StarNews May 2023

StarNews StarNews

Mayors of Carroll County’s three largest cities share

- Villa Rica Main Street’s “Rise-N-Shine” hosts legislative recap by State Senator Mike Dugan and State Representative J Collins - see page 9

- Where are you eating this week? See Carroll County restaurant inspections - see page 13 Dugan Collins

Commission proposes FY2023-2024 budget of $73.23M, increase of $6.19M

Cost to operate county per month has climbed from $4.44M per month 2019-20 to $6.10M per month with 58 full time vacant positions in new proposed budget story by Janice Daniels

On Tuesday, May 2, 2023, the Carroll County Board of Commissioners met for a regular meeting, with all commissioners present. Chair Michelle Morgan gave

notice to the board that the Proposed Budget for FY2023-2024 will be published in the legal organ of the county on 5/3/23 and will run until a Public Hearing

See COMMISSION BUDGET page 6

City of Villa Rica tackles major cleanup of homeless encampments: 20 tons of waste, 150 shopping carts, and dogs

Nine of the homeless had outstanding warrants and were arrested Police Chief Michael Mansour stated there were no minors in the camps story by Janice Daniels

story by Wayne J. Reynolds

On April 25, 2023 the Carroll County Chamber of Commerce held their Membership Breakfast featuring three of the seven mayors of the cities of Carroll County: Mayor Betty Cason of Carrollton, Mayor Michael Johnson of Temple, and Mayor Gil McGougal of Villa Rica. These three shared details of their municipality’s growth. Approximately 150 were in attendance.

Cason was elected mayor in 2019 and opened

the panel presentation, “I am always excited to talk about the City of Carrollton. I think we are a bright star in Carroll County. We are financially sound and provide many services to our residents. We

Mayor and City Council of the City of Villa Rica met for their monthly work session Tuesday, April 11, 2023. Councilmember Shirley Marchman was absent. Police Chief Michael Mansour gave an update on the cleanup of the numerous homeless encampments that had been brought to council’s attention during recent meetings.

City council had recently passed the Urban Camping Ordinance and Shopping Cart Ordinance in response to these rapidly multiplying homeless sites. The city’s

State Agriculture Commissioner speaks to full house at Carroll EMC’s bi-annual seminar

“Agriculture is national security” and “not rely on someone else” for food production

from press release

from press release

Governor Brian Kemp and First Lady Marty Kemp were hosted by West Georgia Technical College (WGTC), Coweta Campus, Newnan, April 27, 2023, for a bill signing ceremony. Gov. Kemp signed six bills – House bills 163, 155, and 607, and Senate bills 246, 3, and 86 - that will

See GOVERNOR at WGTC page 15

Georgia’s 17th Commissioner of Agriculture, Tyler Harper, attracted a full room of area farmers, agriculture students, business leaders and elected officials as guest speaker at Carroll Electric Membership Cooperative’s (EMC) agribusiness seminar held Thursday, April 13, 2023.

Harper

The agribusiness seminar is a bi-annual event hosted by Carroll EMC each spring

and fall. Designed to bring people together from all sectors of the agriculture community, the meeting offers a time of fellowship and networking followed by a presentation from a keynote speaker. Commissioner Harper, now entering his fourth month in office, addressed this year’s crowd with a plea to keep reminding the common citizen of how critical agriculture is.

“Agriculture impacts every Georgian, every single day,” said Commissioner Harper. “It is vital we tell that story and remind consumers of the role the industry and this department

See STATE AG COMMISSIONER page 15

police department was then involved due to violations of these ordinances, and

See HOMELESS SITES page 4

New Chief Magistrate Judge Nathaniel Smith began work April 1st

story by Wayne J. Reynolds

Local attorney Nathaniel Smith was appointed by Governor Brian Kemp as Chief Magistrate Judge for Carroll County. Smith’s first day on the job was April 1, 2023.

Smith was a U.S. Navy Intelligence Specialist; Drug Enforcement Agency Tactical Debriefer; served with Naval Criminal Investigative Services (NCIS); and has been a local attorney 23 years Smith

Smith replaced Michael Hubbard who had been appointed by the governor May 2022 to fill the unexpired term of longtime Chief Magistrate Judge Alton Parker Johnson who died March 26, 2022. (Parker had been appointed in 1998 to fill the unexpired term of Richard Smith who retired.He then ran success-

See JUDGE SMITH page 11

Carrollton Mayor Betty Cason, Villa Rica Mayor Gil McDougal, and Temple Mayor Michael Johnson spoke during a breakfast panel discussion hosted by the Carroll County Chamber of Commerce

Left to right: City of Villa Rica Mayor Gil McDougal, City of Temple Mayor Michael Johnson, and City of Carrollton Mayor Betty Cason spoke to an audience of approximately 150+ during a breakfast panel hosted by the Carroll County Chamber of Commerce, Tuesday, April 25, 2023. Moderator invited questions, but none were asked.

Governor visits WGTC to sign bills designed to support the education necessary to fill current high demand jobs

HOMELESS SITES from front page also because of the Department of Transportation’s criminal trespass laws concerning the areas around interstate ramps.

Chief Mansour said encampments were found on private property, public property, roadways, yards, but were primarily around the four Interstate 20 entrance/exit ramps. He reported they had been months in the making.

Over the period of several weeks that included one full day of physical clean-up by police, public works, animal control (dogs were taken to animal shelter), and other city staff, the police made educational efforts with individuals about relocation services and assistance; organized cleanup; waited for individuals to vacate; issued warnings; and finally carried out the cleanup. Police arrested nine homeless people who had outstanding warrants, and issued 13 Criminal Trespass tickets and eight warnings. Four grapple trucks removed 20 tons of waste and debris, and 150 shopping carts were returned to area stores.

Chief Mansour said they handed out paperwork to each person in the encampments about assitance, but that only one sought that assistance. Councilmember Anna McCoy asked if there were any minors in the camps, and the answer was no. Councilman Matthew Momtahan asked if this clean-up will force the homeless to move further back into the woods, onto private property? And what would the property owner’s or citizen’s recourse be? The chief responded, “Call 911. Let the police try to find the people”.

Captain Hunter Ethredge told StarNews the police department had been receiving complaints on a weekly basis about the camps. StarNews reported in February that council had heard from citizens during public comments who voiced concerns about bonfires, drug trafficking, loose pitbull dogs, lack of lighting, children being approached for money, and pedestrian and traffic safety.

Councilmember Leslie McPherson said, “It’s not good for the community and it’s not good for the homeless to have these encampments. It’s not healthy nor safe...These people are humans and need to have some resources. But, allowing them to live like this is not good.”

On other business at the work session, City Attorney David Mecklin announced the first reading of the Home Rule Ordinance Providing for Board and Commission terms.

Consent Agenda was formed:.

1.Approval of Business Associate Agreements between city and Strongside Solutions, Angel Rx, Angel Access. Mecklin said HIPPA regulations were already being followed by these entities, but the business associate agreements had not been done.

2.Intercompany Agreement with Douglas County formalized. Villa Rica had approved the agreement 3 or 4 months ago. No changes.

3.Approval of Intergovernmental Service Delivery Agreement with Douglas County.

4.Re-appoint Cheryl Bell to Library Advisory Board for the term February 1, 2023 thru December 31, 2025.

5. Approval of Alcohol Agreement with Uncorked on Main to serve beer and wine during the five separate events of the 2023 Concert Series at the MILL Amphitheater.

6. Approval of a Special Event Request by Brian Britt, owner of Hixtown Brewery on Saturday, April 29th from 1-7 p.m., to be held at Prospector’s Park and conditioned upon his compliance with city policy that one city police officer be on duty at $45.00 per hour to monitor the closure of street between the brewery and park.

7.Approval of recommendation by Jim Chambers, Director of Information Technology, to purchase Apple iPad Pros for

mayor and council rather than theApple iPads previously approved, due to the longevity of the iPad Pros. Cost is $1,199 each.

8.Approval of July 3rd Fireworks Display Contractor, Pyro Shows East Coast. Cost of $30,800.

9.Approval of the July 3rd Fireworks Event Entertainment through RSC Productions, Inc. Cost of $9,500. Bands will be Leah Belle Faser and The Platinum Band.

10.Approval of the 2023 Healthy Cities Campaign and GRPA/NFC grant assistance application.

11.Approval to replace seven broken, unserviceable body cameras for the VRPD with the current model which is compatible with the current Watchguard Video Evidence System.

Total cost of the 7 cameras: $12,138, to be paid for out of the technology budget.

See CONSENT AGENDA page 15

Allen’s Florist

MAYORS TALK from front page

We are successful because of our citizens and we appreciate them.”

She said that tourism was up 22% in 2021 over 2020, and attributed this growth due to the city’s sporting events, Cultural Arts Center, downtown and restaurants. She said that 1700 tickets were purchased to “The Last Supper” exhibit the previous week, with visitors coming in from Birmingham, Atlanta, and other places. She remarked, “What is good for the city, is good for the county. We are all in it together”. echoing the city’s motto of “Altogether”.

Mayor Cason said there were 1438 business license renewals and 84 new business licenses. There were 261 new building permits and 58 commercial business permits.

She said, “Yes, we are excited about new growth but we believe in taking care of our existing businesses and we met with them to find out what they needed. Many have commented they were planning to expand.

“We think part of our growth is due to Carrollton being a safe place. I can’t say enough good things about the police department and how they stay in the forefront of what is going on. With a $100,000 grant, they purchased four portable barriers and put one in each city school. With these barriers, our police will not hesitate to enter our schools during a crisis - unlike what we witnessed in the Texas school. They also installed kits that break down locks. They do so much in our community working with our children and the community… so they know police are their friends, not their enemies.

“Many of you know my passion about mental health. We received another $1.6 million grant. We are so blessed to have partnerships in our community. The City of Villa Rica financed a police officer, the City of Temple donated funds, and the University of West Georgia financed a counselor for another mobile crisis unit. We are ready to go, just waiting for a clinician. To show you how efficient these units are, we had 617 calls and 887 service encounters. This is all due to the outstanding partnerships with the county, cities, Tanner, and our community service boards. People are not going to jail, they are going to get help. Last year we had only two arrests and one was an outstanding warrant from another jurisdiction. This is a bright star for our community and we are invited to share our experiences with other communities.”

Mayor Cason said there will be a new fire station opening near Central High School funded by SPLOST.

Speaking on public works and other topics, she said, “We are very fortunate with our departments and leadership. We allocate one million dollars every year for our streets, but it doesn’t go as far as it used to. We are getting there one project at a time. Residents have asked about putting back in the recycling program. But, at the moment Public Works is down 14 employees, so it will have to wait. We have to establish priorities. But, thanks to the county [government] you can utilize the county recycling centers. And, we think we have the best water in the state.”

The city parks and recreation maintains 425 acres including the Green Belt with Mayor Cason exclaimed it is one of their best assets which so many people enjoy. She commented on the value of the Senior Center as well as adding pickle ball courts. The city’s disc golf is ranked 26th in the nation. In conclusion, Cason

remarked,” We are always open to new ideas. Please do not hesitate to contact me. And we appreciate the support of the chamber and its members.”

Temple Mayor Michael Johnson was first elected in 2018 and re-elected in 2021. Johnson began, “I am pleased to report on the continuing growth and development in the City of Temple. My report this year is different. In the past, it was about planning and preparation. Now I can report on construction and implementation, including water meter installation, water and sewer lines projects.

“But, we still have a lot to get done, as Southern Norfolk train track problems are a constant reminder of the challenges of traffic safety and mobility. Unlike public officials who are concerned about traffic moving on the interstates and thoroughfares, while quite frankly, I am more concerned about safety and accessibility of our school buses, local residents, and other traffic can’t go from one side of the tracks to the other because all three crossings are closed and trains sit idle for long periods of time. It is more than simple frustrations.

“Today, I would like to make six points about Temple’s continuing growth and development….and in no particular order.”

His first point concerned the water meter project and is “close to the finish line. Approximately 1800 meters have been replaced and the project will be completed by mid summer. Their customers can be confident of accurate readings and are now done by computer and be available at all times. It will also save on man hours who can now be used elsewhere.”

Second point, the mayor discussed interaction traffic and congestion. An engineering firm was hired to analyze these problems and suggest solutions particularly at intersections at Centerpoint Road and Billings and at Venable Road. Third, he mentioned grade level crossings. He said it may take a long time for many solutions. But the city and Norfolk are working together on better signage and overhead deterrents at the crossing near the Sunoco plant which has been closed due to trucks getting stuck on the crossing. One solution will be to add another grade level crossing.

