89 minute read
See ELECTION RESULTS
by Star News
ELECTION RESULTS from front page 5,998 votes.
Although Rhudy lost her race, she wanted to thank her supporters, as well as show support for the U.S. Senate hopeful, Raphael Warnock who will face a runoff election against Republican Kelly Loeffler.
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Rhudy told StarNews, “Thank you, thank you to the determined team of Carroll County Democrats, who came together. We gave generously of time and treasure to get us here. We worked really hard. Our voices are heard. We can be very proud of what we have accomplished. Now rest for a few days, because we have a runoff”.
Warnock secured 31.9% and 1,479,590 of the 4,643,528 votes cast, with Loeffler trailing at 26.5% and 1,229,561 votes. The run-off will be held January 5, 2021.
Tuesday, November 3, 2020 GENERAL ELECTION RESULTS STATESENATOR DISTRICT 30
parts of Carroll, Douglas, Paulding counties
MIKEDUGAN (R) 67.65% votes58,107
STATEREPRESENTATIVE DISTRICT 18
Carroll, Haralson counties
TYLERPAULSMITH (R) 75.17% votes18,160
REBECCA SMITH from page 5 sible, the organization cross-checks their list with numerous agencies and other local charities (including those in the surrounding counties) to avoid duplication and to help as many families as possible. Smith said it’s important for people to understand that “we vet with the other local agencies”, such as Tabernacle, Angel Tree, Toys for Tots, as well as most of the main churches and many other community organizations. While most of the families sponsored come from Carroll, Heard and Haralson Counties, the charity at times has extended further. Last year, the fundraiser raised roughly forty-eight thousand dollars enabling them to provide Christmas assistance to 405 children and sponsor seven agencies that included: • West Georgia Prevention and Advocacy Resource Center • Carroll County Emergency Shelter • Vincent Dortch Ministries • Juvenile Court Angel Tree • Carrollton Fraternal Order of Police • Rouse Foundation • Coweta CASA
This year’s fundraising goal has been set at $50,000. Although Covid-19 has had an impact on the number of meetings and events the club has been able to host, Smith is optimistic the goal can be met this year, saying “Instead of meeting face-to-face, we are doing it virtually”.
“It will be challenging this year”, said Smith, with a high volume of donations from small business donors being key.
The foundation is asking small business donors to purchase advertising in their “Carrollton Empty Stocking Insert” that will include several local advertising medias: two newspapers, StarNews and Times-Georgian, and area radio stations. In the StarNews, the donors will receive advertising in the Sunday, December 13th print edition of 8000 copies that will be in mailboxes and in residents homes the weekend of December 12th and 13th - just in time for the final weeks of holiday shopping. Also, included in the StarNews coverage, the businesses advertising will be posted on 70 West Georgia and North Georgia Facebook pages; Pinterest, Twitter, LinkedIn, and ISSU.
“We’re always looking for volunteers” said Smith, pointing out that “People can give in many ways. They can donate, their company can provide a sponsorship, we do ad sales for sponsorship or people can spon-
Anyone interested in purchasing ads for the insert, tickets for the 50/50 raffle, or learning more about the club, may contact Rebecca Smith at 770-830-6600, or via email at rsmith@westga.edu Those simply wanting to donate. https://tinyurl.com/y5lnw9jr
sor a child for $100.”
And while this year is perhaps a bit different due to CoVID-19, “We’re selling raffle tickets this year for a 50/50 split-the-pot,” Smith said.
The raffle will be live streamed on November 19, 2020 on the Carrollton Empty Stocking Fund Facebook page at https:// www.facebook.com/carrolltonemptystockin g.fund
Interested persons can also volunteer their time to be Christmas shoppers for a sponsored family, wherein the funds are provided by the Empty Stocking Fundraiser to purchase gifts. All donations are fully tax deductible to the extent of the law.
The Carrollton Evening SERTOMA Club is also a major sponsor of the Carroll County Veterans Memorial Park, located at 1050 Newnan Road, Carrollton, Georgia. Every year, the club hosts the Carrollton Peoples Parade, held on the Fourth of July. The event raises money, which goes directly to the Veterans Memorial Park. The park’s founding organization was originally created in 1999 by a group of Carroll County citizens, under the leadership of Norris Garrett who has been the acting president of the organization since its beginning. The park recognizes and honors the veterans of all U. S. Military Forces, past, present, and future. There will be a Veteran’s Day presentation at the park on November 7, 2020 at 10 A.M.
