further refining virtues of patience, tolerance and empathy. Her experience leads to the inescapable conclusion that Erica understands people and the problems they face, thus equipping her to make better decisions.

Erica has experience as a Judge and has served as a staff attorney in the same court she now wants to run. She knows the law and has significant experience with civil procedure and the rules of evidence. She is also intelligent and very good and quick on her feet. More importantly, she has good instincts and excellent judgment, thus fostering better and more well-reasoned decisions.

So, when you cast your vote – vote wisely. Please vote for my candidate, Erica Tisinger!

John A. Harris, attorney Carrollton

Letter to the Editor: Whether I was practicing medicine here at home in West Georgia or serving four tours of combat duty (two in Iraq and two in Afghanistan) to provide medical care to our troops in battle, I’ve always sought to live up to my oath as a physician to do no harm. I know that Erica Tisinger will meet that standard and more as our next State Court Judge.

She exemplifies the understanding to treat everyone equally. From her humble beginnings to building a successful law practice, she has always demonstrated the character, temperament, and sound reasoning we need on the bench.

Erica has been a supporter of the Carroll County community through charitable work, and she strives to continue to serve the people of Carroll County and to treat them all with dignity and respect while applying the law as written.

I am proud to support her candidacy. I am voting for Erica Tisinger for Carroll County State Court Judge, and I hope you join me.

Dr. John Burson Physician / (Ret.) Colonel U.S. Army Carrollton

Letter to the Editor: Duke & Heath is happy to support Erica Tisinger for State Court Judge. We are a firm based out of Carrollton that serves all of Carroll County and West Georgia for criminal and civil needs. We are lucky to have practiced in front of Judge Sullivan in the State Court of Carroll County. The State Court has a voluminous case load, and it serves an important role in our court system handling misdemeanor criminal cases and a vast array of civil cases.

Erica is the only candidate with experience with the inner workings of State Court. In our field, the closest you can get to on the job training is to serve as a staff attorney in the court, which Erica did.

Erica is also the only candidate to have served as an administrative law judge where she heard evidence and rendered rulings supported by law. Erica has tried hundreds of cases as lead counsel for an international company.

We’ve known Erica Tisinger for almost ten years. We have been on opposite sides of cases, and she has always professionally handled herself. Even though we often found ourselves advocating opposing positions for our clients, she has treated us, our clients, and the court with dignity and respect.

We have found Erica to have immense integrity. We believe that every individual that comes before her as the State Court Judge will be given the same respect. Each person will be given the opportunity to present their case and she will render a decision that is impartial and fair.

In addition to her professional work, Erica has been dedicated to our community. We often call on each other to help with people’s needs in our community. Erica has a heart for people, all people! Not just people whom she believes she can get something in return for her kindness, not just wealthy or well-known people. She cares about the everyday needs of average people. We know this first hand. We have never reached out to Erica with a need that has arisen in our community when she has not jumped in to offer her resources and her time. Erica has always gone above and beyond.

Erica has the temperament, knowledge, work ethic and a caring heart to be the best choice as our next State Court Judge. We ask you all to join us in voting for Erica Tisinger.

Desiree Duke Tim Heath Duke & Heath Attorneys at Law, Carrollton

To the Editor: For most of my almost 30 years practicing law, Carroll County has been lucky to have an extraordinary man serving as our State Court Judge, Robert Sullivan. Ask anyone who appears before him, and they’ll tell you he is fair, knows the law, and treats everyone with respect. Judge Sullivan is retiring at the end of this year, and on June 9th we vote for his successor. Judge Sullivan’s shoes will be VERY hard to fill. We are lucky to have three good candidates running for State Court judge. I’ve talked at length with all three candidates.

I’ve concluded that the one who has the experience to hit the ground running is Erica Tisinger. While all three candidates have practiced a variety of law, Erica Tisinger has important experience the others do not.

First, Erica served as staff attorney for two state court judges. She was in their courtrooms with them, drafted their opinions, and saw how they effectively ran their offices.

Second, Erica is the only candidate who has actually worked as a judge - while living in Tennessee Erica served as an administrative law judge.

The State Court does an enormous amount of work. We need someone with Erica’s kind of experience to effectively manage the office and handle the cases that come in front of the court.

Ann-Margaret Perkins Perkins Law Firm Carrollton

To the Editor, Of all the contested races in the June 9th Primary Election, the decision for State Court Judge of Carroll County remains the most important. Conferring an individual the authority to restrict or deny personal liberty is an awesome responsibility for the voter. Differentiating the candidates’ qualifications, however, proves a heavy lift. Georgia statute prescribes professional qualifications for the judgeship: they must have served as attorneys in our county for a said time. State code also prohibits the candidates from running as a member of party, so their policy positions often are not obvious. The ethics of their profession dissuade the candidates from suggesting how they might decide a specific case. How and on what basis, many ask, might we select the appropriate candidate? The answer is simple: we should focus on the personal qualities that we desire in the person who will judge us, as individuals.

Most voters fortunately never stand before a judge and never expect to. We envision our role in selecting a candidate who will sit in judgement of others. When we think in this fashion, we should reconsider. We should strongly consider the character of the candidate before whom we could stand. We want a judge who will hear what we have to say and is capable of being open minded, compassionate, and free of bias. We want a judge who is thoughtful and cautious, not a rigid partisan, who has decided our case before we have presented a defense. We want a judge whose experience provides a sense of empathy, not simply with legal code, but with a sense of moral and ethical right.

Of the three candidates for State Court Judge, Erica Tisinger best fulfills these credentials.

I possess only cursory knowledge of Nathaniel Smith. As a fellow veteran, I salute his military service and the fact that he assumed professional, never mind personal, risk to serve his country. I am supposing that he would share a deep empathy with veterans who might stand before him, a quality in need of supply. He obviously possesses the professional qualifications to serve as the State Court Judge. I consider him fully qualified to sit in judgment of me, but would not select him as my first choice.

Met Lane served as a ward councilman in the city of Carrollton, so I am better acquainted with his public persona. Mr. Lane ran and governed as a partisan, touting his politically and socially conservative credentials. Previously, he has made known his opposition to Boy Scout functions on the campus of the church he attends and prescribed appropriate theater productions at the Carrollton Cultural Arts Center. Mr. Lane’s actions exude a personal righteousness that may well have reflected the desires of the ward members he served in Carrollton and which may be appropriate for a politician, but this quality is undesirable for a judge. In his campaign advertisements, he implies that he exercises a conservative judicial temperament, from which we should infer personal restraint. His previous political behavior suggests otherwise and gives me pause.

Erica Tisinger is a woman of humble origin, from a family that suffered frequent, humiliating financial hardship, the kind of which features decisions to pay the electric bill, the car installment, or the speeding ticket. She witnessed from an early age how good intentions and economic misfortune often force conflict within the human conscience.

Fortunately, her parents imbued within her a work ethic and sense of professional ambition.

She has achieved the same professional pedigree as her male competitors.

Mrs. Tisinger, however, remains conscious of her formative experiences. She understands that the bench is not the place from which she should sit in righteous judgment, but rather the seat on which she should apply remediation as appropriate and within the standards under the law. I want the person who adjudicates my appearance or that of my children to have some familiarity with our experience and an ability to empathize, who can spot contrition and circumstance. I don’t have to agree with the decision rendered. I need to believe it was fair and I need to respect the person who provides it. I would want Erica Tisinger as my judge, and I endorse her for the position of State Court Judge.

Jamey Burns Roopville, Georgia james.m.burns1@gmail.com

Page 24 May 17, 2020

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COMMENTARY

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Walking worthy of the vocation

heart before I was formed in my mom’s belly. always tell her that I would love to teach until I truly believe that I’ve been placed in the I am 100 years old. I love the youth, and I classroom to touch the lives of youth of all love helping to mold them and shape them in positive ways. nationalities, creed, and If one is to become a tongue.

I often tell new teachers teacher in today’s society, Every year prior to me that if they are not in the he or she must have a going back to school, I passion to teach the youth. make a decree that I will profession to make a I often tell new teachers have touched as many difference, then choosing that if they are not in the lives and will have made another profession might profession to make a a positive impact on as difference, then choosing be best. I also tell them many lives as I possibly another profession might be can. I always want my that their real pay I also tell them that students to feel that they comes when a student best. their real pay comes when a are loved in my comes back to visit student comes back to visit classroom, and that they after they’ve made their have a purpose on this positive marks in this world, and they state Earth.

My mother often asks if I will ever retire. I emphatically that that teacher made a

TRACEY

PITTS

Millennials Christian Ministry (MCM) tpitts@mcmem powered.org

Ever since I was a little girl, I wanted to become a teacher. I used to round up my neighbors in the summertime to teach them to read and write. I even prepared report cards for them to take home to their parents.

My grandmother, Mrs. Carrie M. Terry used to drive from county to county teaching children to read and write in the early 1900s.

I believe that the desire to teach was in my

Do rivers grieve?

liquid can have muscle, but how can you COVID-19. By the time you read this, I fear deny the rippled power of the Chattahoo- there will be thousands more. Every one of chee’s whitewater rapids at McIntosh Reserve? these numbers has a human face, belonging When the river jumps her banks, we say to someone’s mother, husband, child. If she’s angry, even vengeful, (a common trait you’re fortunate enough not to lose someone, maybe you of our species). On a . . . anthropomorphism is our know a friend who sunny day she’s calm, or spectacularly lazy self-centered impulse to re-make has. Or you’ve been touched by the death (another familiar trait).