His fourth point was the tractor trailer traffic from Highway 113 heading into the downtown area, particularly the sharp curve near the Methodist Church. They are working closely with GDOT on alternative routes. The mayor thanked their GDOT board member Dennis McIntyre and State Representative J Collins, for their assistance in getting this problem resolved.

The fifth point the mayor made was about major water projects. Their engineering firm recommended six priority projects costing $4.5 million. The main project would be to replace pipes on Sage Street from College Street to the high school campus. Funding for the first couple of projects will be from 2021 SPLOST and federal funds.

And the sixth and final point was on major sewer projects recommended by the engineering firm with a cost of $13 million for six projects with the primary project being the Villa Rosa pump station with a cost of $1.5 million and funded approximately half from 2021 SPLOST funds and the rest from the city’s water/sewer funds which they have.

“In closing, these are not all the growth and developments in Temple. We continue to see

Pentagon Homes

due to covid now average 97 days of case processing time

story by Janice Daniels

On Tuesday, April 11, 2023, the Carroll County Board of Commissioners met for aregular meeting.

Financial report for month ended February, 2022 was presented. Revenues YTD were at $57,591,729, compared to $54,608,241 this time last year. Expenditures were at $44,418,373, compared to $37,123,528 this time last year. FInancial director Alecia Searcy said that ‘spending trends creating revenues continue to look good’.

Commission approved acceptance of a $500,000 grant from State of Georgia Office of Planning and Budget for the Carroll County Court System. This $500,000 grant would be used partly for upgrading technology products, juror and court reporter fees, but also to add mental health evaluations for inmates at the time of their arrival to the jail in an attempt to intercept those who may have insurance to cover mental health treatment and can be released and monitored by the Probation Company and the judge adjunct to Mental

Health Court.

Carroll County Superior Court Chief Judge John Simpson reported that the backlog of cases which, during COVID, was over 400 days of case processing time, has been reduced to an average of 97 days of case processing time. Judge Simpson thanked Sidney Norton, Program Director and Chief Researcher, as well as Donna Simpson, a volunteer who has worked on the research needed for these judicial grants as well.

Funding for these patrol vehicles is from the violation fines - currently totaling $700,000 - paid by drivers in the school zones school caught by radar cameras at Bay Springs Middle School on Highway 61 and Sharp Elementary on Highway 113

Captain Keith Price of the Sheriff’s Office presented a request for 2023 patrol vehicles, which includes $171,261 for equipment and installation, $93,040 for camera systems, and $8,000 for striping, a total expenditure of $272,301. Funding for these patrol vehicles is from the violation fines - currently totaling $700,000paid by drivers in the school zones school caught by radar cameras at Bay Springs Middle School on Highway 61 and Sharp Elementary on Highway 113. Request was granted unanimously.

See COMMISSION page 7

scheduled for 6/6/23 special meeting. The proposed budget shows estimated revenues of $73,234,841 and proposed appropriations of $73,234,841 for Fiscal Year Ending June 30, 2024. Increase is 9%, or $6,197,455, over FY2022-2023’s $67,037,386. A summary of budget appropriations for FY2023-2024 includes a proposed $2.00 per hour pay increase for full-time employees and a $1.25 per hour pay increase for permanent part-time employees.

In 2019, it cost the county taxpayers $4,444,416 ($4.44M) to operate each month. For the proposed budget, it will cost the county taxpayers $6,102,903 ($6.10M) to operate per month.

This budget also reflects 58 vacant (open) full time positions. As of May 2023, there were 586 full time county employees; in 2019, there were 565.

Proposed changes also include adding a parttime Court Coordinator and a State Court fulltime Victim Advocate, moving the part-time Administrative Assistant for Fire Rescue to full-time, a salary increase for Deputy Fire Chief, and a pay increase for Probate Deputy Clerk salary of $1.50 per hour.

In the Zoning Session, a Conditional Use Permit for a storage warehouse at S. Hwy. 27 and Lowell Road was denied unanimously by the Board due to the traffic safety issue their planned entrance would present.

Rezoning from O&I to Commercial was approved for the owner of Auto Sport LLC, Dallas, Georgia, who wanted to purchase the property at 918 W. Highway 78, Villa Rica in order to move his used car business there. Also approved was rezoning of five acres at 3015 E. Highway 166 from Commercial to AG for applicant Alvaro Garcia.

Appointments were made for Districts 2, 4 and 6 members of the Carroll County Board of Appeals as follows: Commissioner Clint Chance appointed Jim Stevenson; Commissioner Steve Fuller appointed Clifford Trible; Commissioner Danny Bailey appointed Bill Hodge. All were approved unanimously.

The Consent Agenda that had been prepared

Dyson Bar & Grill

at the work session Thursday, April 27, 2023, with Vice-Chair Clint Chance acting in Chair Michelle Morgan’s absence, was presented for approval as a single item:

1.Judge Thomas Parmer of Juvenile Court presented for approval the acceptance of the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act Grant with the Department of Health service in the amount of $199,937, to be paid up front by the county and then reimbursed. Judge Parmer said the money will be used for the Family Treatment Court program and to create a Case Manager position. The goal is to help to identify pregnant women who may have substance addiction issues and offer assistance. Case Manager will be assigned to follow up with each child born for up to 18 months

2.Hubert Sparks, Chief Tax Appraiser for Carroll County, presented for consideration a contract between the County and GMASS, Inc. for appraisal services for specialized commercial and industrial properties. This is renewal of a contract already in place.

3.Appointments put forward for Districts 2, 4 and 6 to the Planning and Zoning Board were as follows: Commissioner Chance appointed Jerry Doyal. Commissioner Fuller appointed Jeffrey Vance. Commissioner Bailey appointed Jaime Beam.

Consent Agenda was approved unanimously.

Also, during the work session, Finance Director Alecia Searcy presented the Financial Reports as of the month ended March 3l, 2023, with year-to-date Revenue of $61,824,319, which is 92.22% of Budget, and Expenditures of $51,024,182, which is 76.11% of Budget.

Carroll County Court System awarded $500,000 state grant; 400 day backlog of cases

COMMISSION from page 6

Felicia Rowland, Interim 911 Director, asked for consideration to purchase a vehicle newer and in better condition than their current 2008 Crown Victoria with 238,000 miles. When questioned by Commissioner Ernie Reynolds as to why E911 needed their own vehicle, the Interim 911 director said that several other departments in the county have their own vehicles for transporting employees to training and other purposes. Rowland’s request was granted for an amount not to exceed $60,000.

obtained fee structures from two similar counties, Coweta and Fayette, and presented a new fee structure for Carroll County, along with a new collection method of pulling permits if fees or violations are not paid within 90 days. Resolution was approved unanimously.

When questioned by Commissioner Ernie Reynolds as to why E911 needed their own vehicle, the Interim 911 director said that several other departments in the county have their own vehicles for transporting employees to training and other purposes.

Rowland also brought a request for approval to purchase a new A/C unit for the Emergency Operations Center conference room. Total cost for the replacement is $16,608. Request was approved by the Board unanimously.

Fire Chief Chuck Barnwell also made requests: replace air conditioner at Fire Station #4 in Roopville, manufactured in 1984, using in-house HVAC technicians. Cost: $3,942.40. Request was approved 7-0 unanimously. Secondly, the apparatus bay floor at Station #3 located in Sand Hill had water seeping in due to a crack. Public Works inspected the floor and advised that they can repair it for a cost not to exceed $10,000. Request was approved 7-0.

Jake Holloway, Carroll County Environmental Health Manager, presented a consideration of Resolution to revise the Carroll County Board of Health fee structure. Holloway said his department did not have authority to enforce the current fee structure, which has not been updated in 15 years. He

Christy Owens, Animal Services Director, presented a request for a parttime Correctional Officer to handle weekend calls involving transporting inmates to and from animal services. Owens said that she now has the opportunity to hire someone who is already a certified correctional officer for this position. Board approved unanimously. With this hire, Commissioner Reynolds expressed a desire to see improvement in animal control’s communication to the public during weekend 911 calls regarding animals.

A vacant position on the Region 4 EMS Council, which term expires June 30, 2023, was approved by board to be filled by Tim Padgett.

Board then went into executive session to discuss real estate. When they re-joined the regular metting, County Attorney Stacy Blackmon said that the Carroll County Board of Education has asked the county to return to them a piece of land they had previously given to the county in 1980 for purposes for a fire station. Property is located at 203 Central High Road and is adjacent to the school system. District 2 Commissioner Clint Chance commented that the old fire station building on the property is included “as is”. Request was approved unanimously. Meeting was adjourned.

Remembering Our Fallen Heroes

May we honor those who gave their lives for our country and freedom—their courage and sacrifice will never be forgotten. In observance of Memorial Day, we will be closed Monday, May 29.

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CITIES GROWTH from page 5

Mayor McDougal also stated there is interest from developers and over two dozen development projects, but clarified “But we do say ‘no’ when it adversely affects the lifestyle of our citizens. Villa Rica is now stronger and more important than ever before. We will do what we must to provide our future with planned growth.”

new roof tops. I am pleased that different segments of the Temple community are working together to plan our future. They have come together on the 5-year update with a comprehensive plan. Temple will continue to be a great place to live and work. We appreciate the support from the chamber.

“On a personal note, my family and I would like to thank all of you and the community for your thoughts and prayers for my health issues. I am getting better. I am a little envious watching you all eat your breakfast this morning. I am on a strict diet, but hopefully next time I can enjoy it with you. Once again thank you for your thoughts and prayers. We are looking forward together for better days for us and the City of Temple where the future is very bright.”

Mayor Gil McDougal was elected mayor of the City of Villa Rica in 2019. He said, “I am always excited to talk about Villa Rica. I am pleased to announce our status is strong and getting stronger. Over the past three years, we made smart planned growth our priority as builders look westward. We have made improvements to our water and sewer infrastructure. We are planning carefully and equipped to handle future growth.”

Mayor McDougal said that in the first quarter funds from all revenue was $34 million. Their millage rate for the past three years is the lowest in 30 years. Through refinancing revenue bonds and grants, they are able to improve their roads and East/West sides of the city’s connectivity. Through a $1.4 million grant they will be making the downtown area “more livable”.

Last year, Villa Rica was one of seven cities selected to participate in a program to develop strategies to revitalize neighborhoods for seniors, disabled, and moderate income families for the next three years. New major housing has begun again after the pandemic as well.

The city has made major upgrades to its infrastructure. A new wing to Villa Rica Elementary has opened with 18 state-of-the-art classrooms. In November, they welcomed the groundbreaking of Flex TC’s headquarters which will have a national presence with its relationships with major sports. The North Loop Bypass which will help alleviate traffic downtown and a new commercial corridor has begun as has the new mixed development on Mirror Lake Boulevard and which will change the area like Mirror Lake did 20 years ago and anchor development for the Eastside Connector.

Mayor McDougal also mentioned the Tax Allocation District (TAD) which, if an agreement is reached with the Carorll County Board of Education and/or Carroll County Commission, could include planned and managed new development to increase revenues.

There are free concerts this summer and the events and restaurants help with creating livability in the city as does the parks and recreation department. Police Chief Michael Mansour was named 2021-2022 outstanding police chief. The department also made 1568

arrests including two murder suspects. City council funded significant upgrades in police equipment. They implemented programs to help train and retain police officers. They added a new smartphone app which will allow citizens to have almost instantaneous updates.

Mayor McDougal also stated there is interest from developers and over two dozen development projects, but clarified “But we do say ‘no’ when it adversely affects the lifestyle of our citizens. Villa Rica is now stronger and more important than ever before. We will do what we must to provide our future with planned growth.”

The moderator invited questions but there were none from the approximately 150 attendees.

For more information on the cites please visit carrolltonga.com, templega.us, and villaricaga.org.

American Storage

Villa Rica Main Street’s “Rise-N-Shine” hosts 75 area business owners and leaders for a legislative recap from State Senator Mike Dugan and State Representative J Collins

story by Wayne J. Reynolds

On the early morning of Wednesday, April 19, 2023 Villa Rica Main Street held their monthly “Rise-N-Shine” meeting with more than 75 local Villa Rica business leaders in attendance. Featured speakers were District 71 State Representative J Collins (R) and Senate District 30 State Senator Mike Dugan (R), reflecting on the recently completed state legislative session. Rise-N-Shine met at a new location this month, in The Olive Tree restuarant, 150 Stone Street, downtown Villa Rica. Sponsors for this meeting were StarNews and Perfect Image Detail. Meeting Rise-N-Shine moderators/organizers are Ben Chambers and Amy Brown.