The Carrollton Evening SERTOMA Club meets the second and fourth Thursday of every month, at 6 P.M. at the Sunset Hills Country Club in Carrollton.
Anyone interested in purchasing ads for the insert, tickets for the 50/50 raffle (see Page 7), learning more about the club, volunteering or joining may contact Rebecca Smith at 770-830-6600, or via email at rsmith@westga.edu
Those simply wanting to donate, are invited to do so, by using the following PayPal link: https://tinyurl.com/y5lnw9jr
Carroll EMC Veteran’s
STATE OF CARROLL 2020
The State of the Southwire Company
PowerTM. Our footprint now includes 34Rich manufacturing facilities, 12 customer service
Scenters and a variety of sales and support tinson functions across the globe. We are North America’s leading provider of wire and PRESIDENT cable solutions, and our presence and product breadth in the tools, components and & CEO assembled solutions space continues to grow with the acquisitions of Madison Electric SOUTHWIRE and Construction Electrical Products (CEP) COMPANY this year. The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted 2020 marks Southwire’s 70th anniversary Southwire and our key stakeholders, and of doing business, and this year has been throughout the course of this year, our efforts unlike any other that we, our customers or have focused on reducing risk of exposure our communities have ever experienced. and keeping everyone as safe as possible, Even so, throughout these unprecedented while simultaneously providing the leading challenges, our team has united as ONE products and service that our customers Southwire and continues to stay focused on expect. Our products are integral to deliverour goal to remain a generationally-sustain- ing power across the globe; therefore, it was able company for the next 100 years and essential that we take steps early on to be as beyond. proactive as possible in our response to the
On March 23, 1950, Roy Richards, Sr. pandemic. began operations at Southwire with twelve Our COVID-19 team, formed in January employees and three used machines. His of this year, is made up of experts and leaddream was to bring power and light to rural ers from across our business. This group areas, specifically to his grandmother, who continues to meet daily and is driving our had never lived in a home with electricity. efforts and ongoing response to our stakeMr. Richards’s extraordinary vision laid the holders, including our people, our customers foundation of quality, service and innovation and our communities. that we still believe in today, and his legacy For our employees, our top priority has lives on, as we remain family-owned been and continues to be their health and through the ownership of his children and safety. We have taken and continue to take grandchildren. We are proud to celebrate this exceptional measures to mitigate risk, relymilestone anniversary for our company. ing on the CDC and local health officials to
Since that cold March morning 70 years help drive our safety and prevention efforts. ago, that group of twelve employees has We enacted preventive protocols early on grown to now encompass a team of nearly and have continued to adapt as we’ve 7,000, who we call The People Behind the learned more about COVID-19. These steps www.starnewsgaonline.com StarNews November 8, 2020 Page 9
include enhanced cleaning, temperature And for our communities, Southwire’s screenings, pre-screening questions, social continued emphasis on Giving Back and distancing, contact tracing in the event of serving the places we call home has been, in any confirmed cases, remote work for those many ways, strengthened in light of the who are able to do so and other activities to ongoing pandemic. Though it has looked difhelp ensure the health and safety of our ferent, our Project GIFT volunteers have paremployees. The impor- ticipated in virtual voluntance of frequent, consis- We are thankful for the teerism - making masks tent and ongoing communication has been paramount, and we’ve support and relationships we have with our for local medical professionals; sending cards to veterans, hospitals and learned to leverage new community partners here nursing homes; providing technologies across the business to support our efforts. in west Georgia, and I look forward to many meals for doctors and nurses at local hospitals; and so much more. We
For our customers, the years of continued continue to find ways for need for Southwire’s products and services partnership and success. employees to volunteer virtually and make a difdid not waver and, in ference in the places we call home. some cases, was more imperative than ever. From a financial giving standpoint, we In the midst of the pandemic, many custom- committed $1 million in donations for ers on the front lines needed our products COVID-19 relief in 2020. We distributed quickly and efficiently, and the work on criti- this gift in three phases: cal infrastructure projects did not stop. I am Hunger - We donated a total of $500,000 so proud of the efforts of our operations and to Feeding America and other similar intercommercial teams, who stepped up to ensure national locations to help combat hunger in we could meet these needs as effectively as the face of the pandemic. For every $1 possible. In addition to critical response, we donated, Feeding America can provide 10 also saw more demand in our retail business meals, and we worked alongside them to and continued to grow our Southwire ensure our donations helped meet needs as SPEEDTM services. We reimagined how close to our Southwire communities as we train customers on our products and solu- possible. tions, utilizing technology to virtually pro- Education - As students went back to vide education and training to reach more school, our second phase of giving was a virthan 8,000 people through our Southwire tual version of our annual Back to School programs and more than 100,000 through event. We distributed more than 35,000 bags our partnerships with industry associations. of school supplies to schools in our Southwire remains financially strong, and Southwire communities and also hosted a we continue to win in the market. See RICH STINSON page 17
State Senator Mike Dugan Senate District 30 Republican
CAPITOL OFFICE 121-J State Capitol Atlanta, GA 30334 Phone: (404) 463-2478
DUGAN
GEORGIA SENATE MAJORITY LEADER CONSERVATIVE . PROVEN . LEADER.