River Rambles other beings in our human of an artist you love, During a drought we syllabil@aol.com image. But what else do we like the songwriter imagine her thirsty and have besides our own John Prine. longing for rain, just as Do rivers grieve? experience, as a way into the We’re grieving for Now wait, before you dismiss the ques- we are. Casting the other reasons, too. tion as absurd, consider this quote (with river as female is arbianimating spirit of animals and The virus assaults apologies to the writer for misplacing his trary I confess, due to a trees, rocks and rivers? our physical freename): Just because you anthropomorphize failure of vocabulary something doesn’t mean it isn’t true. to provide a more accurate pronoun. doms, our financial security, our sense of Besides being a very long word, anthropo- (Frankly I refuse to refer to anything as alive safety. There are myriad ways to express morphism is our self-centered impulse to re- as the Chattahoochee as an ‘it’.) Limits of this sorrow. We weep; tears wash away our make other beings in our human image. But language and imagination complicate any attachment to what was and is no longer. what else do we have besides our own expe- effort to write about the river, except through Some of us go silent; others howl at the rience, as a way into the animating spirit of the feelings and attributes we think of as moon. Still more turn to drugs or alcohol to numb the ache. Sometimes we get sick. human. So, why not grief? animals and trees, rocks and rivers?

We are in the grip of a national grief. As When a beloved pet dies, I inevitably come Novelist Richard Brautigan writes of the river’s smooth strong white muscles. Maybe of this publishing, there are over 75,000 down with a cold. And grief can also lead to you don’t buy the poetic notion that anything recorded deaths across the country due to death. Married to the love of his life for 53

SYBIL

THOMAS

Age is but a number

MARY

SAXON WILBURN marywilburn1 @aol.com Is age really just a number? In some aspects it is, I suppose, as in the number of times per six months that doctors or clinics show up on your calendar. How many doctors do you see now as opposed to that number in the past decade? What number of medications do you take daily? Or, how many or few times a month or week do you hear from your children who have now grown into grandparents and may live at a distance from you? Or how often do they visit you? How many or few of your old friends do you still hear from on a regular basis? How many pets do you allow to live in the house with you these days? How often or seldom do you worry about when you will die, or how much longer you have to live on this planet before you can move on?

In my experience of forty + years in all

fields of nursing, from Candy Striper in high school until retirement as RN, Clinical Coordinator and Supervisor, I learned that age is far more than any one number.

Among my acquaintances and patients, once they turned 70, they began to experience a few joint pains here, some muscle stiffness there, and have to count a whole herd of sheep before they have even a hint of falling asleep after dark. They can fall asleep quickly while it’s day, but when darkness comes, sleep goes. If they also seem to get a little confused at bedtime, that can be what is commonly known in health care settings as Sundowners Syndrome. It doesn’t hurt all by itself; it doesn’t do a thing except keep you awake and annoy or scare your caregiver.

As the 70s progress, there may be more joint pain, more muscle stiffness with some gradually increasing muscle pain.The numbers on your scale may go down, which is not uncommon since older people may eat less and may give up exercise, ultimately resulting in loss of muscle tissue or fiber.

Physical therapists can help with exercises that can be done in the home, but once the therapist is finished and gone, the exercises usually go with them. As exercising diminishes, muscle loss increases, and the

weight goes down. As muscle fiber is lost, so is support and help for skeletal motion, leading to increased discomfort, which leads to decreased activity.

As Shakespeare wrote, therein lies the rub. All sorts of rubs. Some come in the forms of ointments and creams to rub into your muscles and joints. Some people cannot tolerate most of those rubs, actually having them on the body, sticking to their clothes and not allowing them to move with the body, and some of them smelling like the stuff they are made of, which isn’t perfume.

As we age, our appetites suffer a lot and our caloric intake number changes drastically. Our palates change, causing foods to taste different from the way they tasted a few years ago. But, wait a bit. Is it the palate, or is it the quality of the food we now have access to? We’ll leave that alone for now. Meals on Wheels is a wonderful institution, but so often it isn’t available except in specified areas.

Then there is that bane of shingles that attacks some people. While it can strike at any age, most often it affects those with a higher age number. Our roofs may be intact, but in a lot of cases, our immune systems just go kaput and Shingles is waiting there to

difference in their lives.

I didn’t become a teacher because it was an easy profession. In fact, I didn’t choose the profession - it chose me, and I will continue to walk worthy of my great vocation.

I am a teacher, and I am a world changer, because I am changing the lives of every youth that I am privileged to teach. My favorite poem pertaining to children is: A Hundred Years From Now… It will not matter How much money you had The sort of house you lived in Or the kind of car you drove But the world may be different Because you were important In the life of a CHILD -Author Anonymous

years, my father died five months after my mother passed, gone in an instant of a broken heart.

So how might the Chattahoochee mourn, and why? Since January, there’s been a stealthy reduction in the environmental protection of our waterways. While public notice has been diverted by the tragedy at hand, millions of miles of streams - think: Snake and Whooping creeks - that feed into our rivers are once more vulnerable to the sludge of chemical waste, the strangle of oil spills. Wetlands do the job of filtering these poisons out of the water; only now they can be filled in and paved over without permission or safeguard. Take Paradise and put up a parking lot (with a lift of the hat to Joni Mitchell).

Why should this matter at this moment with so much else at stake? Maybe what I see as the Chattahoochee’s grief is really my own (a case of hydropomorphism?). But given the likelihood that these hidden assaults could cause the river to sicken and die, I can’t help but wonder - if that’s not her grief, what is it?

walk right in; especially if we have had a drastic illness such as polio, muscular dystrophy, multiple sclerosis, or any other weakening or crippling condition.

Often the older ones in our society live in stressful situations due to the prospect of leaving their homes to move into a facility that helps with their care, or at least a smaller place nearer a family member, or maybe even one that doesn’t require as great a financial layout to maintain their comfort.

The ages of young people are definitely measured in numbers. Children are six and a half, or going on seven, or maybe even 17 or 18 with the added modifier of “I’m grown.”

From older ones, we may hear “I’ll never see 75 again.”

Age is only “just a number” to those who don’t qualify for the above listed or any unlisted manifestations of the “aging” process. To avoid growing any nearer to old age, you have to lie. Never admit to any of the age - related maladies. Maintain your recommended number of calories, keep up with your daily walk, even if it’s just walking the length or width of your present residence for ten minutes a day, and only admit to the years from your last birthday on into forever.

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I want to serve the people of Georgia’s 18th House District

CASON

HIGHTOWER CANDIDATE State Representative District 18 (R)

I can remember the first time I took a real interest in the democratic process and elections in our country. I was in the 3rd grade at Carrollton Elementary School, in Mrs. Armistead’s class. It was time for the 3rd grade hall to decide who the next President of the United States would be.

I went home the evening before voting was supposed to take place with one ques-

Letter to the Editor

tion on my mind, “Who am I supposed to vote for”? That evening at the dinner table, I asked both my parents who they were voting for and, to my surprise, they would not tell me. Instead, they asked me a series of questions on different subjects and told me which candidate my values aligned with most. I marched down the hall on Election Day to cast my vote proudly and confidently for George W. Bush. The values I had in the 3rd grade are the same values I have today; service to one’s family and community, smaller government, lower taxes, and personal responsibility.

To live in the same community where you were born and raised is a true blessing.

Everyday, I feel honored to serve families in the West Georgia area, either through my work as a funeral director or my volunteer work with Carroll County CASA or the

Letter to the Editor: I am Jon Greer, and I have practiced law in Carroll County for almost 15 years. In fact, I’ve been around lawyers my whole life as I was born while my dad was in law school. A candidate for Judge with Erica’s qualifications is truly a rare occurrence. While her experience speaks for itself, there is so much more to Erica. She’s bright and hard-working but very humble. She’s thoughtful, kind, honest, calm-natured and even keel. In all these years I’ve never heard her raise her voice. Yet, Erica has as much backbone and grit as anybody you’ll ever meet. My dad, Tommy Greer, said she was “small, but mighty.” Erica will make the tough decisions that are required.

Essentially, she has all the traits a great Judge needs in one package. She had these same characteristics when she started working for us in a broom closet. Erica retained those characteristics as she climbed to become the leader of our law firm. And, unlike so many others, she will still have those characteristics years after you put the title “Judge” in front of her name.

Dawnbreakers Rotary Club. The Rotary motto, “Service Above Self”, was ingrained in me from a young age and it is a principle that I have tried to model my life around.

I want to serve the people of Georgia’s 18th House District because I want to make it the top district in the state of Georgia to live and do business. I honestly believe that my values align with the citizens of this district and I promise to go to the Gold Dome as a representative of the people in Carroll and Haralson Counties. I promise to listen and communicate with you – not only at election time but throughout the entire year.

In fact, this week I proudly signed the Term Limits on Congress Pledge because I believe being an elected official is about representing those who have placed their trust in you to do what is right and just, not making a second career in politics.

StarNews

May 17, 2020 Page 25

Through the years, families in West Georgia have seen a shift in our local economy from agrarian, to textile, to manufacturing, and, ultimately, the technology-based economy we have today. Small businesses remained the backbone of the 18th district with every change. I am proud to represent the fourth generation in our family owned small business and I am dedicated to promoting and protecting these vital small businesses in our community.

I also understand the importance of our industry partners throughout the district and vow to work with local Chambers of Commerce and programs like “Grow Haralson” and “Carroll Tomorrow” to continue to attract those partners and provide new employment opportunities in the 18th district. I know that cutting government See CASON HIGHTOWER page 29

Erica Tisinger doesn’t want power and this isn’t a stepping stone for her. I don’t want to lose my law partner, but Erica told my dad and me over 10 years ago that her goal was to be a judge. Carroll County will gain immeasurable benefit from her acting on this dream.

The difficulty in choosing a candidate for any office nowadays is that anybody can be made to look good in an ad or on a Facebook page. You know the drill: shake some hands, kiss a baby, pose in front of a church, etc.

But Erica IS good. No candidate for Judge has done more for Carroll County than Erica. I know firsthand the countless good deeds of all sorts Erica does on a frequent basis. And she does so quietly without seeking recognition.

What you see is what you get with Erica. She is genuine, and that is priceless. I’m confident a Judge’s robe won’t change her. I encourage you to join me in voting for my law partner, Erica Tisinger, for State Court Judge on Tuesday, June 9th.

Jon Greer, attorney Carrollton

So, what now? The Independent School Leadership Challenge

PATRICK

YURAN

Headmaster OAK MOUNTAIN ACADEMY

When Governor Brian Kemp held a press conference on Thursday, March 12, 2020 issuing a call to action for educators, schools, and day care centers to consider closing for a two-week period, independent school operations changed forever.