Representative Collins addressed the large crowd first, mentioning how important these types of meetings are for small business owners. He then gave a shout out to the two sponsors, and who are businesses he does business with -

Perfect Image Detail whom he said takes care of his vehicles at Collins Funeral

new Lieutenant Governor on the Senate side. There were some roadblocks in getting used to how the new leaders wanted to do things.

“This is the first year of a two year session. And a lot of good things happened. The economy is going well.

The budget is balanced because the state constitution requires it. For the past nine years, Georgia has been the number one state in the country to do business in! Our business plan is great due to conservative leadership and values.”

“Education gets 53% of the budget, and has for a while, and should. The future of the state is educating our children. Healthcare is next, and combined with education, that represents 77% of the budget already accounted for.”

Home as well as StarNews whom he stated he had been advertising with for 21 years.

Rep. Collins said, “I love serving peoplemy passion! First with the funeral home, then becoming mayor of Villa Rica, and for the past seven years sitting in your seat, not my seat, as your representative in House District 71. In my seven years, this was probably the most difficult session, as we had new leadership in both houses with a new speaker in the house and a

Collins exclaimed that in this session they spent more money than ever before on education. And that, across six agencies, public safety of ficers received a $6000 pay raise. In the $32 billion budget, this year for the first time since the pandemic, low income children will receive free breakfasts and lunches. Also, the legislature spent $50 million to fully fund HOPE for the first time in more than a decade.

With the passing of the State Hospital Act, penalties were increased for those who harm healthcare workers and allows sworn officers in hospitals to carry firearms, Collins contin-

ued, as well as more public safety officers are in places they need to be. The legislature also created an oversight committee for DAs if they make bad decisions similar to what judges oversight is.

Collins remarked, “We have continued to support education. I believe the average educator salary in Georgia is now over $60,000. I broke with the Republican Party and voted against the voucher bill [charter schools]. I don’t believe we should take money away from the public schools. That is not the answer. We need to provide the resources needed. I have always said that a failing school is a sign of a failing community. We need to continue to work on solutions. I have always said we should hold the school accountable, hold the superintendent and the school accountable when the school is failing. They make a difference in the lives of our children.”

Tongue in cheek, Collins then said, “I will turn it over to Senator Dugan who will give a better speech. He is a Senator and I am just a lowly representative.” The humor was received well by the crowd.

committees.

“We all wish we could fund everything. Roughly, it would cost sixtythree billion dollars to fund everything and we don’t have sixty-three billion dollars. So, there are always tough decisions to make. What are our priorities?

“We all wish we could fund everything. Roughly, it would cost sixty-three billion dollars to fund everything and we don’t have sixtythree billion dollars. So, there are always tough decisions to make.

You can tell what your priorities are by who gets the money. Education gets 53% of the budget, and has for a while, and should. The future of the state is educating our children. Healthcare is next, and combined with education, that represents 77% of the budget already accounted for.” The Senator shared that one of the ways you can predict how many jail cells will be needed twenty years from now is to find out how many children now are not reading at 3rd grade level.

Senator Dugan continued, “It was a much easier session for me. I stepped down as Majority Leader and I am loving life. I am the chairman of the Senate Committee on Veterans, Military, and Homeland Security, which is my background and is a natural fit, and vice chair of the Economic Development, and serve on the rules and appropriations

The Georgia Legislature ensured that funds went to an early education act that allows for a reading counselor in schools who can identify a student who is behind in reading and then implement steps for improvement. This is being implemented statewide and is fully funded as is Quality Basic Education Act (QBE).

See RISE-N-SHINE MEETING page 10

Dugan Collins

RISE-N-SHINE MEETING from page 9

Another program Senator Dugan mentioned was one to give an incentive to doctors and nurses to serve in areas in south Georgia that are without healthcare. He talked about breaking the generational cycle of pregnant women not seeing a physician. Among the aspects of the bill is the state will pay medical school bills for those who practice in these underserved areas.

In a question about school safety, Rep. Collins said that each school must submit a safety plan.

State Representative J Collins represents Villa Rica and Temple. He serves on the Appropriations , Governmental Affairs Juvenile JusticeSecretary, Public Safety and Homeland Security - Chairman, and Regulated Industries committees. He may be reached at 404-6565132.

“I believe it is important to prepare for these types of events. I think our schools here do a great job. There is a 140 million dollar grant going to schools statewide to help with school safety.”

State Senator Dugan also explained that he did not vote for any of gambling and sports betting bills because he believes that needs a Constitutional Amendment.

In his closing remarks he stated, “As J talked about a little while ago about how service is his purpose, for every elected official who is worth his weight, his purpose is service. If their purpose is title or stepping stone, they are in the wrong line of work.”

Representative Collins and Senator Dugan next took questions for the next twenty minutes. Senator Dugan qualified his position on the voucher bill. He did vote for the Senate version but would not have voted for the House version.

Collins said that he is always a little cautious to mention bills as law because the governor may not have signed the bills into law yet. With that being said, he mentioned House Bill 528 that requires a phone number to get in touch with companies for online subscriptions so you can get out of agreements easier. He also mentioned that on the gas tax the legislature backfilled the DOT budget to maintain roads.

Dugan said that tax money refunded was not put into the budget for recurring items, because it was a one-time refund. Collins said that they increased penalties for those damaging infrastructure.

A staff member from the West Georgia Public Library System thanked them for the support in the budget increases and opined that the West Georgia system was one of the largest in the state. Dugan said, “J and I worked together on the public library bill, and J made a great presentation. I just wanted you to know what he has done for you.” Collins added that “Carroll County Commissioner Clint Chance was a great help in putting it all together. All layers of government worked together to make it work.”

In a question about school safety, Rep. Collins said that each school must submit a safety plan. “I believe it is important to prepare for these types of events. I think our schools here do a great job. There is a 140 million dollar grant going to schools statewide to help with school safety.” Dugan added, “Keep in mind that would not have helped in Nashville, because it was a private school.”

In an answer to a problem with an area hospital, Senator Dugan asked the citizen to call his or Collin’s office and they would get involved helping. In an answer to another question, he explained that there were no plans for mass transit in Carroll County due it being too rural.

In closing, Representative Collins suggested citizens attend government meetings, to get involved both on a state and local level. “Meetings are open to the public.”

Senator Dugan represents Carroll, and Haralson counties and portions of Paulding and Douglas counties. He may be reached at 404656-7872.

For more information on Villa Rica Main Street’s “Rise-N-Shine” group or if you would like to be a sponsor, contact Amy Brown at amy.brown.mdr0@statefarm.com. RiseN-Shine meets on one Wednesday per month at 8:15 a.m. at The Olive Tree, Villa Rica.

American Storage

SOUTHWIRE

fully, unopposed, for six four year terms.) The current term for this non-partisan seat ends December 31, 2024. Qualifying will be next spring, with the election in November. Smith stated he will run.

A shifting of judges in the Coweta Judicial Circuit (which includes Carroll County) began in December 2022 when the governor appointed Superior Court Judge Bill Hamrick to the Georgia statewide Business Court. This left his seat vacant. The governor then appointed State Court Judge Erica L. Tisinger to fill Hamrick’s superior court seat. Her state court seat vacancy was then filled by Hubbard, by governor’s appointment, leaving his seat as chief magistrate vacant, to which Smith was appointed.

Smith’s education and past work history show his strong and varied qualifications for this new position. He graduated from West Georgia College in 1990, Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice, and earned his Juris Doctorate from Oklahoma City University School of Law. After graduating law school, he enlisted in the United States Navy initially serving as an Intelligence Specialist. He has been on assignment with the U.S. European Command Joint Analysis Center (EUCOM JAC) as an Analyst for Sub-Sahara Africa, VAW-77 as a Tactical Briefer with the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) and other agencies in the War on Drugs, and with the Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS) and other agencies in the War on Terrorism as an Analyst and Operations Officer.

Two points of historical note: In 2020, Erica

Tisinger became the first female judge to serve in Carroll County, Georgia, and now, in 2023, Nathaniel Smith is the first black judge to serve in Carroll County, Georgia.

Over the course of an hour long interview, Judge Smith said, “I love this community and enjoy helping people. I don’t think most people realize how much a magistrate court judge does. We have a day for ordinances such as bad checks, another day for evictions, still another devoted to civil actions. We also do warrants. And people may not realize that they can file a criminal warrant, just the police do. Police power is extended to citizens. You have that right.

“We have first appearance hearings on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and now Saturday mornings - just like you see on the tv shows. Hearing are required within 72 hours.

We have preliminary hearings every other Friday. Civil court hearings typically are collections like title pawns, money collection cases, and garnishments. We even have hearings on abandoned vehicles left on the side of the road.”

The Carroll County Magistrate Court is not located in the Carroll County Court House, downtown Carrollton. It’s offices and court are at 166 Independence Drive, Carrollton, off of Newnan Road, behind the jail, past the Carroll County Board of Education building. Plenty of parking.

According to the “Legislature’s Guide to the Judical Branch” by Chief Justice Leah Ward Sears (2007), “

over each of Georgia’s 159 Magistrate Courts, one for each county. The Chief Magistrate of each county assigns cases, sets court sessions, appoints other Magistrate Judges (with the consent of the Superior Court Judges) and sets policy for the Magistrate Court...Most Chief Magistrates are elected in countywide elections to four -year terms...To qualify as a Magistrate Judge, an individual must reside in the county for at least one year preceding the term of office, be 25 years of age, and have a high school diploma or its equivalent.”

want to make sure I am caring on an individual level. Sometimes as a judge we get consumed with the calendar rather than understanding the case before us. And not hurry through! I need to concentrate on that person and stay focused. I want to treat everyone with dignity and respect— watching my wording so everyone understands; that is the kind of judge I want to He said that during his decades as a lawyer he found it upsetting when a judge hurried the case along. He is determined to not be that type of judge. “The Constitution talks about WE the

page

15

John Davidson

Shown above is Carroll County Chief Magistrate Judge Nathaniel Smith in his courtroom. Photo courtesy Heidi Brown, Magistrate Court Deputy Clerk

the deep state designed to throttle

not

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should

Carrollton council share details of settlement with developer regarding sewer service for 263 unit subdivision on Highway 61; resolution passed to build “inclusive” playground at Hobb’s

story by Janice Daniels

On Monday, April 10th, 2023, the Mayor and City Council of the City of Carrollton met for their regular monthly meeting, where all councilmembers were present.

Mayor Betty Cason recognized the Carrollton High School Debate Team for winning the 2023 State Championship, for the second year in a row. They have won this honor 13 times, the second highest number of State Championships by any competitive team in the school’s history.

City Manager David Brooks said the city is currently updating its Comprehensive Plan as required every five years.

Council approved a rezoning request for 805 Fertilla Street from R-15 (single family residential) to R-T (residential townhouse), the same as the properties surrounding it.

Council, after much discussion, also approved a rezoning request for two properties located at Cedar Street, Thurman Street and Thomas Newell Way (or Postal Way) from C-2 (general commercial) to Residential PD (Planned Development). Applicant, the Huffman Group, plans a 171-unit townhouse subdivision at the intersection of these three roads, with several conditions, one of which is that they plan an entrance/exit on Thomas Newell Way to avoid increased traffic on Thurman Street, which is narrower than a normal city street and is already dealing with traffic issues.

During their work session on March 23rd of 2023, council also approved a food truck application for 957 Alabama Street.

City Manager Brooks stated that staff has met with Connie McNeil, an invested citizen, and Jonathan Hardesty of Superior Recreational Products, regarding the potential to install an “inclusive” playground at city property, Hobbs Farm. Council passed a resolution to support this playground and provide the property, while McNeil spearheads a fundraising/sponsor campaign to provide the equipment and amenities.

An inclusive playground is designed to meet to needs of all children and adults, including those with handicaps, to be able to enjoy the benefits of the playground, and the GreenBelt will also benefit by having more participants there.

After an executive session was held and adjourned, mayor and council rejoined the regular session to handle a litigation matter.

Farm

An inclusive playground is designed to meet to needs of all children and adults, including those with handicaps, to be able to enjoy the benefits of the playground

City Attorney Smith said that the city has tentatively reached settlement of a lawsuit brought by Q. Hayward Communities against the City of Carrollton, alleging that communication was made to him by a city representative that sewer service would be provided to this 263-unit subdivision located on Highway 61 outside of the city limits. Points of the settlement are as follows:

1.City agrees to provide the project with access to the city’s sanitary sewer line which runs up Highway 61, and the developer will pay the city sewer tap fees at 150% of the current tap fee, $9,150 per unit, such cost fixed for a five-year period, after which the fee would be 150% at the time of issuance.