To the many volunteers in this election for all candidates, the folks who opened your doors and shared ideas, the voters, poll workers, families, friends, and countless others, THANK YOU!
Economic Perspectives 2020
assessed the evolution following somewhat of an evolutionary cascade of events. Notwithstanding the notion that each of us has had our own experience in this season, if you look at the macro view from federal state and local, you can spot the path of the Fred O’Neal devastating effect of this virus. Initially, we were advised to shelter-inplace to slow the spread of the disease. The ensuing business closings and reduced operational mandates had an immediate impact on sales and revenues for business,
Unbelievable. Unprecedented. Historic. especially in the service Amazing. Frightening. Unpredictable! These sector, which is comprised of one-word adjectives have formed the base of approximately two of every our emotions as we have experienced a year three jobs in our area. This like none other! We are all coming to grips includes everything from with a moment in time that will have restaurants to computer consequences for generations, the Pandemic. services to restaurant
A very wise woman who has moved on to workers. higher heights, Lamargie O’Neal, once told Business conditions set me to never wish for the end because you forth the start of furloughs never know what is after it. Many of us, if and increases in you can recall were lamenting, ‘I can’t wait unemployment claims. (See for 2019 to be over!’. Even I had my own graph at right for Carroll preoccupation for this new decade as the County unemployment data.) new year held for me great celebratory The state and federal expectations. I was set to celebrate several government stepped in with key milestones! relief payments in the form
There is no place on the globe that has not special jobless benefits. been impacted by COVID-19. Even our Many industries adapted, precious hamlet, Carroll County, where we including my own, which choose to live, has been impacted. Our goal allowed workers to work here is to give an economic commentary on from home. the state of affairs at this time and its impact I have always asserted that on our long-term outlook. there are ancillary economic
From my view in my day to day work in just having an economy in with individuals and businesses, I have motion. For example, when I
STATE OF CARROLL 2020
stop to get a bottle of water at the local convenience store, that add revenue to the owner, which trickles to the employee, the vendor, etc. Essential workers and first responders maintained their steadfast resolve to care for those with health and safety needs. The trend continued as some government programs were reduced or placed on notice of future budget reductions. Both the University of West Georgia and West Georgia Technical College will operate in the 2020-21 budget that Governor Kemp
is requiring a 14% reduction in their base spending.
As we have seen, some businesses extend their time of starting up again, we have seen others close permanently. Businesses that accommodate the in-sheltering, i.e. delivery, online services, carryout, etc. have managed to some degree to sustain themselves adapting to the customer preferences.
This sustained performance for businesses in alignment with the most needed services See FRED O’NEAL page 17
City of
Temple Temple City meetings of Council and Mayor are held at 280 Rome Street (Temple Senior Center). 6:30 p.m. Work Session on last Monday of month, and Voting Meeting on the the following first Monday of month.