Independent schools all over the country

went immediately into lock down and collaboration mode. As the weeks progressed, it became clear the majority of independent schools would remain in remote learning mode for the remainder of the current academic year. Once we worked through the challenges and logistics of the various remote learning plans in each of our schools, we incorporated a plan to close out the current academic year. The current academic year has come to a close and summer has finally arrived. So...what now?

The big, immediate challenge for us now is to begin the strategic planning process for mapping out a new model of an independent education. We find before us today, a golden opportunity to capitalize on our current situation and bring a revitalized independent

school model to our communities. This will require us to make non-data-driven decisions during uncertain times while standing on a shifting landscape – not exactly the scenario we are accustomed to in strategic planning.

However, now is the time for independent schools to be agile, innovative, and secure in risk-taking.

Below are a few “best practices” I would recommend to any school venturing into the world of strategic planning during this unprecedented time.

• Non-Data-Driven Decision-Making – Determine what is the relevant data we currently have and identify the areas of absent data. The areas of absent data will be collected along the way and used to validate the path we are on or will be used to pivot

towards a new path in a completely different direction. The key is to identify the absent data before a decision is made so the pivot is quick and seamless. Committing to a decision that is non-data-driven can be scary, but it is necessary to commit to a decision to avoid paralysis.

• Acknowledge The Unknown – In order to pivot and adapt in a quick, efficient manner, we must acknowledge the uncertainties that surround us throughout this time.

Acknowledging these will give us the permission necessary to move forward with strategic planning while anticipating where we will need to adapt throughout the journey of execution.

• Embrace Experimentation – We teach

Carroll County. This can be easily lost in just a few short years, as it was in Douglas County, because the wrong leaders made decisions allowing the wrong kind of growth in the very county that borders District 5.

We need a proven leader whose record stands as a conservative Republican who is not afraid to make tough decisions. We need leaders who truly understand and protect our agricultural community, not just giving lip service to the idea.

In the next year, revenue is going to be down because of social distancing and people losing their jobs. The county is going to have to make some hard decisions while keeping our constituents safe and protecting our county employees and first responders. I have a servant’s heart and strongly believe I am the right person for this job. I pledge to be open, honest and transparent. As commissioner, I will always be available to help with the needs of our citizens at any

time of day or night and work hard every day to serve District 5.

Besides the important day to day management of issues and concerns in District 5, I have championed many ideas that were successfully implemented, including: 1) pay raises for county employees and first responders.

2) the health department passed a requirement I proposed which increased the amount of land needed to build any home to include an additional half acre dedicated to the septic system, which protects our groundwater and drinking water.

3) added a sixth ambulance to the south side of the county to improve emergency response times.

4) prevented high density housing developments that threatened the rural heritage we love so much in Carroll County.

5) spearheaded many improvements to

our county parks and facilities including building bathrooms and handicap ramps for the City of Roopville.

6) broke ground on the new fire station on Jones Mill Road, which was 99% completed under my watch.

7) renovated the AG Center, which is the most used building in Carroll County.

8) secured funds to make sure the Whitesburg Library did not close or reduce open hours.

My phone is always on and with me, and I am always accessible. With the challenging times ahead, it is critical that our County Commission be made up of true conservatives who will put the people first. I will be a fighter for District 5, and seek the Lord’s guidance in every decision.

Please remember to vote for Lee Powers, whether via absentee ballot or at the polls on June 9th.

Thank you for your support.

I will be a fighter for District 5

LEE

POWERS CANDIDATE Carroll County Board of Commissioners DISTRICT 5

Greetings to the wonderful people of District 5. I hope you all have been staying safe and doing well in these difficult times. I truly miss getting out in the community, shaking hands and having spirited discussions with the residents of District 5.

Recently, I have been in the hay field a lot, taking care of my fields and helping local farmers get up their hay. Carroll County has been my home for over 20 years, and my desire is to serve the people of District 5 and ensure that we protect the rural heritage of

See PATRICK YURAN page 29

Page 26 May 17, 2020

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ERICA TISINGER from page 21

coming before me will be treated with the same level of dignity and respect. The young adult from the wrong side of the tracks will be treated the same as I would want my own child treated by a judge.

The attorney or accused or civil litigant coming before me, who didn’t support my campaign, will not have to worry about any biased rulings from me. Doing the right thing and serving justice in a courtroom cannot be purchased.

With all of that being said, I am very thankful for all the people who have supported me and donated to my campaign.

Without the support of the families of

Carroll County, my campaign would not be possible.

However, I assure the citizens of Carroll County that contributions are not going to impact any ruling from me. Situational ethics has no place in a courtroom. I would never make a decision in a case where I sided with a party because of a campaign donation or any other personal bias. It is dishonest, and it is not who I am. Doing so would fuel the fire of the growing distrust of the judiciary, and it would simply undermine what is intended to be a fair and impartial system for serving justice to everyone.

As judge, if I find myself in a position

where I felt uncomfortable I would not hear the case. Plain and simple.

In most political races, dignity and fairness are the first things to go. While we have to pitch ourselves to the public, I will remain on the road of telling you why I think I am the better choice by highlighting my experience and character.

This race shouldn’t be about stacking one’s team. This race should be about putting the right person on the bench who will always remain impartial.

That is my promise to you, and I humbly request your vote fro State Court Judge on or before June 9th.

ERNIE REYNOLDS from page 21

among other goals for their Tax Assessors Office, written goals in their budget related to rapport and customer service with taxpayers - such as: - Continue to establish better communication and work relations with public officials, property owners, citizens, and media.

- Continue to earn trust of citizens and employees.

- Ensure customer service is always a priority.

- Maintain employee education to ensure professionalism Our Carroll County Tax Assessors Office has no such statements or goals indicated in their budget.

For some time, I have noted this lack of appropriate and expected customer service and ready documentation or criteria to explain questions and concerns about my property tax bill. Additionally, I have heard from constituents throughout my district that they have encountered the same problems with the Tax Assessors Office. Further, there have even been a couple department directors in other departments of Carroll County

government who have come to me and expressed great concerns over the lack of appropriate customer service and documentation of reasons for increases in their respective property tax bills, etc. Finally, hearing these concerns from me at our Board of Commissioners end-of-year “retreat,” the facilitator of our retreat indicated that he would be glad to volunteer his time to work with the Tax Assessors Office and help improve their customer service and operations, as he had turned around another county’s Tax Assessors Office, which had similar problems.

You, as taxpaying citizens, deserve to know that I brought up these customer service, documentation, lack of criteria, and process problems within our Tax Assessors Office to the Chairman of the County Tax Assessors Board, Mr. James Fulford, who attended our end-of-year retreat this past December. After I delineated these problems to him, there was a discussion about what was or would be done to address these problems. I expected a ready answer or at least cooperation about looking into these prob-

lems from Mr. Fulford, who chairs the Tax Assessors Board and has the direct responsibility of oversight of the functions of our county Tax Assessors Office. Mr. Fulford responded at that meeting that he only got per diem pay (a daily pay rate) to attend their monthly Tax Assessors Board meetings; he did not get paid to delve into such operational or management problems as we were discussing.

My pursuit and pressure to have these problems resolved within the Tax Assessors Office was consistently applied. I nominated Mr. Jim Swinson, a retired U.S. Navy veteran, who served for years on the County Board of Equalization, hearing property owners’ complaints and resolving them between the property owner and the Tax Assessors Office staff. Mr. Swinson also has a great working knowledge and zest for property tax regulations and is well thought of throughout the community.

Furthermore, I kept up the pressure for the county to stop solely burdening you, the home and landowners of the county, by con-

Do the “haves” get a better deal in court?

Are the “have nots” disadvantaged? It can be frustrating to watch a young adult from the wrong side of the tracks receive a harsher sentence because (s)he didn’t have money to be properly defended. It can be frustrating for Kid X and Kid Y to get the same speeding ticket but Kid X’s ticket is thrown out because his family knew the right people. It can be frustrating to not be able to afford an attorney in a civil case to help you navigate the courtroom to obtain a just result.

I have experienced and/or witnessed these issues first hand. As Judge, every person - and I can fairly readily tell when there are significant problems within an agency/department.

These substantial problems within the Tax Assessors Office are concerning to me, as this office interacts with all land and home owners throughout the county. Also, this office is responsible for placing a value on the property of all home and land owners in the county - resulting in me and you having to submit thousands of dollars to the county each year. So, it is paramount that this office provides great customer service and is able to readily and pleasantly give thorough reasons, documentation, and affiliated criteria to taxpayers when they ask for an explanation of their property tax.

Other counties seem to take these responsibilities of their Tax Assessors Office more seriously. I found other counties that have actual written goals for their respective Tax Assessors Office within the Office’s budget documents, which specifically address these customer service and related functions. For example, I found another county that had,

Storm Products

See REYNOLDS page 27

www.starnewsgaonline.com JASON SWINDLE from page 21

3. Lane’s legal experience includes civil law as well. He is a partner at Shadrix, Lane, and Parmer, which is a prominent law firm in Carrollton. This experience provides him the ability to effectively and fairly preside over the few civil cases that are filed in state court.

4. After meeting with Troup County State Court Judge Jeanette Little and attending their D.U.I. Court graduation, he committed to establishing a much needed D.U.I. Court in Carroll Co. D.U.I. courts take high risk offenders and make our communities safer

REYNOLDS from page 26

b) contract with an auditing firm to independently assess the valuation of cell tower equipment throughout the county.

This auditing function will likely bring a significant return-on-investment, which has been the case in a plethora of other counties.

I will keep up the pressure to ensure the new Tax Assessor Office manager improves operations of this department function to make it more friendly toward you, our hardworking, taxpaying constituents. And to ensure you are provided with the criteria and documentation and explanations you deserve when you ask why your homes and land are valued at a certain level and, consequently, why your property tax bill is what it is. You deserve to be treated that way! And I am right there with you, having suffered the same plight personally!

I’m glad to readily and steadily make these efforts as YOUR public servant and District 5 Commissioner.