2.Developer will pay a sewer charge for each housing unit at 150% of what the city residents pay, but without the five-year limit. There will also be a maintenance fee per meter of $12.00 per month.

3.At the time of dedication of the sewer line, developer would pay a dedication fee of $150,000, or $3,000 per horse power of the pumps necessary to operate the lift station. Developer would reimburse the city 50% of the cost of any necessary repairs, if needed, to place the existing sewer line in play.

4.Developer will reimburse 50% of any software upgrades necessary for the city to use its reading equipment to read County water meters, since water usage is the basis on which city will charge for sewer usage on each individual tap.

5.Authorization will be given to the city attorney and city manager to complete the final settlement agreement details of each provision according to the terms listed above. Once the agreement is reached, plaintiff will dismiss the lawsuit with prejudice against the city and all individually named defendants, and only the city would be required to execute the agreement. Developer must release and dismiss lawsuit against each individual listed.

Authorization was granted by council unanimously.

With no further business to attend, meeting was adjourned.

Superior Structures

story by Janice Daniels

Mayor and City Council of Villa Rica met at 6:00 p.m. Tuesday, April 11, 2023 for a regular meeting. All council and mayor were present.

Public Comments were as follows:

Doug Lang of 262 S. Carroll Road expressed concern about large trucks (18wheelers) using of roads which are off limits to them, and said some exceed the speed limit. Lang said houses are close to the road on S. Carroll, and if a big rig was unable to stop for some reason, they could “plow right into someone’s kitchen all the way to their back yard”.

He said the signage from Hwy. 61 to Hwy. 78 needs to be moved 400 yards back so the drivers could see the sign before they turn onto South Carroll Road.

David Hadley Latteck of 9783 Reflections Drive in Mirror Lake said he would like to see a report of accomplishments and where projects stand on the 2018 Comprehensive Plan.

Consent Agenda prepared at work session was approved unanimously by council.

City Attorney David Mecklin gave Public Notification that the Home Rule Ordinance for the city charter is working to achieve consistency on the terms for members of all city boards, commissions, and authorities.

Paul Jarrell of Three Rivers gave a presentation on Comprehensive Planning Activities on behalf of the City of Villa Rica, the vision for the next five years, as well as a twenty-year outlook. His presentation served as the Public Hearing to announce the start of the 2023-2028 Comprehensive Planning Activities, to brief the community on the process to be used to update the local comprehensive plan, to offer opportunities for public participation in development of the plan update, and to obtain input on the

proposed planning process.

Tracie Ivie, Parks & Recreation Director, presented a request for approval of a new fee schedule to get the city’s fees comparable to surrounding communities, and to establish rules and fees for the Splash Pad and the pavilions. The new fees will be effective May 1st to give the public time to see and understand what the changes are. After much discussion at the work session and this meeting as well, the new fee schedule was approved by the council unanimously.

Ivie also came back with additional information in response to questions from council members regarding the sound and lighting, and the mobile covered stage for the July 3rd Fireworks Event. After Ivie satisfied the council with her reasoning in choosing RCS Productions, Inc. to provide the Mobile Covered Stage at a budgeted cost of $4,185.00, and the same company to provide the sound and lighting at a budgeted cost of $9,871.00, council voted approval of these two items unanimously.

Finance Director Jennifer Hallman presented the Financial Update as of February 28, 2023. Cash was at $34,081,971 compared to $31,036,761 this time last year. Ninety-seven percent of property taxes have been collected, and the self-funded insurance bank balance is at $1,512,846.

Residential growth is down compared to last year, Sanitation/Solid Waster has a net income of $49,870 and Water/Sewer has a year-to-date loss of $1,145,350. Both Carroll and Douglas County sales tax are tracking higher than last year, February showing an increase of $38,512. With there being no further business to address, the meeting was adjourned.

Carroll County Department of Public Health restaurant health inspections scores

To

tourist accomodation inspections scores public

health inspections scores

4/21/2023: West Woods 1321 Lovvorn Road Carrollton 100Satisfactory

4/28/2023: Microtel 104 Price Creek Road Bremen 100Satisfactory

4/21/2023: Renew 598 S Park Street Carrollton 95 Satisfactory

4/21/2023: Venue 598 S Park Street Carrollton 95 Satisfactory

4/21/2023: Quality Inn 700 S Park Street Carrollton 85 Unsatisfactory

Violations: Emergency phone does not connect directly to 911. Currently, you must dial 9-1 and then dial 911. Pool closed until phone repairs are made.

4/28/2023: Super 8 195 Commerce Drive Villa Rica 79 Unsatisfactory

Violations: Emergency phone does not connect directly to 911. Observed barrier with 2 gaps present greater than 4 inches. Observed PH reading lower than 7.0. PH levels must be between 7.2 and 7.8. Flow meter not reading properly. Observed pool light is disrepair.

Villa Rica council approves higher rec fees that are now “comparable to surrounding communities”

Carroll County Schools proposed

Board waiting to hear from the state on allocations that could close this $1.1 million funding gap

story by Janice Daniels

The following is a recap of actions and presentation during the Carroll County Board of Education work session and meeting held April 17 and 20, 2023:

Financial Update was presented showing a General Fund Year-to-Date Income of $115.6 million, 71% of Budget; Expenditures of $99.8 million, 60% of Budget, with 75% of the year elapsed as of March 31, 2023.

Proposed budget for The Carroll County Board of Education FY2023/2024 budget is estimated at this time showing revenues of $174.6 million and Expenditures of $175.7 million; a deficit of $1.1 million. (The FY2022-2023 budget was $158.6M.) The board has not yet received information about their allocation from the state, but there will be a tentative adoption of the budget in June, and a tentative adoption of the millage rate in September, working with the assumptions they have at this point.

It was reported that the FY2022 audit showed no findings and no adjustments.

The estimates are based on a state-mandated 67% increase in healthcare, partially offset by the state; salary increases set by the state at $2,925,000 for certified teachers; other personnel and the addition of some art and music teachers $3,553,847; and operating cost at $2,038,000, those four being the biggest portion of expenses.

Human Resources Director Jared Griffis, reported that the District has thus far hired 72 teachers, with 39 vacancies still to be filled; hired 20 parapros with 13 vacancies still to be filled; and hired 3 principals, 4 assistant principals, with one assistant principal vacancy left. The proposed program to help parapros that wish to become teachers is also in the works.

Assistant Superintendent Terry Jones gave an update on facilities and construction currently taking place. He said footings are being poured for the Temple Middle School sixth classroom addition, and the renovation is continuing on the current building; brick is being laid for the six-classroom addition at Ithica Elementary School, the electrical is installed and preparation is being made for the metal roof to be installed; footings are being poured at Central Elementary for the three-classroom addition there. The fire alarm project for Central Elementary and Temple High has been completed.

In preparation for adding two additional carrider lanes at Sand Hill Elementary, water and sewer has been re-located and trees have been taken down getting ready for the County to start grading.

The HVAC at Bowdon High, Temple High and Villa Rica High iswaiting for the units to arrive around mid-March to install and complete that project.

Bowdon High and Villa Rica High tennis court resurfacing will be starting soon, and they are working on closing on the property for the Operations Center at the Old Fairgrounds to get a contract prepared for that project.

Consent Agenda was approved. Following are some of those items:

Jones also presented as a Consent Agenda item the Field Trip and Fundraising Requests, and reviewed the School Nutrition Meal Price increases planned for next school year, also a Consent Agenda item. Lunch for Elementary schools will be $2.50, Middle and High schools will be $3.00, adults will be $4.00 and visitors $4.25. Breakfast is also made available to all students, and the prices there are Elementary $1.50, Middle and High $2.25

with $0.65 for extra milk for all grades.

Jones reviewed a quit claim deed for the Hulett Community Center on Highway 166. Currently if the center were to close, the property would revert back to the school system, but since the school doesn’t need the property, the District will execute a quit claim deed for the current owner to dispose of as they see fit. This is also a Consent Agenda item.

Director of School Support Glen Harding presented an Extracurricular Trainer Update in the school system’s 40-year partnership with Southern Therapy, which has not been updated in over five years. He said there are currently three trainers, and that number has been increased to five, one for each high school in the District.

He is also looking at preparing an MOU for the therapy provided in the Bones & Bruises program offered at the Carrollton location of Southern Therapy. This is the fourth Consent Agenda item.

The 24Strong Award went to Dr. Mike Bedosky. There were also numerous other Student and Teacher recognitions.

In Public Input, Elder Johnson, a citizen of Carrollton since 1995, and who had grandsons who attended Sharp Creek and Villa Rica schools in the past, said that he had been turned down for the job he applied for as Substitute Teacher, but was not told the reason, and the woman in charge had not communicated with him, so he wanted to make a complaint about that.

from press release by Roger Alford

The Christian Index

Localized revivals that have been popping up across Georgia don’t appear to be slowing. More churches reported mass numbers of salvation decisions over the past week, including Villa Rica’s First Baptist Church.

“We’re definitely seeing a move of God in Georgia like we haven’t seen in a long, long time,” said Villa Rica Pastor Kevin Williams.

Williams said God moved in a special way during his church’s Passion Play called “He Took My Place”, written and directed by missions pastor Jeff Powell. The play spotlighted Barrabas, a prisoner who was set free when Jesus was crucified, hence the title.

More than 4,000 people turned out for the play’s four showings. At each one, Williams gave an invitation. “You know who Barrabas is, right?” Williams would ask the crowd. “Barrabas is you. Barrabas is me. We’re all Barrabas. A great exchange took place at the cross. Because of the cross, you can your exchange your old life for a new one.”

Tim Williams, mission strategist in the Carrollton Baptist Association, said Antioch Baptist Church in Carrollton had 16 salvation decisions. “Evangelistic events still work,” he said wrote in a Facebook post. “God is really blessing in a remarkable way.”

On Sunday, First Baptist Church in Pine Mountain had seven men to accept Christ and three others to recommit their lives to Christ. That was at a men’s steak dinner that was part of what the church billed as Awaken Weekend.

The week before, in Bowdon, more than 32 people made salvation decisions at a ministry

outreach that drew some 900 people. Several local churches worked together to organize the event – dubbed Love Loud Bowdon – that showered people with a variety of gifts ranging from appliances to groceries.

Georgia Baptist leaders began seeing localized revivals popping up all over the state last year, pushing up baptism numbers to 14,333 in 2022, an increase of nearly 2,000 form the previous year. And the revivals have continued into this year. Since January, 119 college and university students have made salvation decisions, said Beverly Skinner, collegiate ministry catalyst for the Georgia Baptist Mission Board.

The state’s Deaf ministries have also been impacted with five salvation decisions in recent weeks, a significant number in a state where 3.1 percent of the population live with hearing impairment.

Northside Baptist Church in Valdosta has seen 43 baptisms as of March and 67 since Christmas. Others have seen big numbers of salvation decisions in single-day events or at multi-day events, including Pleasant Valley South Baptist Church in Silver Creek where 21 people made salvation decisions at sportsmen’s banquet, at Dudley Baptist Church where 42 people made salvation decisions, and a Hopeful Baptist Church in Camillia where 30 people made salvation decisions.

In February, 41 people surrendered to Christ at a wild game dinner in the fellowship hall at Bethel Baptist Church in Omega where some 400 men had gathered. In January, First Baptist Church in Blackshear reported 19 professions of faith at a venison supper. Another 28 people recommitted their lives to Christ at that event.

FY2022-2023 budget is $174.6M with expenditures at $175.7M

First Baptist Church of Villa Rica had 4,000 in attendance for the four showings of “Passion Play”

play in their daily lives.”

The Georgia Department of Agriculture, which is the oldest in the country, is most notable for its regulation and monitoring of food production, safety and security for producers and consumers at the statewide level, but it is also a key driver in national and global trade for a number of commodities. In mentioning the recent effects of the coronavirus pandemic and the Russia-Ukraine conflict on increased prices at the gas pump and in grocery stores, Commissioner Harper pressed for Georgians to know the policies of those they are electing to office and how those policies impact them.

“Agriculture is national security,” said Commissioner Harper. “When it comes to homeland defense, it’s important to have a strong military and energy policies, but it’s also important to have strong policies in the ag industry. We must ensure we’re producing

GOVERNOR at WGTC fromfront page

increase workforce opportunities in highdemand career fields and support higher education. “This bill signing essentially symbolizes the relationship we’ve had with TCSG, Coweta County, and WGTC in regard to workforce development,” Douglas said. “Workforce development is absolutely necessary to fill the jobs that are coming from this giant economic boom that we’re seeing.”