Michael C. Johnson Mayor Terron Bivins Ward 1 Howard Walden Ward 2 Hiley Miller Ward 3 Tom Wallace Ward 4 Richard Bracknell Ward 5
770-562-3369 fax 770-562-9440
240 Carrollton Street, Temple, GA 30179 www.templega.us State Rep J Collins
Committees Appropriations - Member
Capitol Address Governmental Affairs - Member 408-C Coverdell Legislative Juvenile Justice - Secretary Office Bldg. Public Safety and
Atlanta, GA 30334 Homeland Security - Vice Chairman 404.657.1803 Regulated Industries - Vice Chairman Special Committee on Access to the
Office District Address Civil Justice System - Member 206 South Carroll Rd. Special Committee
Villa Rica, GA 30180 on Economic Growth - Member State Representative District 68 J. Collins (R) 770-259-8143 Keep68great@gmail.com
STATE OF CARROLL 2020
The State of Carroll County Agriculture
Paula started to buy up as much meat and other products (like toilet paper) as possible. Buying more local meat meant more farmers bringing animals to the local meat Burke There wasn’t a shortage of animals being grown for food, but part of the problem was processors who then saw a up tick in their business. Local meat processors can only EXTENSION AGENT the large meat processors and packing plants in the mid-west shutting down due to their employees getting sick from CoVID-19. handle so many any animals a week due to the size of their facility, cooler space, and CARROLL COUNTY When that happened, meat could not be experienced meat cutting staff. UGA - Agricultural processed and plants shut down until The increase in processing and Natural employee safety protocols were put in place. demand has made it challenging Resources Agent This created a shortage of meat coming from to keep up with the local meat those plants to the store. demand. Right now, if you want 2020: As I like to say, the year of CoVID- Farmers had animals ready to be to get an animal processed, your 19 and the year people maybe finally processed - but nowhere to go with them. first available date will most likely realized where their food comes from. This put a tremendous amount of stress on at the end of 2021! Farmers now
Unfortunately, in today’s world, most our meat producing farmers all over the have to plan even further in people are far removed from the farm and do country including those in Georgia. Farmers advance to be sure they can meet not understand where their food comes from had to delay bringing animals to the their new customers demands. and how the chain of processor when the were Vegetable and fruit producers supply can be interrupted. 2020: As I like to say, the ready. have seen some similar issues due Many of us were told year of CoVID-19 and the Some farmers delayed to CoVID-19. If a farmer relied back in March to stay home, don’t go out, and go to school and work year people maybe finally realized where their food breeding their animals in fear of not knowing what lay ahead, whether they heavily on selling their produce to restaurants, their business has been greatly affected. With so from home. But farmers comes from. . . could get them processed many restaurants closing down or did not have that luxury. most people are far in the future. Sale barns, open at lower capacity, restaurants Their animals needed to be fed, crops needed to be planted and harvested, removed from the farm and do not understand where where farmers take their animals to sell each week, were shut down are purchasing less food to be served. There were stories on the news and they needed supplies their food comes from and for a few weeks as wel,l about farmers in Florida plowing from the local farm store. how the chain of supply leaving people under their crops because they had In order for all of us to can be interrupted. scrambling of what to do no one to sell the crop to. Some eat, farmers had to keep next with their animals. farmers couldn’t change their working despite the CoVID-19 pandemic. Some farmers took this opportunity to try marketing and distribution that
In the beginning of the pandemic, if you something different. They started to sell their quickly to develop other markets went to the meat aisle at your local grocery meat locally to consumers. Consumers were to sell their products. store, you may have found a “shortage” of interested in buying halves and quarters of Organizations such as UGA meat. Consumers were so worried about beef in response to the lack of meat on the Extension, Georgia Department of being locked down at home for weeks they store shelves. Agriculture and Georgia
Cattlemen’s Association have coordinated with farmers to provide marketing opportunities to sell their products locally. See PAULABURKE page 27
J. Smith Lanier & Co., A Marsh & McLennan Agency J Smith LanierLLC company
www. jsmithlanier.com
STATE OF CARROLL 2020
The State of the Carroll County Commission