Please remember that Early Primary Voting is May 18-June 5 and Primary ELECTION DAY is JUNE 9th. This election is about YOU and who will work for You. My Facebook page is Ernest Reynolds - District 5 Commissioner.

Carrollton, Ga. He has been invested in the west Georgia community his entire life; 2. He has the experience and knowledge regarding criminal law that is critical in order to have the most efficient, fair, and just state court. Lane served as an Assistant District Attorney under former District Attorney Peter John Skandalakis. He has prosecuted numerous felony and misdemeanor cases. He has also served as a defense lawyer protecting his clients and the Constitution; stantly monitoring your land and homes and affiliated improvements to tax you more - while letting nationwide commercial Verizon cell tower companies only self-report the value of their cell tower equipment throughout the county - without any monitoring by the Tax Assessors Office. In fact, the Tax Assessors Office admits they have no process in place and they are incapable of ensuring that the values that are self-reported to them by these national cell tower companies are legitimate or accurate.

So - the Tax Assessors Office is monitoring and making sure you pay all the property taxes you owe on the value of your home and property - while letting these corporate giants go free and willy-nilly only self report the value of their equipment and, thereby, admit they have no clue whether these selfreported values are correct and whether they are paying all the property taxes they owe!

Since I brought these problems to light and kept up the pressure on them, I am pleased to announce that, during our recent budget meeting, the county is now finally taking steps to: a) bring on new management over the Tax Assessors Office function; and

by providing a highly structured program for these offenders that decreases the number of impaired drivers on our roads.

5. Lane is a solid supporter of former Governor Nathan Deal’s criminal justice reforms and accountability courts. He has vowed to create a local Veterans Court that will assist our eligible veteran defendants with substance abuse issues and/or mental health struggles. No one deserves a chance to be helped within the criminal justice system more than the warriors who have protected our freedom to even establish a court system; 6. He has a common sense and conservative judicial philosophy. Like Justice Clarence Thomas and the late Justice Antonin Scalia, Lane believes that judges have a limited role. Judges should not make law or policy from the bench. Judges should make rulings based on the words of the law;

StarNews May 17, 2020

Page 27

not what a judge wants the outcome to be.

7. Met Lane has the courage to make unpopular rulings when the law demands it.

It is well documented that Lane put his own financial interests in jeopardy a number of times with his votes on the Carrollton City Council. You may have agreed or disagreed with some of his votes. But, his decisions were based on what he thought was the right thing to do despite the possibility of losing money, strong political pressure, and/or the many other consequences that a public servant must face when casting a controversial or unpopular vote.

Regardless of who you support, I strongly encourage you to vote. **** For easy voting during the COVIS19 public health situation, consider applying for your absentee ballot today. Early voting began May 18th, 2020. The election will take place on June 9th, 2020.

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Page 28 May 17, 2020

StarNews

BILL KESCKES from page 22

www.starnewsgaonline.com

celled for the school year, replaced with digital/online learning. But, no one has addressed the possible “new normal” for our schools coming up three months from now.

We all agree that “social distancing of 6 feet” is working, but how do you maintain 6 feet distance in a small classroom? I’m suggesting our schools adopt a double-shift strategy for cutting class sizes in half. The first shift could be in school from 7:30AM to 12 noon with the second shift in attendance from 12:30PM to 5:00PM. The upside is class sizes would be halved with the downside being teachers would have to work a minimum of 10 hours a day with far fewer class electives. Each school would ideally employ at least two nurses to ensure no student had a temperature and ensuring each student had a facemask. Lunches would be bag lunches to go for the morning shift and bag lunches for the afternoon shift. The good news is “social distancing” would be maintained in the cafeteria. The “no-pay” approach would be “revenue neutral” as we could dispense with lunchroom cashiers and daily cash management. Another major change would likely be ceasing Friday night Football games and basketball games.

I also suggest that school board budgets will be ravaged as sales tax collections (SPLOST) are way down and our school board will have to find other revenues to make monthly bond payments. I also suggested harsh budget cuts need to be made; meaning salary cuts and coaching supplement cuts. Where else can revenue be found as we adjust to the “new normal”?

I pitched/e-mailed these possible necessary changes to the two most senior school board members. I was disappointed that neither chose to reply.

There will be many harsh changes requiring each of us to improvise and adapt our lives to accept the “new normal”. Ending the quarantine is not as simple as a Presidential/Gubernatorial Edict or flipping a light switch. Life will not go back to what we all think is normal.

Some big box stores will fail (i.e. Sears K-Mart, JC Penney, and Nordstrom for starters). Many small businesses will not reopen. To me, it is a joke that there are to be no evictions for 4 months for failure to pay the rent. Does anybody think an unemployed tenant will magically have 4 months rent at the ready in June? It is also a joke that major mortgage lenders are permitting homeowners a 4 month grace period, but requiring the 4 months to be paid in July.

Our new normal will cause us to see many painful evictions. I saw one last week on Alabama Street. I don’t care who the tenant was, but it is painful to see one’s household items stacked at the curb. It rained the next day. Just like we saw ten years ago during the Great Recession, there will be many foreclosures with painful self-evictions. Ten years ago, I wanted to buy one of these foreclosures. I surveyed 25 homes and each one was vandalized by the families being evicted; vandalized to the point that these homes were worthless.

This, too, could again be our “new normal”. Believe me, persons evicted, foreclosed and without a job (remember the 15% unemployment figure). These people will not have discretionary income to go to restaurants or DisneyWorld.

Lastly, I often drive past our university.

Remember the financial hardship ($3-4 million deficit) last year when they were shocked with a 500-student under-enrollment? The UWG has been teaching stu-

chamber #1

dents on-line this semester and through July.

What happens if come August, there is a drastic under-enrollment due to our economic plight.? These students, in years past, have been an economic driver to businesses on Maple Street and our town square.

Another “new normal” coming around the corner.

I don’t know how to end this missive other than to say we are all in this together.

This too shall pass when 325 million vaccines are administered next year. There will

be painful adjustments to be made, but our resilient society will adapt and survive.

Please remember, this pandemic is not and should not be politicized. Pearl Harbor and “9-11” were not politicized or weaponized.

Please keep these thoughts in mind as we go through our upcoming 6 months political campaigns.

Good luck, God Bless, and remember we are all in this together. Be respectful and decent to each other. Wear a mask, wash your hands and keep your social distance.

and happiness in the individual person’s life, and the peace and happiness of even anihelp but I’m good now.” I was surprised and mals and so forth, all depends on having so thankful that I was able to get all the glue loving kindness toward each other.” (Cooff and that it hopped away. mpassion)- Lama Zopa Rinpoche I was blessed to be in the right place at the right time to help save a life. It was as if I was guided there. Now, that tiny bird will survive and thrive as God intended it to do.

It didn’t take much to save it. All it took was to have some compassion.

Compassion is a powerful and an amazing thing to have. According to Wikipedia, compassion has become associated with and researched in the fields of positive psychology and social psychology. The Dalai Lama once said that “compassion is a necessity, not a luxury” and that “it is a question of human survival”. Compassion is a process of connecting by identifying with another living thing.This identification with others through compassion can lead to increased motivation to do something in an effort to relieve the suffering of others.

May the world have an amazing showing of compassion.

“All the peace and happiness of the whole globe, the peace and happiness of societies, the peace and happiness of family, the peace

KIM REINE from page 22

Turner Pharmacy

www.starnewsgaonline.com CHIEF TIM PADGETT from front page

prepared us for the many different daily the years I am well versed on what the next challenges that COVID-19 would present.

I am blessed to have a great team move should be, how to handle and control most situations, but nothing could have surrounding me comprised of local leaders

PATRICK YURAN from page 25

Now... we embrace this opportunity and do what we do best, pull our strategic minds and resources together to design a new model of independent education students to take risks and ask teachers to be innovative in their instruction. Both of these require experimentation on the part of the student and the teacher.

Leaders should follow suit and embrace experimentation as part of the strategic planning process.

During this unique time, strategic planning is more about preparing ourselves to manage the uncertainties, not necessarily predict the uncertainties. Experimentation in necessary during these unprecedented times.

Being a leader in independent schools requires creativity, innovation, and brilliance.

In order to be highly successful in strategic planning, we must go far outside our comfort zones, experiment with new instructional methods, and engage in new systems to solve daily challenges. So... what now? Now... we embrace this opportunity and do what we do best, pull our strategic minds and resources together to design a new model of independent education.

ED WILSON from page 22

lobsters, always great) The Manila Hotel, MacArthur’s residence in the Philippines and with the indigenous Berbers in Marrakech, Morocco, very interesting.

A common observation: Over time, money deflates and rents inflate. Why not buy rental property? Pay the mortgage with cheaper dollars while enjoying inflated rental income.

Why not “flip houses? Buy problem houses, fix them and mark them to market. Any commodity, buy problems and sell solutions.

I have written a couple of books that can communicate when I cannot. By academic standards, they are “wanting” (meaning pretty bad), but perhaps there is some occasional pearl of wisdom at a point in time for those who may wish to explore. The accumulated knowledge of mankind rests in the written word.

Problems? Well, mechanical things do not like me and with divine deliberation create frequent aggravations. Beyond boiling eggs, I cannot cook and I am oblivious to anything that should be done around the house.

Healthwise, eyesight and balance and strength are not what they once were, but I am reasonably functionable although I am not always sure exactly where my feet are.

Medications and Doctor appointments govern our schedule.

Question to ponder. Has the pandemic cure been worse than the disease? Were the economic sages over run by too many academic health professionals? Has the desire for political power overcome common sense in many states?

Bottom line: Life is pretty much what you make it, if you have the initiative to make it happen.

Lesson learned: If you want to make something happen, MAKE SPACE FOR IT and JUST DO IT! Perfection may well outlast you.

Have a nice day, could be your last. cedwilson@yahoo.com

CASON HIGHTOWER from page 25

regulation and taxes is the only way to bring better jobs and opportunity to West Georgia.

I am proud to be the only candidate in this race endorsed by the Georgia Chamber of Commerce and promise to fight for our local businesses and economy while in Atlanta.

The 18th district has so much to celebrate; from our outstanding school systems, to our amazing healthcare providers, and dedicated law enforcement officials.