The event was attended by a wide range of

NATHANIEL SMITH from page 11

people, and I need to remember these people coming before me ARE the people…guilty or not guilty. And I need to make sure I am protecting the community.

“We are not dealing with the norm. We need to expect the unexpected. We need to address people where they are. Learn the person. We don’t know what they have been going through or are going through. Start with accepting them where they are, with no expectations. Accept that we don’t know them at this first appearance before me.”

Judge Smith also discussed changes he hopes to bring about, such as using electronic filing for warrants. On the criminal side, he would like to utilize electronic monitoring

CONSENT AGENDA from page 4

12.Approval to auction five non-running vehicles, GovDeals.com. Vehicles have been retired from VRPD:150,000 to 200,000 miles.

13.Approval to up-fit two retired police Crown Victoria Interceptors with the purchase of kit maneuver kits at a cost of $16,770 from Police Industrial Tech, to be covered out of the proceeds for Item #12.

14.Approval to engage with Iseler Demolition for the removal of the Sunset water tank located near 6th Street, which has been out of service since spring of 2018. All pumps and piping have been disconnected from the tank. Cost: $29,200.

15.Approval to engage with Grizzard & Associates for the installation of the West Plant influent pump station screen structure at a cost of $1,500,000, a budgeted item.

16.Approval of the renewal of Property & Liability Insurance with Georgia Interlocal Risk Management Agency (GIRMA). Quote is 8.5% higher than the 2022-2023 cost. Total budgeted cost is $326,876, of which $190,094 will be on the 2023-2024 budget.

17. Approval to approve supplemental cyber liability insurance through Crum and Forster for a quoted price of $15,067, the same as last year. This increases the monetary protection over and above GIRMA’s in the event of a cyber attack.

18. Request to deny multiple trim and clear easement requests from Georgia Power, due to

food to provide for ourselves at home and not rely on someone else to do it for us.

“You have my commitment as your ag commissioner to fight for this industry and for Georgia producers when it comes to these issues,” he added. “When you have the right people in the right places, you can get the right things done every single day.”

Commissioner Harper concluded his speech by noting opportunities the department is heading including electric vehicles, which is a current interest of Carroll EMC and electric utilities across the state, as well as citrus produce. The scope of its functions is constantly evolving and continues to be an asset to rural communities the co-op serves.

“Georgia’s success is based on agriculture success,” said Commissioner Harper. “It’s our number one economic driver and the backbone of our economy. If agriculture isn’t successful, then our state can’t be successful. Together, we can continue to tell this story.”

business leaders, educators, students, and elected officials from throughout the state. Many expressed their excitement about the potential impact of the bills on the state’s economy and workforce including WGTC president Dr. Julie Post. “As a technical college, we are proud to play a vital role in developing the skilled workforce that our state’s businesses need to succeed,” Post said. “These bills will help us to support even more students in pursuing high-demand careers.”

(device attached to person’s ankle) that could reduce the prison population. He is working on e-warrants for searches as wells for arrests which will make the process more efficient for police officers.

“We are discussing having associate judges specialize in certain areas, where they have expertise. We want to do things as efficiently and effectively as possible, so we are truly serving the public. We want to make sure notices and warrants are served correctly and are verifiable. Judge Smith said, “I want to make myself as available as possible. 24/7. Whenever I am needed. I want to do it rightthe right thing to do.”

Smith and his wife Shonda have three children and live in Carrollton.

their ‘hack and slash’ methods. Staff would prefer to maintain the necessary rights-of-way to obtain greater control of how the city looks.

19.Approval of an agreement with Norfolk Southern Railway for engineering services for the Highway 78 Downtown Pedestrian Crossing, which is currently not pedestrian friendly. For a cost of $20,000 from the Carroll SPLOST funds, Norfolk Southern will engineer a pedestrian-friendly crosswalk with a stairway or switchback from the pavement surface to the railroad tracks.

20.Authorize Staff to request a traffic signal or flashers from GDOT, to be installed on Highway 78 to make it safer for pedestrians to walk from the sidewalk on the south side of the railroad across Hwy. 78 to Norfolk Southern right-of-way. City will be required to cover the cost of the signal’s purchase, installation, maintenance and operation. Cost is not yet known.

Public Comments were made as follows:

Angela O’Neal, who owns Making Employment the Next Step, wants the city to partner with her on a grant from Spectrum that would allow her to reach more people. Mayor said that he will meet with her later.

City Attorney David Mecklin announced that Greystone has informed him that they can make do with the six-foot easement needed to proceed with the Mirror Lake Pathway.

All other Agenda items will be taken up in the regular meeting at 6:00. Work session was adjourned.

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COMMENTARY

I announce my candidacy for county commission chair

I want to announce my candidacy for the Carroll County Commission Chairmanship. Qualifying begins in March 2024.

ADVERTISINGDIRECTOR: WAYNE REYNOLDS GRAPHICS DESIGNER: SHERRY REYNOLDS

REPORTERS:

JANICE DANIEL WAYNE REYNOLDS

Our goal is to produce a quality newspaper, locally oriented and designed with the readers’ interest in mind. Letters to the editor are welcomed and should include a signature, address/email addrees, phone number. Liability for an error will not exceed the cost of the space occupied by the error. We welcome reader input, ideas and criticisms. Your right to read this newspaper is protected by the First Amendment of the United States Constitution.

Ink by the barrel and bytes by the gagillion

I want to campaign on specific issues. Foremost, the voters in our county consistently and overwhelmingly vote for conservative Republicans, yet our county commission and chair do not act like Conservative Republicans.

Here is some of what is currently uppermost on my mind:

BILL KECSKES

770-328-6450

wmk@bellsouth.net

budget to grow $14 million from 2022 to 2024 The county budget has

million. This is outrageous! Too many bureaucrats have been hired to do the work the current chairwoman was elected to do. Any Conservative Republican would correctly cut the budget of wasteful and duplicate positions and see the job is done with minimal personnel.

SUE HORN EVANS EDITOR/ PUBLISHER

“World Press Freedom Day’ was Wednesday, May 3rd marking 32 years since it was proclaimed as such by the United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization. Yay. Go ink-by-the-barrel and bytesby-the-gagillion newspapers around the world (gagillion: not a word, made it up, you know what I mean.) It’s difficult to feel excited while local communities nationwide collectively yawn at civic news, you know, the news that actually affects their daily lives. The average she/he/them today is decidely more au courant with that next day’s - May the 4th - Star Wars moviedom phrase “May the Force be with You”. Did you hear it? Say it? Did you hear or share “Happy Freedom of the Press Day”? Not to go too far out on a space walk here, but I’m a’thinkin’ the consequences of the ongoing slash and burn losses of journalists and associated freedoms of the press around the world pose a bit more realistic danger to civilized living than a Boba Fett, Darth Malgus, or Count Dooku. Is my light saber fully charged?

People worldwide react with fear/rage when they learn about imprisoned or murdered journalists in foreign countries - but, wait, how did you hear about these journalists? maybe through other not-imprisoned not-murdered journalists working for a press outlet somewhere? - while at the same time same citizens - the yawners - seem so apathetic about the dwindling, lesser page counts in their local newspapers. Ever wonder what news was supposed to have been on those dwindled/less pages that you didn’t get to read?

Frank Blethen, publisher of The Seattle Times and great-grandson of the 126-year-old company’s founder, published the following two months ago: “The current pace of two newspapers failing per week, on average, will increase without federal intervention, swift leadership and new ideas. . . Local newspapers were never intended to be a cash cow for short-term, absentee investors. They are local institutions providing a vital service to their communities. . . . Here [are ways] for saving local, independent newspapers and democracy: Pass the Journalism Competition and Preservation Act). . . Create a fund for impoverished neighborhoods to receive paid news subscriptions. . . Require U.S. Postal Service to provide free delivery for newspapers, building on newspaper subsidy provided in Postal Act 1792.”

I know, local news - what your taxing entities are doing with your money/ what council members said or how they voted - can seem tedious, but this is the stuff that affects your every day living, good or bad - not how many likes someone you don’t like got on a photo on Facebook. And, of the two newspapers here in Carroll County, Georgia, StarNews is, and always has been, the locally owned, independent one. We also publish stories on the positive, constructive news about your community’s businesses and leaders. What they are doing very much affects your every day quality of life, too.

The power to keep the freedom of information coming to your door/mail box is in your hands. A newspaper continues to print/publish thanks to two groups of mindful, aware citizens: those who subscribe to a newspaper, and those who advertise their businesses, services, etc. in a newspaper. If you are receiving but haven’t paid in one full year, please cut out and mail in the subscription box on Page 22 with a check/money order for $20. StarNews says a heartfelt thank you to all of our advertisers and subscribers!

And I say thank YOU to a few of the recent and/or renewing subscribers: Bobby Laney, Gary Clifford, Ronnie and Carol Puckett, John Morris, John B. Collins, Faye Byrd, Billy Cavendar, Imogene Frazier, Belinda Meadows, Val Runyon, Beverly Johnson, Mary Jane Baxter, Cary Kierbow, Leslie Harris - I’m running out of room, so I will close with a special shout out to a relatively new reader who lives in the great state of Virginia, Thomas Moon. Tom reads the monthly printed editions posted on our website at www.starnewsgaonline.com (click top left hand corner) through the ISSUU publishing service where StarNews is read worldwide. Thank you, Tom, for reading! My email address is suehorn.starnews@gmail.com

- $10,000,000 of “Excess Taxes Collected” Last year our board hair decided to deposit $10,000,000 of excess taxes in two small local banks because “they needed it.” The commission board is collecting more money than is truly needed. They should immediate refund the $10,000,000 by lowering the milage rate. This is what any Conservative Republican would do.

The problem is the Assessor’s office feels their job is to inflate appraised values to generate more money for the county government. Thus, commissioners can consistently brag that they didn’t raise the milage rateyet they are swimming in your tax cash.

- The Carroll County annual

grown from $59 million in FY 22 to $67 million in FY 23, and now proposes to raise it again in FY 24 to $73

- Tax Allocation District (TAD) In 2022, The City of Villa Rica requested the county government to jointly agree to a simple, yet remarkably precise TAD for the betterment of Villa Rica. Instead, the commission took months to muck up the proposed TAD agreement and tangled it in so much red tape that it still is not done. A Conservative Republican would have immediately recognized the simplicity and necessity of the TAD Agreement and sign it so Villa Riva can continue to grow in a managed way.

- Proposed Voter Approved

See BILL KESCKES page 20

The FBI and Twitter Files: designed to throttle free speech

“The Twitter Files story encompasses, and to a large extent connects, every major political scandal of the Trump-Biden era. Put simply, the Twitter Files reveal an unholy alliance between Big Tech and the deep state designed to throttle free speech and maintain an official narrative through censorship and propaganda. This should not just disturb us, it should also prod us to take action in defense of the First Amendment, free and fair elections, and indeed our country.”- John Davidson, senior editor at The Federalist

A few political scientists(?) have argued that our response to 9/11 was partially, if not totally wrong. Our response was to create a security and surveillance machine to detect and stop potential terrorist plots through The Patriot Act signed by President George W. Bush just seven weeks later. The Patriot Act had been sitting in Congress since

TRAVIS PITTMAN

GEORGIATECH Beta Theta Pi tpittman4787@comcast.net

1990, but was considered a First Amendment problem. There were some dissenters who were worried about giving the Justice and Intelligence agencies this much power, but failed to change very

East to fight terrorists outside our country that have ended in a stalemate, billions of dollars invested, lives lost, and defeat in Afghanistan along with leaving behind $7 billion in hardware, special technologies, and a strategic airfield. Even though this approach did kill some terrorists, it did not stop them from entering or operating in our country, and the Justice/Intelligence Departments were eventually turned on the American people.

A security and surveillance system powerful and secretive enough to do what we wanted it to do is incompatible with a free society. Arguably, an approach that would put the countries harboring global terrorists responsible/liable for their actions was a better plan centered around sanctions and/or military conflict.

The Patriot Act had been sitting in Congress since 1990, but was considered a First Amendment problem. There were some dissenters who were worried about giving the Justice and Intelligence agencies this much power. . .

many minds. We did some actions in the Middle

It is hard to enumerate the influence and number of participants in a social media platform,

See TRAVIS PITTMAN page 20

Fighting the Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) - in court

In a 2003 editorial, the Fairfax Journal (now the Fairfax (VA) County Times) titled “Lump of Coal” the newspaper referred to the Southern Poverty Law Center as “…a bunch of slick, parasitic hucksters who live high on the hog by raising money on behalf of needy people who never see a dime of it.”