Michelle school, for the entrepreneur and farmer, it’s another day to proudly proclaim we are open Commissioners in partnership with the State of Georgia/GDOT, recently celebrated openaccepting a gift of 105.80 acres with conservation covenants outside of Fairfield from Morgan for business and for Carroll County government, tomorrow is another chance to continue to deliver critical services to our resiing a new bridge for the citizens and their family/friends who travel on Carrollton Tyus Road. Carroll County is pushing ahead with citizen Jeff Matthews. I look forward to exploring this area of the county as we create a passive walking trail in the forthcoming CHAIRMAN dents while shouldering the burden of stateimposed mandates and keeping taxes low. new efforts to increase the quality of life, The Board of Commissioner years. However, the Last summer when I took office, our expand opportunities, recently met for a two-day strength of our ability CARROLL county was economically strong. Fast for- and enhance services retreat to discuss projects to to solve problems will COUNTY BOARD of COMMISSIONERS ward to spring and preparing a 2020-2021 budget in unknown times. I was pleased the for citizens. We’ve built a more continue to the level of service in always be tested especially now as we face Board of Commissioners were able to meet welcoming Department the hopes of your voting to one of our greatest
Tomorrow. The word itself evokes hope. social distanced in the Ag-Ed Center and of Family and Children renew SPLOST on the challenges with public It suggests opportunity and conveys the need to be kinder, better. My daughter, a freshman at UGA, was lucky to attend the UGA/ Tennessee game with three new friends and broadcast the 8+ hours of budget meetings. I am appreciative of the citizens that took time to follow and learn line by line with us where your tax dollars go. Our budget barely Services building. We welcome gymnasts to our State-of-the-Art Gymnastics facility. March 2021 ballot . . . Each commissioner looks forward to sharing these with health - from dealing with the opioid epidemic that did not disappear, to working with sit in season ticket seats as a gift from a increased from 2019-2020 and mainly We welcome the new you in the upcoming months logistics for testing for friend. While the fun and excitement of your because we received a substantial grant. We West Georgia Technical COVID 19 and to aidfirst college ballgame is expected, her com- finished the fiscal year strong having con- College campus in our Buffalo Creek ing members of our county suffering with ment of “Mom, this is the most people trolled spending during the uncertainly the Technology Park. We welcomed Georgia’s mental health issues stemming from the panwe’ve seen together” made me pause to real- pandemic initially brought us yet able to Agriculture Commissioner, Gary Black, to demic. Right now, as you sit here reading ize, for us - for me - how important it is to replenish our fund balance and provide a the rededication of the Ag-Ed Center - to this article, there is a person who someone come together like never before to forge bonus to all employees who work hard for celebrate renovations including a new roof, loves and is worried about -a parent, sibling, meaningful connections and solve the prob- you each day. improved restrooms, aesthetic interior and spouse or child - who is feeling pain and loss lems of our day even if it is with Zoom, Go The Board of Commissioner recently met the addition of an outdoor BBQ area. and needs our prayers and solutions. to Meetings, conference calls or in-person for a two-day retreat to discuss projects to Carroll County continues to be a leader in The pandemic taught me how fortunate with social distancing. continue to the level of service in the hopes agriculture in the great state of Georgia. we are to have a strong network of police
I also had the lucky opportunity to go with of your voting to renew SPLOST on the Our parks offer opportunities where peo- chiefs, fire chiefs, sheriff’s officers, correctwo friends to Yellowstone National Park to March 2021 ballot. We came together to ple have places to enjoy nature, share a pic- tional institute personnel, E911 dispatchers hike for seven days. We prepared by hiking weigh projects that will best benefit each dis- nic, swim, play putt-putt golf, splash through and Emergency Management Agency in McIntosh Reserve and Little Tallapoosa trict and all of Carroll County. Each com- a water park, and spend time with one Director, Tim Padgett leading this group of as well as the GreenBelt and city streets of missioner looks forward to sharing these another. But parks are so much more than a professionals that have prepared and planned Carrollton. On the trails, we met people of with you in the upcoming months. place to pass a couple of hours, walk your for the pandemic. We are further fortunate to all ages and from several states and what I Carroll County is building for the future dog or hike. They are a critical component of have Tanner Health System in our back yard. learned is everyone is very much like us in by having invested in yesterday and today. our social infrastructure, connecting people The ability for me to be able to pick up the Carroll County. For moms and dads, it’s the Over the past six years, we’ve committed to and defining our sense of place. We have phone and talk with Dr. Laura Larson does certainty that their children are safe in maintaining roads and bridges. The Board of recently expanded our county parks by See MICHELLE MORGAN page 17
Jones-Wynn Funeral Home
STATE OF CARROLL 2020
The State of the City of Bowdon