I want to recognize these groups of people and everyone in between for all they have done during these uncertain times to serve their fellow neighbor and community.

You are our true Hometown Heroes and I would be honored to serve you as your next State Representative.

Cason Hightower Hightower Family Funeral Homes Cell #: 770.537.7449 Email: casonhightower@gmail.com

StarNews

May 17, 2020 Page 29

in our community and together we have Government this week, we adjust to a “new been working tirelessly to receive the most normal” of conducting most business by updated information from medical teams in appointment only and wearing masks when assisting the public for our area so we can As we reopen Carroll their safety and ours. plan our next move County Government this As I watch the from what supplies our week, we adjust to a “new number of positive employees need, to COVID-19 patients what we can do to help normal” of conducting most keep the public business by appointment only continue downward it is my hope that we are on educated, safe, and and wearing masks. . . the downhill slide and healthy.

As I watch the number of we will not see an I have worked increase or spike in closely with GEMA positive COVID-19 patients numbers that could and FEMA to stay on continue downward it is my result in going back to top of the latest hope that we are on the sheltering in place, as I funding available to downhill slide and we will know we here in Carroll Carroll County for emergency efforts as not see an increase or spike County are ready to well as assisting in numbers that could result in move forward.

It will take everyone Chairman Michelle going back to sheltering in continuing to do their Morgan in issuing one place, as I know we here part of social distancing, of the first Executive washing their hands, Orders in the State in Carroll County are and being safe for our declaring a State of ready to move forward. community to be Emergency so that funding would be available for citizens and successful in the recovery phase.

Stay safe and stay healthy! businesses in need.

As we reopen Carroll County

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OOBITUARIES StarNews OBITUAR BITUARIES Page 16 August 11, 2019

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

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Alexander, age Jr., 71, anny Joe Jones, mber 1947, died s, born27, May 16, 2019, 2019 y,14, July 4, 2019 ishop, Jr., age age 62, Nell Lovvorn, mber 1956, died died gust 28, 3, 1932, y 9, 2019 July 10, 2019 asseal “Don”age Bonner, xon McGill, 76, June 05, 1943, died er 18, 1941, died July 17, 10, 2019 2019 July Brown, Jr., 53, arker Mullis, age Jr., age 18, 1965, died July ember 31, 1948, died 8, 2019 abeth Phillips Bryce, e Nichols, age 66, September 14, 1929, 4, 1953, died Friday, 9y, July 20, 2019 ne Sanders, Carden, age 79, 80, D. er 1938, died 06, 29, 1939, died July 28, 2019

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Shirley Alexander, age 71, age Tiffanee Dawne Cook, Shirley F. Baggett, Alexander, ageage 71,September Tiffanee “Tiff” Cook, Connie Sue age 63, born 7, F.Dawne Master Danny Joe Jr.,53, Jerry Scott Shedd Master Danny Joe“Tiff” Jones, Jr., Striplin Jerry Scott Shedd, ageage 53, Shirley F. Alexander, 71, Master Tiffanee Dawne “Tiff” Cook, Rachel Price, age 86, diedJones, Master Danny Joe Jones, Jerry Scott Shedd, Janice Roach Horsley, 71, born February Tiffanee Dawne “Tiff” Danny Joe Jones, Jr., Jerry Scott Shedd, age 53, Jr., Jerry Scott Shedd, ageCook, 53, Shirley F. Alexander, age 71,died Monday, Tiffanee July Dawne born November 27, 1947, died age 45, born October 12, 1973, born November 27, 1947, died age 45, born October 12, 1973, age 2 months, born May 16, 2019, 8, 2 age 2 months, born May 16, 2019, Monday, 8, 2019 1956, died Tuesday, May 5, 2020 born November 27, 1947, age 45, born October age 2 months, born May 16, 2019,died died July 8, 2019 Wednesday, May 6, Monday, 2020 July age 45, born October 12, 1973, died 09, 1949, died April1973, 19,died 2020Monday, age 2 months, born May 16, 12, 2019, July 8, 2019 died Monday, July 8,2019 2019 born November 27, 1947, died age 45, born Octob Sunday, July 14, 2019 died Friday, July 12, 2019 Sunday, July 14, died Friday, July 12, 2019 died Thursday, July 4, 2019 David Ronald Sim died Thursday, July 4, 2019 David Ronald Simpson, age Sunday, July 14, 2019 died July 2019 James Lee Bartlett, age 63, born October 11, Friday,July died Thursday, July 4, 2019 David Ronald Simpson, died Friday, July 12, 2019 Lorraine T. Sunday, Reda, ageJuly 89, born August 24, age died Friday, July 12, diedJames Thursday, 4,12, 2019 William Anthony “Hutch” Hutchinson, age David Ronald Simpson, age David Ronald Simpson, age62, 14, 2019 Dwight Bishop, Jr., age 62, James B. Dean, age 92, Dwight Bishop, Jr., age B. Dean, age 92, “Marjorie” Nell Lovvorn, age 70, born July 21, 1948 “Marjorie” Nell Lovvorn, age 70, born July 21, 1948, died July Dwight Bishop, Jr., 2020 age James Nell B. Lovvorn, Dean, age 92, “Marjorie” Nell Lovvorn, age 70, born July 21, 1948, died July 1956, Tuesday, Aprildied 28, James B.21,Dean, age 92, 62,born “Marjorie” age 70, bornSeptember July 21,April 1948, died July 1930, died Monday, April 27, 2020 70, borndied July 1948, July 81, born October 17, 1939, Sunday, 26,1926, Dwight Bishop, Jr., age James B. Dea September 28,02, 1956, died born 02, died born September 28,28, 1956, died born September 02, 1926, died 86,09, born August 3, 1932, died62,09, 2019 86,died born August 3, 1932, died 09, 2019 born September 1956, died born September 1926, died 86, born August 3, 1932, died 2019 born September 02, 1926, died Tracie Lynn Baxter, age 51, died Saturday, 86, born August 3, 1932, died 09, 2019 09,Tuesday, 2019 Robert “Michael” Stogner, age 59, died 2020 Tuesday, July 9, 2019 Wednesday, July 3, 2019 born September 28, 1956, died born September 02 Wednesday, July 10, 2019 July 9, 2019 Wednesday, July 3, 2019 Zellie Fred Sprewe Wednesday, July 10, 2019 Zellie Fred Sprewell, age 94, Tuesday, July 2019 Wednesday, 3, 2019 Wednesday, July 10,age 201994, Zellie Fred Sprewell, age 94, Wednesday, July 3,9,2019 July July 10, 2019 April 4, Fred 2020Brasseal Zellie Fred Sprewell, Zellie Sprewell, age 94, Wednesday, Saturday, April 4, 2020 Donald Brasseal “Don” Bonner, Barry Bushon Dickerson, age Tuesday, July 9, 2019 Wednesday, July 3, Elaine Marie Johnson, age 91, born August 14, Andra Dixon McGill, age 76, born February 28, 1 Donald “Don” Bonner, Barry Bushon Dickerson, age Andra Dixon McGill, age 76, born February 28, 1925, died Donald Brasseal “Don” Bonner, Andra Barry Bushon Dickerson, age Andra Dixon McGill, died age 76, born February 28, 1925, died Barry Bushon Dickerson, age Dixon McGill, age 76, born February 28, 1925, born February 28, 1925, died Gwendolyn “Bo” Chauveaux Briant, age born 81, age 76, born June 05, 1943, died 68, born September 7, 1950, died Donald Brasseal “Don” Bonner, Barry Bushon D born October 18, 1941, died Randall Bailey Tumlin, age 73, died Friday, Saturday, July 27, 201 age 76, born June 05, 1943, died 68, September 7, 1950, died 1928, died Tuesday, April 21, 2020 born October 18, 1941, died Saturday, July 27, 2019 age September 76, June 05, 1943, 68,October born September 7, 1950, born July October 18, 1941, died Saturday, July 27, 2019 68, born 7, 1950, died died born 18, 1941, dieddied Saturday, 27,2019 2019 Saturday, Julyborn 27, 2019 born on March 26,July 1939, died Saturday, April 18,July Wednesday, July 10, 2019 Friday, July 19, Wednesday, July 17, 2019 Daniel Walk age 76,Lance born June 05, 1943, died bornLance September Wednesday, July 10,10, 2019 Friday, 19, 2019 April 3, 2020 Wednesday, July 17,17, 2019 Daniel Walker, ageage 40, Ramona Teal Johnson, age 84, died Sunday, Wednesday, 2019 Friday, July 19, 2019 Wednesday, July 2019 Daniel Lance Walker, 40, 68, Friday, July 19, 2019 July 17, 2019 Lance Walker, age 40, Daniel Lance Walker, age 40,53, Wednesday, John D. Brown, Jr., age 53, Daniel Bobbie Jean Dodderer, age 84, born Eugene Parker Mullis, Jr., age born September 18, 2020 Wednesday, July 10, 2019 Friday, July 19, 201 John D. Brown, Jr., age Bobbie Jean Dodderer, age 84, Eugene Parker Mullis, Jr., age September 18, 1978, died Deborah Jo Harper Walsh, age 65, born John D.Dodderer, Brown, Jr., age Bobbie Jean Dodderer, age 84, AprilMullis, 19, 2020 Eugene Parker Mullis,died Jr., age born September 18, 1978, died Bobbie Jean agedied 84, 53,born Eugene Parker Jr., age September 18, died 1978, born September 1978, August 18, 1965, died July born born JulyDecember 9, 1935, Monday, 70, born December 31, 1948, died Sunday, July 21, 2019 John D. Brown, Jr., age 53, Bobbie Jean Dod born August 18,18, 1965, died July born July 9, 1935, died Monday, Juanita Antoinette Williamson Daniel, age 104, 70, born 31, 1948, died Sunday, July 21, 2019 born August 18, 1965, died July born July 9, 1935, died Monday, 1955, died Tuesday, April 21, 2020 December 31,March 1948,29, died Sunday, July 21, 2019 Curtis Martindied League, age70, 84, born May 8, born July 9, 21, 1935, died Monday, 70, born 31, 1948, Sunday, July 21, 2019 Sunday, July 2019 22, 2019 July 22,born 2019 Monday, July“Debbie” 8, 18, 2019 Deborah born August 1965, died July born July “Debbie” 9, 1935, 22,22, 2019 July 22,December 2019 Monday, July 8, 2019 Deborah Ann West, born February 26, 1916, died May 4, 2020 2019 July 22, 2019 Monday, July 8, 2019 Deborah “Debbie” Ann West, William Matthew “Matt” Warren, age 50, July 22, 2019 1935, died April 21, 2020 Monday, July 8, 2019 Deborah “Debbie” Ann West, Deborah “Debbie” Ann West, Marie Elizabeth Phillips Bryce, Anna Marsella Fazio, age Randy Lee Nichols, age 66, age 58, died July 22, 2 Marie Elizabeth Phillips Bryce, Anna Marsella Fazio, ageage Randy 22, 2019 July 22, 2019 Lee Nichols, age 66, age 58, died July 22, 2019 Marie Elizabeth Phillips Bryce, Anna Marsella Fazio, James Edward “Ed” Driver, age 80, born June Randy Lee Nichols, 66, age 58, died July 22, 2019 Anna Marsella Fazio, age bornage December 5,June 1969, died1953, Thursday, April 2, Randy Lee Nichols, age 66, Col. Richard Page Miles, Sr., age 81, born age 58, died July 22, 2019 age 58, died July 22, 2019 age 89, born September 14, 1929, 85, born on Jan 1, 1934, died born 24, died Friday, Wallace Allen Wo age 89,89, born September 14,14, 1929, 85,85, born on on JanJan 1, 1, 1934, died Marie Elizabeth Phillips Bryce, Anna Marsella June 24,24, 1953, died Friday, Allen ageage age born September 1929, born 1934, diedborn born June 1953, died Friday, Wallace Wallace AllenWorthan, Worthan, 22, 1939, died April 2020 85, born on Jan 1,22,1934, died born June 24, 1953, died Friday, Wallace Allen Worthan, age 2020 Wallace Allen Worthan, age died Saturday, July 20, 2019 Monday, July 8, 2019 November 30, 1938, died April 27, 2020 July 26, 2019 56, died Monday, July died Saturday, July 20,20, 2019 Monday, July 8, 2019 89, born September 14,2019 1929, 85, born on Jan 1 26,26, 2019 56,age died Monday, July 15,15, 2019 died Saturday, July 2019 July 8, 2019 age 80, 56,July July 2019July 56, died Monday, Ruth Pittman Garmon, 92, bornJuly JuneMonday, 29,2019 Monday, July 8, 2019 26, died Monday, 2019 56, died Monday, July 15, age 2019 Earl Wayne Carden, Harris Nell Griffin John Russell Wells, age diedJuly Monday, Ara Bell D.77, Sanders, age 79, Carol Judith Martha Jeanette North, age 79, born April 30,15,Jennings, Earl Wayne Carden, ageage 80,80, Harris NellNell Griffin Jennings, died Saturday, July 20, 2019 Monday, JulyChapm 8, 201 Ara Bell D. Sanders, age 79, Carol Judith Chapman, age 55, Earl Wayne Carden, Harris Griffin Jennings, Ara BellChapman, D. Sanders, age2, 79,born Carol Judith Chapman, age 55,born Harris Nell Griffin Jennings, Ara Bell D. Sanders, age 79, 1927, died Thursday, May 7, 2020 Carol Judith age 55, born October 29, 1938, died age 83, died Tuesday, July Carol Judith Chapman, age 55, August 06, 1939, died July June 24, 1964, di April 20, 2020 1941, died Friday, May 1, 2020 born October 29,29,1938, died ageage 83,83, died Tuesday, July 2, 2,born Earl Wayne Carden, age 80, Harris Nell Grif August 06, 1939, died July born June 24, 1964, died Sunday, born October 1938, died died Tuesday, July born August 06,died 1939, died July24,born June 24, 1964, died Sunday,July 7, 2019 age Raiford 83, died Tuesday, July 2,August born August 1939, died July born June 24, 1964, Sunday, Friday, June06, 28,Glen 2019Michael 2019 born June 24, died D. 1964, Helton, age Sunday, 82, born 24, 2019 Diane Terase Weis, age 74, born June 29, Friday, June 28, 2019 2019 Penland,24, age 74, born July 29, born 29, 1938, died age 83, died Tues 2019 July 7, 2019 Friday, June 28, 2019 2019 24, 2019 July 7,October 2019 2019 24, 2019 July 7, 2019 July 7, 2019 1937, died April 13, 2020 1945, died Thursday, Friday,April June30, 28,2020 2019 2019 1945, died Friday, April 3, 2020 John (Johnny) Henry Hite, age 89, born July 25, 1930, died April 6, 2020