“He’s the Jim and Tammy Faye Bakker of the civil rights movement…though I don’t mean to malign Jim and Tammy Faye…” is a quote on SPLC founder Morris Dees attributed to Millard Farmer, a former partner of Dees.

After studying the SPLC for twenty years, I cannot think of anything bad enough to say about them.

D.A. KING

PRESIDENT The Dustin Inman Society

404-316-6712

which this writer is president and founder, is dedicated to immigration

Board of Advisors, three are black Americans; three are immigrants; three are Hispanic Americans. We are an IRS 501 (c) (3) non-profit corporation founded in 2005 with personal money. My wife and I have refinanced our home three times to keep up the fight.

With his parents urging and permission, the name of our group was taken as a way of memorializing Dustin Inman who is forever sixteen years old because the United States does not enforce our immigration laws.

We filed a defamation lawsuit in federal court against the SPLC. Last month, we received word that a federal judge has ruled against the SPLC motion to dismiss our case. We are going to court. We do not have funding for legal expenses. The SPLC has assets that total over $640 million. We have our mortgages.

The Dustin Inman Society, of

enforcement. Of the thirteen members of the Dustin Inman Society

An illegal alien crashed into the Inman family car on Father’s Day weekend in 2000 and killed Dustin in the back seat along with his dog. After the crash, Dustin’s

“Not just what happened, but what matters”

SUSAN M. HORN EDITOR/PUBLISHER

My friend Mary B is in the “river of letting go”

SYBIL ROSEN THOMAS

River Rambles syllabil@aol.com

A 62-year-old friend, known affectionately as Mary B, was recently diagnosed with ALS. The fast-moving, fatal disease has already stolen her mobility and she can only surrender to its pace. “I find myself in a river of letting go,” she wrote to me in February. Fearless and heartbreaking, she distils the beauty, power, and pathos of words in the face of death.

It is May now, and though she can no longer use her hands to write, I carry Mary B’s words in the calm flow of that river. May her journey forward be brought along on the same grace. Since we are old friends attuned to nature’s

metaphors, her phrase has stayed with me. In the unstoppable current that holds her now, I hear a graceful acceptance, a watchfulness, and most of all, a deepening realization of what is most true. She has already had to let go of her body. What more can she lose? And when she lets go of everything, what will be left?

I turn to Zen Master Dogen for clarity. A 12th century Chinese Buddhist mystic, Master Dogen expressed letting go as a release from the things we cling to - our houses, our histories, our identities - so that we may lighten our ability to flow.

About rivers Master Dogen wrote in his poetic Mountains and Rivers Sutra: “Water flows on the earth, in the sky, upward, and downward. It can flow around a single curve or into bottomless abysses.” Water assumes any shape; its fluidity defines the vessel, not the other way around. So it is with Mary B’s river; the force of its current is washing away every attachment to her life.

Water has long occupied meaning in the

realms of spirit and myth. First mentioned on clay tablets penned in Sumerian, circa 3rd millenium BCE Mesopotamia, those stories were likely local versions of Noah’s Biblical Flood, inspired by the annual spring flooding of the Tigris and Euphrates Rivers. Despite the destruction water can cause, human civilization sprang up beside these mighty rivers - along with agriculture, the wheel, and a desire to record our existence; to give storied shape to what 20th century author John Steinbeck would much later call the “tragic miracle” of consciousness.

When Mary B chose a river to describe her current state, she was subconsciously diving into classical archetypes. Milleniums after Sumerian culture faded, Ancient Greek mythology presented the River Styx as the boundary between the living Earth (Gaia) and the Underworld (Hades), Land of the Dead. The sound - Styx! - has a starkness, like the metronomic plash of Charon’s oars, the ferryman who rowed the souls of the Dead across

A different perspective on how to learn a new language as an adult JAY

education system. Apparently, around 30% of students only took a foreign language class because it was required for graduation, and many of them did not continue learning the language after graduation. This is likely because learning a language in school is boring and inefficient. There is a far too great emphasis on grammar and vocabulary, which is really impeding one’s ability to learn a language rather than helping it.

jaynealoff@gmail.com

Did you know that 78% of Americans only know one language (English)? Personally, I think that’s a shame. As a fanatic of French and a dabbler in Spanish, I find that learning - and acquiring - another language is one of the most interesting and rewarding things one can do. So, why is it that so few Americans know a second language, whereas around the world many people know more than their native tongue?

The first thing I often hear when I talk about languages is “I’m just not good at learning them, it’s too hard!” I really don’t blame anyone for thinking this way when their only exposure to language learning has been through the

Some might be thinking that these are bold claims. How could it be harmful to learn grammar and vocabulary? Aren’t they the building blocks of language? Well, yes and no. Look at it this way. How did you learn English? Did your parents give you flashcards when you were two to look over every day, and grammar exercises to use the correct tense of a verb? No, they probably didn’t. More likely, they gave you children’s books, talked to you with clear pronunciation and enunciation, and nowadays, left you in front of the television to watch cartoons. And.. it worked! Also, another note on grammar: there are no “rules” to languages. Indeed, grammar should be seen less as a guide and more as an attempt to explain the chaos of

Stars on The Mountain!

Oak Mountain Academy is truly blessed with many bright shining stars on The Mountain these days. Our student body shines the brightest of all. Academically, our graduating classes have earned over $10.5 million in college scholarship offers over the past five years and 100% are accepted annually to a variety of top-notch universities including the University of Georgia, Georgia Institute of Technology, Auburn University, and Princeton.

Athletically, our cross country, soccer, volleyball, basketball, tennis, and golf teams regularly bring home region and state championships adding to the list of over 25 state and regional championship titles. Nestled among these many bright shining star students on The Mountain are several shining star teachers who often prefer to work quietly behind the scenes,

lovingly challenging our students to strive for excellence in all they do. One star teacher has recently been asked to step forward and be recognized for his excellence. As we all know, our students would not be as successful as they are without the strong backing of the faculty believing in and challenging them daily to strive for their best. Students on The Mountain have been blessed by many talented and dedicated faculty and staff throughout the years, but few have had the lasting impact of our very own Mr. Ben Pullin. Mr. Pullin, a gifted social studies teacher, is a natural born educator who likes to work collaboratively with a team. He is willing to try anything and is full of creative ideas. Most importantly, he makes students feel good about the collective work. His passion for people, vocation for education, and likeable personality make him a true gift to all students! As an educator, Mr. Pullin embodies the essence of an independent education – educating the mind, body and spirit. Whether he is teaching AP US History, AP World History, Economics, or Human Geography, he always brings an atmosphere of collaboration, consistency, and fun to the classroom.

Mr. Pullin mentors all his students and guides them through this challenging, growth phase of

the dark river. Six rivers fed the Underworld, finally merging in a vast marshland also called Styx. And styx can mean “shuddering” as well, an oblique way to convey our loathing of death, or the involuntary quality of that final letting go.

River - the word itself - shows up in Middle English between 1250 and 1300 CE, as ‘rivere’ or ‘riviere’, derived from the Latin ‘ripa’ or ‘riparian,’ i.e., riverbank. Etiologically, it may be kin to the Greek ‘ereipen:’ that is, to tear down - a respectful nod to the awesome processes of erosion and deposition that form shifting aquatic channels and at the same time the awful devastation flooding rivers can leave in their wake.

Yet rivers can also carve out the land in majestic ways. The Grand Canyon is a spectacular illustration. More ancient than Sumeria, the Colorado River has sculpted its artful way through rock and clay for hundreds of thousands of years, in some places rending colorful

See RIVER RAMBLES page 21

language - this is why there’s such an abundance of exceptions and odd rules for every non-constructed language. Grammar can be helpful, sure, but it should come after the foundation for language learning has been set.

The point is, languages are learned subconsciously. Our brains are incredible, able to decipher and gather meaning just from sounds based on context. This is exactly how we should be learning languages as adults, too. There’s a common misconception that adults just aren’t as good at learning languages as children, but there is no evidence to support this. Adults simply aren’t spending enough time in their target language, instead thinking they can eventually reach fluency by looking at a Spanish textbook twice a week. Take a page out of your past’s book and start listening to your target language regularly - on your commute to work, while you’re cooking dinner, or when you’re eating breakfast. You’ll be surprised at how much you can learn if you just start listening to easy videos in your target language.

For those who are still skeptical, I encourage you to look at the work of Stephen Krashen.

life while providing a high level of academic rigor. Mr. Pullin strives to provide students with valuable academic opportunities and skills needed to translate that academic knowledge into successful life skills. Mr. Pullin has a unique ability to relate to all kinds of learners –not just the gifted, talented, and driven students. He knows and understands how to educate the whole child! Mr. Pullin – a 5-time STAR Teacher of the Year for OMA – is a creative, intelligent, and personable individual who embodies the spirit of Independent Education. He believes in providing opportunities for all students and embraces the challenges that come with serving in an educational environment. These are just a few of the reasons why senior Emily Richardson recently asked Mr. Pullin to step forward and be recognized for his excellence inside and outside of the classroom as OMA’s Star Teacher of the Year. Having earned the highest SAT score in her graduating class, Miss Emily Richardson has been identified as OMA’s Star Student of the Year by the PAGE Student Teacher Achievement Recognition (STAR) Program. Throughout Emily’s 14-year career at Oak Mountain Academy, she has been an engaged leader holding herself to an intensely high personal stan-

He’s a linguist who has spent his life dedicated to the most efficient way of learning foreign languages, and he’s written hundreds of papers on the subject. He’s most well-known for his input hypothesis, which follows five parts. You can read up on these as you wish, but I want to go over just two today. The first, aptly named the input hypothesis, states that as you consume content slightly more difficult than your comprehension level, you will begin to progress in your knowledge. Basically, you should start by watching beginner-level content (cartoons, slow-speaking conversations, et cetera) and slowly increase the difficulty as you acquire more.

The second hypothesis, which is titled “acquisition-learning,” claims that learning and acquiring a language are completely different things. In school, we are taught and learn language based on vocabulary and grammar, utilizing our conscious minds to store the information. However, when we listen to lots of comprehensible input, we’re acquiring the language, which is purely subconscious (again, this is how we learned our native language).

See CAMPUSQUESTOR page 21

dard of academic excellence while taking 14 Advanced Placement courses, our most rigorous course offerings. In addition to a highly rigorous academic course of study, she has been the recipient of numerous awards including: the UGA Certificate of Merit, AP Scholar Award, 2023 National Merit Commended Student and the 2022 College Board Rural Small-Town Recognition. While at Oak Mountain Academy, Emily has also participated in numerous clubs, including Student Government Association, National Honor Society, Academic Team, One Act Play, and Carroll County Junior Chamber. Emily recently received her senator nomination to the naval academy and is planning to be an engineering major next year.

Please join all of us at Oak Mountain Academy in celebrating Miss Emily Ricardson ‘23 and Mr. Ben Pullin for being recognized by the PAGE Student Teacher Achievement Recognition (STAR) Program as OMA’s 2023 Star Student and Teacher of the Year. They are both shining stars on The Mountain and within our greater community.

We are honored and humbled to have the privilege to serve alongside these talented individuals at Oak Mountain Academy.

gave really good advice on how to not be suckered - and then I got scammed

C. ED WILSON Thoughts

While Shaving

cedwilson587@yahoo.com

Pay Attention - I got SUCKERED!

After writing an article about how we get suckered, I got SCAMMED or “suckered”. That is how good these thieves are or how stupid I was! Realistically, probably some of both. The Federal Trade Commission issued a bulletin entitled “How to Avoid a Scam” that spells out step-by-step as to how scammers normally operate. My scammers followed the script and they got me!

First, scammers pretend to be from an organization you know. Mine represented that they were calling from my stock broker, and, I, without question (!), accepted that the

scammers were calling from my brokerage. I did not know the caller by name and I should have verified that they were, in fact, calling from my broker OR if I could not VERIFY. I should have hung up and blocked the phone number. Hanging up on an unknown caller would have saved me a lot of time and trouble.

Next, they say there’s a PROBLEM or a PRIZE. My scammer said that there was a “suspicious” transfer of some money from my account. I confirmed that I did not authorize such a transfer. Oh, the first scammer says, I will have to transfer you to my “manager”. Second (better?) scammer gets on the phone and says $700.00 has been transferred from my brokerage account to Hong Kong. Hong Kong charges a 15% tax, but we don’t want you to lose any money so we will transfer $800.00 TO your account. This was to “butter me up so that I thought that they were helping me”.

I recognized that 15% of $700.00 was $105.00, not $100.00 and, as a former BrokerDealer, I should have hung up then, but why

Devaluing the personhood of the elderly

are seeking a beginning of this now occurring in the aged. With personhood removed, that individual is negated and thus has no intrinsic value of a right to life.

refuse $800.00?

Then the “scammer” says that he is sending me a “code” that I have to accept to get the $800.00. I accepted the code. REALLY DUMB, DUMB, DUMB!! That “code” loaded a virus on my computer and effectively gave the scammers complete control.

Next the scammer wanted to link to my savings accounts. I told him “no way!” as there was no reason for him to have that information. It is now about 30 minutes into the call, he is getting frustrated with me as while I have not been as easy as most, he had made some progress and he PRESSURED ME TO ACT IMMEDIATELY. I refused and then he THREATENED “If you do not give me the link IMMEDIATELY, I will transfer ALL your brokerage accounts to HONG KONG and you will never get back a cent.”

That did it, I finally got smart and hung up, and immediately cut all power to my computer such that the scammer could have no access. I called my broker immediately and the Broker

locked my account for all transactions and transferred me to their fraud people to block all pending transactions. My stupidity caused me all kinds of problems to unlock the account later , and cost to have a vender scrub the computer to remove the virus.

My recommendation: If you get a call from anyone you don’t know or cannot verify personally, do not answer; block the phone number immediately; and block unwanted/unknown text messages. Delete unwanted emails as “Spam”. This won’t stop them all, but will stop some.

Added comments: If you are on the government DO NOT CALL list, this may deter honest callers, but will have no deterrent to the scammers. Crooks do not follow the rules.

You may wish to contact the Georgia Attorney General’s office 404 651-8600 or www.consumer.ga.gov and order a Consumer Protection Guide. 42 pages of good information that could save you a lot of grief!

We are noticing a trend: devaluing the Personhood of the Elderly. First, let’s define what Personhood is: In the simplest terms, Personhood is the right to have rights. It is the cultural and legal recognition of the inalienable (God-given not man-made) and equal rights of all human beings, regardless of age, ability, environment, or manner of conception.

When the term “person” is applied to a particular class of human beings, it is an affirmation of that individual’s rights. In other words, to be a “person” is to be protected by a series of God-given and Constitutionally protected rights such as life, liberty and property - the 14th Amendment of our Constitution. An example of this would be when a specific people group has been targeted for genocide, such as the Jews in Nazi Germany. The first denunciation of those groups occurs when their personhood rights have been legally denied. This same thought process is true and being applied today to the preborn child in the womb, and we

When We Pray TRACEY PITTS

Millennials Christian Ministry (MCM)

When we pray, every demon is put to flight.

When we pray, we are infused with God’s dunamis power or shall I say dynamite.

When we pray, we pray God’s Word back to Him.

When we pray, we are touching the heart of God in the heavenly realm.

When we pray, we leave all of our cares at our Heavenly Father’s feet.

When we pray, our intercessions reach

Due to a growing trend of viewing seniors as a burden and economic drain, the elderly are often denied proper medical care, sought after by organ harvesters, encouraged to end their life themselves; or worst of all, their life taken without their consent. The quest to rid the planet of what many now consider “useless eaters” is reflected in the number of countries and states that have legalized euthanasia and physician-assisted suicide. Belgium and The Netherlands (Holland) are the most aggressive of the six European countries in actively promoting such practices.

This trend has also spread and become law in the United States. Nine states (California, Colorado, Hawaii, Maine, New Jersey, New Mexico, Oregon, Vermont, Washington), and the District of Columbia have legalized assisted suicide. Montana has assisted suicide in law by a court ruling. While assisted suicide is outlawed in Georgia, there are ways the medical community rationalizes withholding treatment from elderly individuals.

Physician-assisted suicide involves a doctor providing drugs to enable people to take their own lives. Euthanasia, practiced in several forms, is the intentional killing of an individual by someone else. This practice is illegal in the

Abba Father’s heavenly seat.

When we pray, He answers each prayer because He knows our frail yet faithful hearts.

When we pray, darkness, sickness and every evil deed has to depart.

So, Saints of the Most High, let’s continue to pray for each other, our family, and for our friends.

Because when we pray in faith believing and trusting our Heavenly Daddy, He will keep us, prosper us, and grant us a blessed and bountiful expected end.

For in Jeremiah 29:11, He declares that “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

Let’s continue to pray and stand on His Holy Word; for it is the only thing that will keep us holy and pure.

US. At best, the elderly are viewed as cynical, past their prime. At worst, they are portrayed as sickly, helpless victims, unattractive, unproductive, cranky, miserable, less intelligent, and forgetful. Our culture leans towards worshiping youth and encourages us to do everything possible to prevent-or even reverse-the inevitable results of aging. It’s hard to watch television very long without seeing cosmetic commercials offering ways to “take 10 years off your life.”

In the workplace, older job applicants are less likely to be hired and are viewed as more difficult to train, more resistant to change, less suitable for promotion, and expected to have lower job performances.

Wrongful views of the elderly can actually have a negative impact on their health. Studies have shown that when seniors believe such myths, they are less likely to seek preventative care, suffer memory loss and poor physical functioning, and die earlier. In short, “you can become what you think”.

There’s so much value in our elderly population! Ignoring that truth blinds us to the fact that millions of people in their 60s, 70s, 80s and beyond are still robust, active, functional, experienced, capable, and talented and want to remain engaged. History is filled with examples of people who were vital and active in their later years. For example:

- Grandma Moses was painting at 100.

- Pablo Picasso was creating drawings and engravings at 90.

- Albert Schweitzer headed a hospital in Africa at 89.

- Winston Churchill wrote a History of English-Speaking People at 82.

= Benjamin Franklin effected the compromise that led to adoption of the U.S. Constitution at 81.

As a society, we need to learn from these examples and recognize that being older does not mean becoming useless. Think of society’s loss if those individuals had considered themselves too old to contribute.

Wrongful views about the elderly and their ability to add meaning to our society are both unbiblical and untrue. Job 12:12 says: “With the ancient is wisdom; and in length of days understanding” Seeking counsel from those of age is key for each of us! I Kings 12:6 tells us that Solomon sought the expertise of older men who helped him make important decisions about the kingdom of Israel. We see the impor-

tance and value of mentorship and personal development in the relationship between Paul and his “son in the faith” Timothy. The clear depiction of a father-son relationship demonstrates Paul’s love as a mentor to his young son in the faith Timothy! And we can also see Timothy’s openness to acceptance of Paul’s wisdom, knowledge and gleaning from his mentor, The Apostle Paul!

During these crucial times, we need to be more sensitive to the needs of the elderly and not view them as a drain on resources. Our aging population, coupled with rising healthcare costs, has promoted a serious debate about how far we should go in attempting to cure and to even treat the elderly. Some have suggested that we’re investing too much time and effort in saving the lives of the elderly and critically ill. So-called ethicist Daniel Callahan, co-founder and professor emeritus of the Hastings Center, has clearly rejected the personhood of the elderly and promoted that older persons have a responsibility to get out of the way because “the future belongs to the young, who bring life and new vitality to the human species.”

“What a twisted view of God’s gift of life,” said GRTL President Ricardo Davis. “It’s one of the darkest examples of the denial of Personhood and the culture of death we face. Whenever possible, pro-life supporters need to make sure elderly friends and relatives are not mistreated, or written off, when facing the need for care. We also must be prepared to make sure assisted suicide laws are never enacted in Georgia.”

So, here’s my challenge: when was the last time you spent a few minutes, sitting, listening and gleaning from the wisdom and experience that our seniors have to offer? The one thing I’ve learned from these “fireside chats” with an elderly person; they are so thankful for the life they’ve lived, for being able to see how the world continues to develop! One diamond in the rough I’ve learned to appreciate in my conversations: the elderly don’t regret the difficulties and hard work they went through growing up! They understand that they would not have learned so many valuable lessons and gained an appreciation for the goodness of God without them! When was the last time you took time to learn a new and valuable lesson from an elderly person? We’re always available to share and break bread together! And, we’re not too old to learn either!

I

County Administrattion Building So much time was wasted in searching for land to build this admin building that was approved in a SPLOST referendum by the voters when the answer was always in front of them: build on the excess land of the current site. Currently, all the county has to show for it is a 4’x8’ billboard on the east side.

The proposed structure is a monstrosity incompatible with the adjoining neighborhood. We don’t need an extravagant Victorian classic model that otherwise looks like the Smithsonian in Washington, D.C. A

conservatively assess your properties to reflect true market values.

I want this campaign to be one of issues and not personalities. It’s your tax money and you need a strong fiscally Conservative Republican to be the full-time steward of your money. I am that fiscal watchdog!

I want to close for now with a paraphrase from an earlier column by Mr. D.A. King that appeared here in the StarNews:

“Politicians know that most people don’t fully understand how their county government works or what really goes on (at the courthouse or commission meetings) and many of them (county commissioners) depend on that ignorance.”

Conservative Republican would have opted for a simple cost-effective brick building consistent with the adjoining neighborhood.

- Tax Assessors Office These appraisers determine the appraised/assessed value of all properties in our county. The sum total of their assessments comprises the County Tax Digest which determines how much money is available for the county government. The problem is the Assessor’s office feels their job is to inflate appraised values to generate more money for the county government. Thus, commissioners can consistently brag that they didn’t raise the milage rate - yet they are swimming in your tax cash. A Conservative Republican would have the assessor’s office to

17

mom, Kathy and his dad, Billy, both woke up weeks later from resulting comas to be told their only child was gone and they had missed the funeral. Because of brain injuries from the crash, Kathy would spend the next two decades in a wheelchair. She died in her mid-fifties in a metroAtlanta nursing home. Billy had passed on the year before when his broken heart gave out after caring for Kathy.

I am retired and will devote myself fulltime to watching your tax money. The first thing I will do is cut the chairman’s $94,000 salary from the budget because I am not running for the money and I will work fulltime for just one dollar ($1.00) a year. In the coming months, I hope to speak with many of you about our county government. Please feel free to stop me to chat or stop by the house for coffee.

I want to close for now with a paraphrase from an earlier column by Mr. D.A. King that appeared here in the StarNews:

“Politicians know that most people don’t fully understand how their county government works or what really goes on (at the courthouse or commission meetings) and many of them (county commissioners) depend on that ignorance.”

Here is my contact information:

332 Kodiak Road

Carrollton (Bear Creek Estates)

Cell phone: 770-328-6450 email: wmk@bellsouth.net

rhetoric. Although many groups legitimately criticize American immigration policies, antiimmigrant hate groups go much further by pushing racist propaganda and ideas about nonwhite immigrants.”

as Elon Musk found out during the buying process. The number of Bots (computerized participation) is difficult to find. Twitter is influential particularly in the news and political realms. Private companies have the right to expound their discriminating viewpoint for the most part, but the government is bound by the First Amendment.

Several conspiracy theories were authenticated in the Twitter Files as they showed the extent to which law enforcement and intelligence agencies viewed Twitter as a tool for censorship and narrative control. A recent interview with Elon Musk reveals the extent of government intervention. Several incidents give you a peek at the ongoing problem.

In April 2019, someone dropped off three laptops (one proved to belong to Hunter Biden) at a Delaware computer repair shop. The timeline from that point to a New York Post article on October 14, 2020 revealed troubling contents on Hunter’s laptop - that will be debated ad nauseam through the next election. The article revealed emails detailing Biden family corruption and the involvement of Joe Biden in his son’s foreign business dealings, along with other probable criminal actions.

Twitter comes in when they did everything in their power to suppress the Biden story. There were many infomation leaks regarding the computers by the time that the FBI took control of them in December 2019. Users of Twitter were shadow banned over the laptop info under the pretext that it violated Twitter’s hacked-material policy.

The FBI’s early involvement was to tell Twitter that the emails “indicate the materials may have been hacked”. In July of 2020, the FBI gave Twitter officials top secret clearance so they could share intelligence about the pos-

The Dustin Inman Society has a GoFundMe page linked on the website if you want to help us fight the Southern Poverty Law Center in court.

The illegal alien escaped capture and is living free in Mexico today.

In 2011, the SPLC (they refer to illegal aliens as “immigrants”) told the Associated Press (AP) that they disagreed with our pro-enforcement agenda but were specific in explaining that we are not a “hate group.” How nice of them.

According to a 2011 news report, of me and my work in the state Capitol and in Washington, D.C., the SPLC told AP that “His tactics have generally not been to get up in the face of actual immigrants and threaten them,” said the law center’s Heidi Beirich. “Because he is fighting, working on his legislation through the political process, that is not something we can quibble with, whether we like the law or not.”