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www.starnewsgaonline.com KIERBOW from page 8 from decisions they are making,” he stated.

As for the school system budget, he said, “Our expenditures in the future will lean more toward technology, due to the fact that is where we are headed as a country. When I first ran, I believed we should spend more on textbooks; however, that is not where we are headed, so students of today need to learn to use technology.”

Kierbow said he sees great things happening in Carroll County Schools and would like to continue to help the system move forward.

Jessie Strickland has thrown his hat into the ring for the third time for a position on the Carroll County School Board for District 4. His opponent is incumbent Clayton Keirbow.

Strickland said heis seeking election to the school board to share his passion for learning, his commitment to be a servant leader, and his desire to give back to the community.

“I will encourage diversity and inclusion so that our schools reflect our community. I will continue to advocate work/life balance and competitive salaries for our teachers and administrators. I will encourage more parental involvement, especially with disciplinary issues. I definitely would like to see more emphasis on academics and fine arts, as well as athletics,” he explained.

Strickland feels that his career of more than thirty years of managerial and supervisory experience within distribution and logistics has allowed him to manage budgets, hire and promote, as well as facilitate consensus among diverse groups; all of which would make him a valuable member of the school board. “I think these attributes, along with my platform, will allow me to serve well as a new member of the Carroll County School Board,” he declared.

As for the current state of affairs with the

school system having to engage in “distance learning,” Strickland sees it as an essential alternative to classrooms on a short-term basis. However, he thinks that long term, students, and teachers benefit more with having face to face interaction, instruction, and direction. “Going forward,” he stated, “I think teachers and administrators will be more prepared and structured to implement ‘distance learning’ on a large scale. The effects of this trial run with will need to be determined when data is collected to include parental participation. The sudden change to this technology in education is new to all of us. I think if and when this approach is needed again, students and parents, along with teachers and administrators, will use a step by step method.”

Strickland is in favor of an extension of the E-SPLOST {Special Local Option Sales Tax for Education), which will be on the November ballot. He urges all voters to vote “yes.” “This tax funding method allows the school system to minimize the debt when making capital improvements with facilities, equipment, and technology,” he explained.

The challenges Strickland sees on the horizon include safety and security, replacing and improving technology, and new methods to continually prepare students for future success.

Strickland is currently employed with Southwire Company where he serves as Warehouse Supervisor for Retail East, Villa Rica. He is an active member of the Carroll County NAACP and serves as Chairman of Legal Redress and Moving Forward. He is a member of Antioch Baptist Church in Clem, Georgia. He and his wife, Matilda “Tillie” Walker Strickland, a retired teacher, are the parents of three children: Angel, Kristian, and JC. They have nine grandchildren.

See STRICKLAND page 35

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StarNews

May 17, 2020 Page 31

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Page 32 May 17, 2020

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CRISIS HELP from page 5 Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and the Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program and provides immediate loan payment relief for businesses with current SBA guaranteed loans. The Georgia Department of Labor also has benefits in place specifically designed to help businesses and workers

Carroll County School System announces tentative dates for graduation ceremonies

from press release Graduation ceremonies for Carroll County’s five high schools have been postponed from their previously scheduled dates in May and are now tentatively scheduled for the month of June. The decision to move the dates was based on recommended social distancing guidance from state public health agencies. Carroll County School System’s tentative graduation dates are as follows: · Bowdon High School, June 25 · Central High School, June 20 · Mt. Zion High School, June 26 · Temple High School, June 20 · Villa Rica High School, June 20 Event times and locations will be announced in June.

“We are continuing to follow social distancing guidelines and to monitor public health data to ensure that the safety and well-being of our students and their families remain our top priority,” said Scott Cowart, Superintendent of Carroll County School System. “If social distancing restrictions remain in place in June, we have contingency plans for alternate dates, if necessary.

We recognize that these uncertain times present challenges for our Seniors and their families in planning celebrations. Our high school administrators have worked diligently to prepare for events that will give our seniors the recognition they deserve.”

during the pandemic. Anduze said, “We can help you understand what you’re doing.

There’s relief available; we just have to talk through it.” Since the COVID-19 outbreak, Anduze said his office has gone from receiving around five calls per day to often more than a hundred. Besides Anduze, the SBDC at UWG consists of Cole Fannin, consultant, and Aundi Lesley, program coordinator.

Anduze has also been busy hosting webinars and providing information for Carroll County Chamber of Commerce, Georgia Department of Community Affairs (DCA),

Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDED), mainstreet organizations and other area chambers of commerce.

Anduze said the SBDC at UWG can help everyone moving forward, not just with receiving aid, but also with growing their business, no matter the climate. For now, Anduze said the most important thing for small businesses to focus on is carefully taking the right steps and making smart decisions. “Gather your team and resources, and make sure you look at all your options and pick the one that’s best for you,” he said.

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“That could be anything. It could be putting your business on hold or getting one of these loans. Just make sure your needs dictate your actions.” Anduze believes a brighter future is ahead for small businesses if they utilize their resources efficiently and stay the course. “We’ll get through this,” he said.

“We just have to work smart and work hard and help each other out.”

For more information, contact the SBDC at UWG by calling 678-839-5082 or emailing carrollton@georgiasbdc.org, or visit www.georgiasbdc.org.

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StarNews May 17, 2020 Page 33

Social distancing and stay-at-home-orders: why should you see a financial advisor?