In 2018, the SPLC began lobbying against pro-enforcement legislation that Dustin Inman Society promoted and helped draft - and then told the world that we are somehow an “antiimmigrant hate group.”

This from the SPLC in 2018: “Anti-immigrant hate groups are the most extreme of the hundreds of nativist groups that have proliferated since the late 1990s, when anti-immigration xenophobia began to rise to levels not seen in the United States since the 1920s. Most white hate groups are also anti-immigrant, but anti-immigrant hate groups single out that population with dehumanizing and demeaning

With proud immigrant presenters and proenforcement immigrants in attendance, in 2020 the Dustin Inman Society held an educational seminar titled “Honoring Immigrants: An Expert, Pro-enforcement Conversation on Immigration” here in Atlanta.

The SPLC again listed us as an “anti-immigrant hate group that focuses on vilifying all immigrants” weeks later. My adopted sister is an immigrant from Korea.

We filed a defamation lawsuit in federal court against the SPLC. Last month, we received word that a federal judge has ruled against the SPLC motion to dismiss our case. We are going to court. We do not have funding for legal expenses. The SPLC has assets that total over $640 million. We have our mortgages. The Dustin Inman Society has a GoFundMe page linked on the website if you want to help us fight the Southern Poverty Law Center in court.

If Carroll County readers want to see much more on our battle online, we recommend reading news reports in the Heritage Foundation’s Daily Signal, The Washington Examiner, The poch Times and The New York Sun.

We note that the same liberal Georgia media that was quick to note the SPLC baseless smear on us as “news” has not said a word about our lawsuit.

We have a media statement with more information up on the Dustin Inman Society website (NewDustinInmanSociety.org)

We wish the Inman family were alive to see the SPLC in a courtroom as defendants.

This column was written April 20, 2023.

sible threats to the upcoming election. The FBI also routinely asked Twitter to hand over data outside the normal search warrant process. Months after the election, The NY Times and Washington Post basically admitted the NY Post article was accurate.

Even though being suspended by Twitter is a shield of honor in some circles, when it happens to an outgoing President of the U.S., it raises some questions, particularly when Trump had not violated any of Twitter policies. Before the 2020 election, Twitter met weekly with the FBI, the Department of Homeland Security, and the Office of the Director of National Intelligence. Trump was suspended when he posted two tweets the morning of Jan 8, 2021 because they were determined to be “coded incitement to further violence” - a violation of the Twitter policy on the glorification of violence. Interesting interpretation when the heads of state in Nigeria and Ethiopia directly incited violence on the platform.

As of last month, there has been 19 articles written by journalist Matt Taibbi about the Twitter Files. He recently appeared before the “United States House Committee on the Judiciary Select Subcommittee on the Weaponization of the Federal Government” in a hearing on the Twitter Files. His articles shockingly reveal the extent to which federal law enforcement and intelligence agencies came to use Twitter indeed as a tool for narrative control and censorship. Oddly enough, Taibbi is under investigation by the IRS.

The narrative shows that the agencies mentioned above used social platforms as subcontractors to get around the First Amendment restrictions on the Federal Government, exactly the worries in 1990.

Adapted largely from Imprimis January 2023.

A Message from your Tax Commissioner

Look for this year’s tax assessment notices to be in the mail June 2023. Assessment notices do not come from the tax commissioner’s office, they are sent from the tax assessor’s office. If you are not receiving your assessment notices and/or tax bills, please check with one of our offices to verify the mailing address we have on file. If it is not correct you need to contact the assessor’s office to have it corrected. You can visit either website to review the address on file at www.carrollcountygatax.com the tax commissioners website or https://qpublic.net/ga/carroll/ the tax assessor’s website. You can also change your address online on the tax commissioner’s website.

Vickie Bearden

Carroll County Tax Commissioner

432 College Street

Carrollton, Georgia 30117 770-830-5843

BILL KESCKES from page 17

TRAVIS PITTMAN from page 17

D.A. KING from page

No one plans to become disabled or missing work, but it can happen. An illness or an accident could cause one of your employees to be unable to work for months, or even years. While their health insurance will cover their medial expenses, it will not cover the cost of living while they recover.

Only 30% of American workers in private industry currently have access to employer sponsored long term disability insurance coverage, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. That means most workers and their families do not have adequate protection

CAMPUS QUESTOR from page 18

Krashen argues that acquiring a language is a much more meaningful method that will serve you in the future.

In other words, from just these two hypotheses, we can conclude that learning the traditional way in the educational system is failing us. However, acquiring language using Krashen’s method is effective, free, and available to anyone - especially if you have an internet connection.

Now that you know the proper way to learnor acquire - a new language, you might be pumped to give it a shot. However, to aid you on your way, here are a few tips that I’ve collected over the years of my language learning. First, you must learn to tolerate ambiguity. By that, I mean you have to get comfortable with not understanding things. It can be frustrating, especially in the first few days, when you don’t understand much at all. However, you must power through this ambiguity and learn to accept it. Even now, years into learning French, I stumble across sentences I don’t understand, but it doesn’t bother me anymore. Soon, you’ll

crevasses a mile deep and 18 miles wide. Water is irresistible, moving irrevocably through all encumbrances.

In Mary B’s river, the inevitability of death wears away any pretense of permanence, just as a receding hurricane flood will wash off the swampland’s cover. What courage it takes to jump into that river, divest yourself of everything that holds you to this life, and let yourself be carried into the unknown.

Rivers mirror human life. Most start out small. Like the Chattahoochee, they emerge quietly; in our river’s case, an embryonic spring trickling down the slope of the North Georgia Mountains. As the tiny stream winds southward, she gathers and grows, letting go of past impediments, now a full-on river converging with other waterways, expanding in volume and power. Over time she meanders; losing her way, she loops into an oxbow, then elegantly corrects her course.

And all the while she’s flowing as swiftly as time and elevation will allow, a formidable entity called to the Gulf of Mexico to merge with an shoreless ocean, just as a singular life blends into the wholeness in which it has always been held. “In the realm of wholeness,” Master Dogen opined, “one’s experience goes beyond the limited span of time.”

Mary B’s journey is not easy; it will demand everything. When my heart breaks for her, she lifts me up. Her last text in February read: ‘In the river, Sybil. Being held.’ Her river of letting go flows past my window now and in its current I hear mercy, freedom, and a vastness of being.

against one of the most significant financial risks that they face. That is why you should be offering your employees voluntary short- and long-term disability insurance.

These policies provide income replacement to enable employees who are disabled to pay bills, including mortgages, car payments, insurance, and to maintain an accustomed standard of living.

Disability insurance replaces a percentage of pre-disability income if an employee is unable to work due to illness or injury. Employers may offer short term disability coverage, long term disability coverage, or integrate both short- and long-term coverage.

Short term disability policies have a waiting period of zero to fourteen days, with a maximum benefit period of no longer than two years. Long term disability coverage has a waiting period of several weeks to several

understand more than you’d expect without ever having to think twice about which word means what.

Second, be consistent. This is the key. If you really want to learn your target language, set aside some time every day - for me it’s at least an hour, preferably two - to immerse yourself in your target language. Ideally, this would be in the morning, when your brain is most prone to absorbing information, but any input is better than no input. If you miss a day, don’t quit! Just keep going. You’ll thank yourself later. Also, try to stay away from apps like Duolingo, because while they might be fun, they don’t do much for you in the long run. Instead, stick to immersion by watching videos and reading stories.

Learning a language is like unlocking a part of the world you’ve never had access to before. A new culture with fresh ideas, new ways of expression, and of course, so much new content to entertain yourself. I hope that with this new perspective on language learning, you will be able to finally visit that country you’ve dreamed of traveling to, converse with a loved one in their native language, or explore a culture you’ve always been curious about. Good luck and happy language learning!

months, with a maximum benefit period ranging from a few years to the remainder of life.

Disability policies have two different protection features that are important to understand, non- cancelable and guaranteed renewable. Non-cancelable means the policy can not be canceled by the insurance company, except for non-payment of premiums. This gives your employees the right to renew the policy every year without an increase in premiums or a reduction in benefits. Guaranteed renewable give your employees the right to renew the policy with the same benefits and not have the policy canceled by the company. However, the insurer has the right to increase the premiums if it does so for all other policyholders in the same rating class as your employee.

In addition to the traditional disability policies, there are several options that you can also offer as part of the voluntary benefit package: Additional purchase options, the insurer gives your employees the right to buy additional insurance at a later time.

Coordination of benefits, the amount of benefits your employees receive from the insurance company is dependent on other benefits they may receive because of their disability. The policy specifies a target amount they will receive from all the policies com-

bined, so this policy will make up the difference not paid by other policies.

Cost of living adjustment, commonly known as COLA, the cost-of-living adjustment increases disability benefits over time based on the increased cost of living measured by the Consumer Price Index. Your employees will pay a higher premium if they select COLA.

Residual or partial disability rider, this provision allows your employees to return to work part-time, collect part of their salary and receive partial disability payment if they are still partially disabled.

Return or premium, this provision requires the insurer to refund part of the premium if no claims are made for a specific period declared in the policy.

• Waiver of premium, this clause means that your employees do not have to pay premiums on the policy after the employee is disabled for 90 days.

Disability coverage is the perfect low-cost voluntary product you must add to your benefits package if you are not offering this already. Protect your employees when they need it most!

If you are not offering these voluntary benefits to you employees and would like more information, call Marcy Heath with Inoventive Benefits Consulting at 678-821-3508.

RIVER RAMBLES from page 18

Four ways to use cash wisely

uses of cash: Everyday spending: Of course, you need sufficient cash on hand to pay for your cost of living – mortgage, debt payments, utilities, groceries, etc. You’ll likely rely on your savings or checking accounts to pay for these needs.

There has been a lot of talk about a “casnot here yet. In fact, cash can still be a valuable element of your overall financial picture – if you employ it But how? Consider these four key

Unexpected expenses and emergencies: It’s never a bad idea to establish a monthly budget. But, as you know, life is unpredictable – and sometimes you may encounter “budgetbusting” expenses, such as a major home

Carroll County marriage licenses

APRIL 1-30, 2023

repair or a large medical bill. If you haven’t planned for these costs, you might be forced to dip into your long-term investments, such as your IRA and 401(k), which can result in taxes, penalties and less money for your retirement. A better alternative is to prepare in advance by building an emergency fund containing up to six months’ worth of living expenses in cash, or at least in a highly liquid account, held separately from your regular checking or savings account so you won’t inadvertently spend the money.

Short-term savings goal: When you are investing for a long-term goal – especially retirement – you will likely need to own a reasonable percentage of growth-oriented vehicles, such as stocks and stock-based mutual funds. The value of these investments will fluctuate, so, if it’s possible, you’ll want to avoid selling them when their price is down –which may make them unsuitable for shortterm goals. But if you’re aiming for a goal that you want to achieve in a year or so – a wedding, a long vacation, and so on – you’ll want to be sure a specific amount of money is there for you when you need it. Consequently, you’ll want to put away cash for this type of goal, possibly in a short-term savings or investment vehicle that might pay somewhat higher interest than a regular checking/savings account.

Source of investment: In regard to your longer-term investment strategy, cash can play two important roles. First, it can serve as its own asset class, alongside other classes, such as stocks and fixed-income vehicles. Unlike these other classes – especially stocks and stock-based mutual funds – cash won’t fluctuate in value, so it can potentially help lessen the impact of market volatility on your portfolio. And second, having the cash available in your portfolio gives you the opportunity to quickly take advantage of other investment opportunities that may occur. And you may be able to use your existing investments to help replenish the cash in your portfolio. For example, if you choose to take stock dividends in cash, these dividends can be “swept” into your brokerage account and held there until you’re ready to invest them. (However, depending on your comprehensive financial strategy, it may be a good move to simply reinvest the dividends into the same stocks or stock funds.) Keep in mind that you won’t want your investment accounts to contain too much cash, as its purchasing power can erode due to inflation.

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

Carroll County pistol permits

Number of Weapons Carry Permits applied for: APRIL 1-30, 2023: 170

Carroll County births

APRIL 1-30, 2023:

Tanner Medical Center, Carrollton: Girls: 48 Boys: 64

Tanner Medical Center, Villa Rica:�

Girls: 28 Boys: 24

Carroll County cattle receipts

Carroll County Sales Barn

225 Sales Barn Road, Carrollton

April 10, 2023: 327

April 17, 2023: 864

April 24, 2023: 670

May 1, 2023: 697

Carroll County jail population

Total population as of

MAY 2, 2023: 424

Males: 353 Females: 74

Carroll County prison population

Total population as of

MAY 2, 2023: 244

Capacity: 246 Males: 100%