KEY

FINANCIAL ADVISOR The social distancing and stay-at-home orders necessitated by the coronavirus have led many of us to feel isolated. Still, we’ve fought back through social media, “virtual” gatherings and walks in the neighborhood, where we could greet friends and neighbors (from 6 feet away). But when you’re dealing with the financial effects of the virus and you’re investing alone, you could encounter some problems that may prove costly.

Of course, with so much investmentrelated information available online, on television and in any number of periodicals, it’s not surprising that some people feel they can invest without any assistance. But the volatility of the financial markets over the past

$1M DONATION from page 4

withemployee volunteers and has created a footprint of 23 Giving Back communities around the world. Based on the CDC recommendations for social distancing at the time of giving, and if there is an option to do so safely, Southwire’s Project GIFT volunteers will have the opportunity to participate in these initiatives.

“Project GIFT is an amazing outlet for employees in the Southwire family who have giving hearts and want to be able to share their talents and resources with others in our communities,” said Jodie Overmyer,

LABOR DEPT. from front page

the middle of March (week ending March 21, 2020), GDOL has processed 1,369,421 regular initial unemployment claims. Of these claims, 725,000 were valid with enough earned wages to set up a claim.

Individuals with invalid claims could potentially be eligible for Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA). This includes individuals who are self-employed, gig workers, 1099 independent contractors, employees of churches, employees of non-profits, or those with limited work history who do not qualify for state unemployment benefits.

Payments began to be issued on Thursday, April 23, 2020. Applicants are continuing to be identified as potential PUA recipients when deemed ineligible for state benefits and directed to apply for the federal benefits.

“Our employees are managing unprecedented numbers of claims and are getting people paid,” said Georgia Labor Commissioner Mark Butler. “To say that we have issued more payments in the past six weeks than in the past four years combined is quite an accomplishment.”

Of the remaining unpaid claims, many are still in the claims process awaiting eligibility determination. This also includes claims where duplicate claims have been filed, identification has been requested, excessive weekly earnings have been reported, or child support stops have been issued. These claims require additional handling and the GDOL is working diligently to address many of these stops. In the past six weeks, of all claims determined to be eligible, approximately 540,000 (75%) were employer filed partial claims and 185,000 (25%) were filed individually.

The number of initial unemployment claims filed throughout the United States

be a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Typically, prolonged market downturns are triggered by explainable financial or economic factors, such as the bursting of the “dot-com” bubble in 2000. However, market drops of 20 percent or more – generally referred to as bear markets – are not at all unusual and have happened every few years over the past several decades.

Financial advisors are well aware of this history and share it with their clients. And for many people, the knowledge that “we’ve been here before” is reassuring and makes it easier for them to continue following their investment strategies.

The road to your financial goals is a long one, with many twists and turns. So you might like to have some experienced company along the way.

Joey Key, financial advisor, 105 Somerset Pl, Suite A, Carrollton, GA 678-890-1067

few months has also pointed to the dangers of going solo in the investment world. And you might find that a professional financial advisor can help you in several ways, including the following: Taking emotions out of investing.

During this period of market turbulence, many self-guided investors are letting their emotions drive their investment decisions.

As a result, they sell investments when their price is down, “locking in” their losses.

Furthermore, if they then stay out of the financial markets, they will miss out on the eventual recovery – and some of the biggest gains in market rallies usually occur right at the beginning.

But if you work with a financial advisor who has helped you develop a personalized investment strategy based on your goals, risk tolerance and time horizon, you will be far less likely to react to extreme market conditions by making ill-advised decisions.

Maintaining perspective. When you’re

putting away money for the future and you suddenly have a lot less of it, you might start to wonder if that future is somehow in jeopardy. But if you’ve been working with a financial advisor and following your investment strategy, you’ll know that you don’t have to immediately cash out those investments that have lost value, and you may not need to liquidate them for decades if they were designed for a long-term goal, such as retirement.

By the time you do need to sell them, their value may well have appreciated significantly. And if you’ve got a well-constructed portfolio, you’ll also own shorterterm, less volatile investments to help meet your current cash flow needs.

Understanding the history of investing.

The recent market instability is unique in the sense that its cause – a worldwide pandemic – is so highly unusual, and it hopefully will

Project GIFT coordinator from Bremen, Ind. “Giving Back looks a little different right now, but it is important that our efforts do not stop. With everything going on in these uncertain times, this donation will directly help those in need. These are challenging times for countless people across the globe, and Southwire believes in doing our part to give back. This commitment will be a historical highlight in Southwire’s 70 years of business and demonstrates our company’s dedication to partnering with organizations who are helping to revitalize and support communities around the world.”

CURRENTLY, CARROLL COUNTY RESTAURANTS ARE NOT BEING INSPECTED. THE LAST INSPECTIONS WERE CONDUCTED IN MARCH 2020 IT IS UNKNOWN IF RESTAURANTS ARE FOLLOWING REGULAR AND CURRENT SOCIAL DISTANCING GUIDELINES FOR FOOD SAFETY PREPARATION / DELIVERY

Carroll County restaurant inspections

Carroll County pistol permits Number of Firearm Permits applied for (carry permit) April 1-30, 2020: 65

Carroll County births April 1- 30, 2020: Tanner Medical Center, Carrollton: Total: 97 Tanner Medical Center, Villa Rica:� Total: 39

decreased to 3.8 million last week.

The sectors with the most initial claims in Carroll County the past six weeks included Accommodation cattle receipts Carroll County and Food Services, 396,209, Health Care Carroll County Sales Barn, Carrollton jail population and Social Assistance, 157,496, Retail May 4, 2020: 354 Total population as of Trade, 156,123, Administrative and Support April 27, 2020: 531 March 9, 2020: 307 Services, 109,483, and Manufacturing, April 20, 2020: 116 Males: 260 105,122.

Females: 47 “The Accommodation and Food Service April 13, 2020: 157 sector has truly suffered during this pandemic,” said Butler. “We hope that employ- Carroll County marriage licenses Marriage Licenses issued April 1-30, 2020 ers and employees can work together to find a return to work plan that can work for both David Brewer, Albany, GA & Chanel Coetzee, Bellville, South Africa parties allowing for continued financial supLogan Bryant, Monroe, LA & Walter Lipham, Carrollton, GA port from state and federal programs as we Wesley Chandler, Carrollton, GA & Jacquelyn Wade, Eastpoint, GA gradually reopen Georgia for business.”

Naomi Crim, Kissimmee, FL & Corey Henderson, Austell, GA Commissioner Butler continues to proMolly Dobson, Austell, GA & Nicholas King, Lithia Springs, GA mote the emergency rule stating that earnings of $300 or less will not affect entitleJeffrey Evans, Germany & Amber Husby-Bush, Pahohkee, FL ment to benefits.

Zachary Frey, Paulding, GA & Skylar Lang, Bay Minette, Alabama Any amount earned over $300 will be Kamran Gilani, Karachi, Pakistan &Shefali Dinani, Bombay, India deducted from a claimant’s weekly benefit Malcolm Guice, Atlanta, GA & Catherine Chambers, Atlanta, GA amount, a payment determination based on Joey Hatalla, Leitchfield, Kentucky & Katie Clark, Lithia Springs, GA an employee’s past wages. As long as a claimant is awarded at least $1 in state or Nathan Hill, Carrollton, GA & Daphne West, Carrollton, GA federal benefits, he or she is eligible to Seth Manly, Anderson, South Carolina & Brown Alexis Atlanta, GA receive Federal Pandemic Unemployment Matthew Martin, East Point, GA & Heather Jones, Memphis, TN Compensation (FPUC), the additional $600 Dennis McDowell, Atlanta, GA & Taylor Powell, Cobb County, GA weekly payment. The average weekly beneNgwa Neba, Francis, Kumba & Mya Thomas, Atlanta, GA fit amount is $276.

As of 4/28/2020, the Georgia Michael Rainey, Carrollton, GA & Michele Treadwell, Newnan, GA Unemployment Insurance Trust Fund Jerry Reeves, Whitesburg, GA & Ashley Tillman, Whitesburg, GA Balance was $2,092,486,809, down $455 Gonzalez Santiago, Efren Puerto Rico & Lucy Montero, Belize million, or 18 percent, from the 3/24/2020 Landon Smith, Birmingham, AL & Brittany Cochran, Powder Springs, GA balance of $2,547,000,000. Through Joey Taylor, LaGrange, GA & Cypris Jones, Tifton, GA 4/28/2020, $119 million has been collected in tax revenue for the year.

Richard Pryor, Douglasville, GA & Cara Thompson, Brandon, Florida Information on filing an unemployment Thomas Thompson, Birmingham, AL & Sindi Hearn, Lawrenceville, GA claim, details on how employerscan file parBlake Adams, Carrollton, GA & Debra Titkemeier, Toledo, Ohio tial claims, and resources for other reemRyan Presley, Melbourne, FL & Kristi Vines, Atlanta, GA ployment assistance can be found on the Thomas Watson, Austell, GA & Kelly Britt, Atlanta, GA agency’s webpage at www.gdol.ga.gov.

Page 34 May 17, 2020

StarNews

www.starnewsgaonline.com

Let the artist in your child develop this summer!

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and creativity. The camp is designed to challenge and expand upon all ability levels.

For campers ages 6-10, daily activities will involve crafts, nature, art and play, and creative investigations. For campers ages 1114, daily topics will include the elements of art and design such as color, shape, size, texture, and space while introducing students to different artistic mediums of expression such as clay, acrylic paints, collage, and dye.

The students will be exposed to artistic formats such as sculpture, landscape painting and drawing, and textiles. Art Camp for Kids is a half-day camp divided between ages 610 and 11-14 to best address each age group’s needs.

Design Camp for Teens is a daylong camp that expands upon basic introduction to medium and expression to more thoroughly investigate art and design through principles of composition. This camp is intended to

prep students for more applied practices of art and design and ready the student for advanced courses in any creative field. We will discuss three-dimensional, graphic, architectural, interior, and industrial design.

We will use the work created during camp to practice portfolio layout that can be used in any college application.

The Architectural and Interior Design Studio is recommended for students who are interested in the fields of architecture and interior design. This preparatory camp is an intensive studio week that will take a project from conception to final design presentation.

Each day we will complete a part of the project that will culminate in a finished design portfolio piece. Model making, drawing technique, rendering, and composition will be demonstrated as part of a portfolio piece that can be used to apply for college programs in interior design or

architecture.

Summer Art + Design Camp is being taught at the Tallapoosa Wellness Collective of Carrollton. The TWCC is housed in a historic one-room schoolhouse built in 1880 and located on 3.5 acres of land. Weather permitting, the camps will take advantage of this beautiful and serene property and use the landscape and building for inspiration. It seems fitting that the building is once again to be used for its original purpose of connecting the community through learning.

With consideration for the health and safety of the students, registration is limited to five students per week. Families registering for more than one camp or more than one participant in each camp are eligible for a discounted rate. Camper transportation is available upon request.

Register at: tallapoosawellness collective.com/art-and-design-camp

Raffle donors back row from left: Angela Dailey, West Georgia Woman magazine, Jill Duncan, State Farm and Sarah Bearden, Dreamscapes Landscaping. Middle row from left: Mindy Mussell Banks, Pampered Chef, Amy Hicks, City MedSpa, Sidra McWhorter, Sweet Peas Boutique and Ashley Smith Hendrix, Smith Brothers Supply. Front: Lisa Huddleston Allen won $1,000 cash in the “Love our Locals” small business raffle. Not shown: Rhyne Owenby. Photo by Zachary Dailey

“Love our Locals” raffle net $85,000+ for small businesses

from press release When non-essential businesses were forced to close in March due to the coronavirus, “West Georgia Woman Magazine” Publisher Angela Dailey was deeply concerned for local business owners.

“There were a few sleepless nights, just thinking about all of these people who were about to lose their livelihood,” Dailey shared. “I felt I had a responsibility to do something to help. So, I posted a comment on Facebook to see if anyone would be interested in sponsoring a small business raffle with a grand prize of $1,000.

“I offered to donate the first $250 if anyone else would be willing to donate. This would allow any business located in Carroll

County that was adversely affected by the says Angela. “When one of the initial donors shutdown to be a participating business at no dropped out, Jill Duncan with State Farm, Ashley Hendrix with Smith Brothers Supply cost to them.” and Mindy Mussell Sidra McWhorter “We had 801 entries and over Banks with with Sweet Peas Pampered Chef Boutique in $85,000 was spent with Carrollton participating small businesses in quickly stepped in to cover the immediately jumped April,” Angela said. “We donated deficit.” on board to donate, The “Love Our as well as Rhyne advertising in West Georgia Woman Owenby, who made magazine and shared the campaign Locals” raffle ran the entire month of a personal donation. all over social media...”

April to encourage Sarah Bearden with members of the Dreamscapes Landscaping and Amy Hicks with City community to shop with local businesses by ordering takeout, delivery and curbside MedSpa quickly followed suit.

“We had the entire $1,000 the next day,” services, ordering products and services

through social media, from the business’ websites or by phone.

“We had 801 entries and over $85,000 was spent with participating small businesses in April,” Angela said. “We donated advertising in West Georgia Woman magazine and shared the campaign all over social media, encouraging participating businesses to also share on their social media platforms.

“Sue Horn, owner of the StarNews, donated advertising space for the raffle in April as well. We are thrilled that our $1,000 investment brought in over $85,000 for small businesses in need, thanks to these women in our community who stepped in and answered the call to help our neighbors.”

STRICKLAND from page 31

He is a life-long resident of Carrollton in Carroll County. He graduated from Carrollton High School in 1978 and earned a B.S. in Political Science with a minor in Criminal Justice from the State University of West Georgia in 1984. He studied law and earned his J.D. in 1987 from Woodrow Wilson College of Law. County School District 1 Candidate Rob Cleveland, incumbent, is competiting against Bernice Brooks for the District 1 Seat for Carroll County Board of Education. Cleveland can claim an in-depth knowledge of the operations of a school system, as he has served as a teacher, coach, and board member. He supports both academics and athletics. He sees several challenges in the future for the school system. “We must continue to improve and monitor school safety, upgrade facilities, enhance technology devices, and improve transportation equipment to create the safest possible environment for our staff and students,” he stated. “We also must continue to retain and attract premier leaders, teachers, and staff.”

Cleveland sees Carroll County as a unified school system; not just a system of different schools. “Our cluster system is unique in that it allows students to identify with a high school flagship at an early age, which in turn creates more loyalty and pride with our students,” he explained. “We also operate under the moto ‘24 Strong’ which is an indicator of system unity and willingness for all of our schools to assist other schools within the system, when necessary, to create excellence.”

Cleveland feels that students are tested too much, but thinks State Superintendent Richard Woods is working to reduce the number of mandated tests. “This will allow instructors to focus on teaching life skills along with the curriculum as opposed to teaching to the test,” he said.

Cleveland believes in transparency in public officials, such as school board members.

“All public officials take an oath of office that includes transparency guidelines,” he explained. “All conversations and decisions made by public officials should be made public unless they are conversations about personnel or litigation.”

The system budget contains large sums for technology and athletics, along with a myriad of other expenditures. Being a board member, Cleveland has had intimate knowledge of the budget process. “Technology is ever changing and we must continue to upgrade on a yearly basis in order to keep up with the always changing educational landscape,” he said. “. . . Classroom space is not as important as actual class size. I think we need to continue to strive to find ways to reduce classroom size so students can receive more individual instruction that they will greatly benefit from.”

Cleveland promises to the voters that when re-elected, he will continue to serve with integrity and with an unparalleled passion for the children of our school system.

County School District 3 Candidate Newcomer to the political scene, Kerry Miller, is challenging school board incumbent, Dr. Bob Pinckney, for the District 3 seat on Carroll County School Board. Miller decided to run for this position because he and his family have benefitted so much from the schools in Carroll County. “Having graduated from Villa Rica High School my wife, Marcia, and I made the decision to raise our family in this great community and all three of our children have now graduated from Villa Rica HS as well,” he explained. “I have always been around the schools, serving or just simply cheering on our local kids in whatever events are going on. I totally believe that a person needs to reinvest in the

future and through much prayer and conviction, I believe this area of service is a perfect fit for myself and our community.”

Miller feels that having spent his life in this area and being involved in the school system, along with his background and experience in business will allow him to be an asset to the system. Miller sees three major challenges confronting the school system in the near future. “One challenge that I believe is a factor in all schools today is the continued rapid increase of instant information through social networking, along with the distractions and disruptions that this can cause from inappropriate use of this technology. We must continue to set and carry out policies that will help with this issue,” he declared.

“COVID 19 has forced all of society to adjust and this didn’t exempt our schools,” Miller said. “We implemented distance learning very quickly in a triage type of fashion, and I have been amazed at how well this has gone. I believe this this will change our way of instruction and interaction going forward. The way we, as a system, embrace this will be a huge issue in the future.”

Miller sees the family unit as an important part of education. “In an ever-changing world with many different family dynamics that see non-traditional families and varying home situations, the issue of parent engagement becomes more important than ever.

How we continue to address this will be a huge factor in the success of our schools.”

Miller sees the leadership and alignment as strong points of Carroll County School System. “The school was just voted in an ongoing survey as the top employer in Carroll County for the second year in a row,” he said. “with over 1800 employees. That is a testament to everyone involved and that starts with the Leadership.”

Another strong point he cites is student achievement. “Our schools rank in the top 20% in achievement for school systems in the state. This is the case in a system serving 24 schools, 5 of which are high schools,” Miller states. “This doesn’t happen easily or by chance. This takes great planning and execution with passion to accomplish goals.”

Miller would seek a balance in the matter of standardized testing of students. “We must remember that all students don’t learn in the same way,” he said. “They are individuals who have unique skills. Therefore, too much standardized testing can become a distraction and can take away from the teacher’s ability to teach the student and not teach to the test. The flip side of this is that you have to have measurables in order to monitor progress.”

“Learning comes in many forms,” he explained about alternative teaching tools. “I think field trips that are planned with the safety of the students in mind as well as an overall educational experience is a very good thing. We know that many of our students don’t have these types of opportunities otherwise.”

Transparency has been an issue with many governmental entities. To Miller, it means having open and honest communication with the stakeholders. “The people have to trust you as an individual and you must earn and maintain that trust always. If you lose this, your effectiveness can be eliminated in a moment and that would hurt the school system. In order to be honest, you must be educated in the laws that govern how the board interacts and the way that decisions are made. I love the fact that the meetings are public and have public minutes.

This provides a vehicle for accountability and transparency.”

Over 60% of the school board budget is designated for instruction; Miller feels this is

the core of education. “The board has an obligation to maximize the benefit of the funds available for the betterment of the system as a whole,” he said. “I believe that it also has a responsibility to be prudent as part of the funds come from your tax base and we should work to keep that as low as possible without negatively impacting our future with a less than stellar school system.

Currently Carroll County schools are in the top 16% in the state in per capita spending and in the top 20% in effectiveness.

Technology spending has a great deal to do with ESPLOST. We must keep this going or our budget revenues will suffer.”

Miller values sports and other extra-curricular activities. “They are very important and are primarily funded through community involvement and fund raising. I believe the way that the 5 clusters are set up intentionally fosters community involvement in a very beneficial way.” He sees further study

S N

tar ews May 17, 2020 Page 35 and planning on the part of the system and the nation pertaining to distance learning. He sees change as the order of the day.

Miller supports ESPLOST. “It is a consumer tax based on spending in our county.

Between 30 to 35% of these funds come from people that live outside of the county and help fund these great projects that would, otherwise, put a huge burden on our tax base, and in many cases wouldn’t happen at all. The improvements being made make our schools and our communities an attractive place to live and raise families.”

“I consider it a great honor to have the possibility to serve the only community that I have ever lived in in this position,” declared Miller. “I ask you to help me help our kids by voting for Kerry Miller school board district 3 on June 9th.”

For other candidate interviews, see April StarNews print edition online at www.starnewsgaonline.com

www.starnewsgaonline.com

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