lift stations have been rebuilt with standard Jim equipment minimizing the number of spare Chaffin motors and other parts. Culturally, we have built one new park and have begun work on another to make available resources to our citizens for MAYOR maintaining good health. Copeland Hall is one of the finest venues for cultural events for a city our size in the State. Prior to the CITY of Coronavirus Pandemic, we were hosting the BOWDON Lowell Opry House performances monthly. Copeland Hall is used for a number of
Recently, we have been addressing some community activities. Our Senior Center is infrastructure issues here in the City of another area where we host a number of Bowdon. During the past year, we have been activities for our citizens. replacing deteriorating water mains and Our law enforcement personnel and K-9 adding new mains totaling approximately Unit are called upon by other agencies for three miles. We have replaced all of our their expertise and assistance. aging water meters with meters which give We have a very active and vibrant Main us the capability of reading the meter by way Street Program which works closely with the of a radio signal. This replacement program area merchants to promote downtown addressed the inaccuracy of the old meters activities. These past months have been and at the same time it provides for challenging ones to our downtown efficiency in manpower and equipment. merchants and restaurants, due to the
We had hoped to aggressively repave pandemic. several of the streets within the City. Our Main Street program has worked However, the failure of the TSPLOST has closely with the Carroll County Chamber of limited the number and miles of street and Commerce to assist business owners in sidewalk improvements. As money will being able to find the information and allow, we are repaving some of the streets support they need to operate in this which are heavily traveled and in the most challenging time, as well as encouraging need. We are funding these improvements citizens to shop local whenever possible. We from revenues received primarily from are beginning to see an increase in property and Special Purpose Local Option downtown commerce, following the Sales Tax (SPLOST). business shutdowns last spring.
We are in the process of rehabilitating our We recently created a Downtown water treatment plant. We have installed Development Authority to help address a electronic surveillance equipment for number of issues with the future virtually all of our sewer lift stations. Three development of the downtown area. The www.starnewsgaonline.com StarNews November 8, 2020 Page 13
Authority will have the authority and ability to address issues which may be prohibited by the City Council, including the acquisition and sale of property.
The Bowdon Recreation Department is recognized as one of the best in the West Georgia area. It has become a feeder system for identifying future athletes for the Bowdon Cluster of schools’ athletic programs. Our award-winning gymnastic programs draw participants from many other areas of the county as well as East Alabama. Some of our gymnasts have been recognize as being in the top 100 gymnasts in America.
The Bowdon Branch of the West Georgia Regional Library System, the Warren P. Sewell Memorial Library, is one of the most active branches in the system. We are staffed with employees who truly have servant hearts. They have developed planned activities for all ages. During the shutdown due to the pandemic, our employees found ways to continually met the needs of the public.
We continue to prepare the old Bowdon Grammar School to eventually house our City offices. The renovations, thus far, have been accomplished primarily using city employees on days when outside work activities are limited. We have a very talented group of employees with many different skill sets. This has been a financial savings to the City. Our goal is to relocate some of the offices into the new complex next year.
The City is in sound financial condition.
Mountain Oak Florist & Design
Mountain Oak Florist Your Christmas Gift Flowers, Gifts, and Decor Headquarters
520 MAPLE STREET•CARROLLTON, GA. 30117 www.mountainoakflorist.com (770) 834-2024
Storm Products
The State of the City of Carrollton
CAPITAL PROJECTS Betty The Dixie Street Stormwater ImproveCason ment Project has been completed. The project included replacing and up-sizing the deteriorated and under-sized storm pipe along Dixie Street and Ambulance Drive to MAYOR address flooding due to stormwater runoff. The work was coordinated with the construction of the Tanner Health Pavilion and CITY of other improvements being made by Tanner CARROLLTON Health System, including the installation of a section of the GreenBelt. The GreenBelt sec-
The City of Carrollton continues to grow tion is finished (with modifications to be and thrive economically, culturally and gov- made after the completion of the Tanner ernmentally while meeting the challenges of Parking Deck). We have also completed these unusual times. Our city leadership and sewer and stormwater repair and rehab work city departments work hard each day to pro- at various locations within the city. vide outstanding service to our citizens and GDOT Local Maintenance Improvement wise stewardship of our resources. Grant Program helped the city repair and
As we begin opening doors and moving resurface various streets and roads, including into the future, let’s take a look at what Tom Reeve Drive, University Drive and secwe’ve accomplished in the past year. tions of Columbia Drive, Beulah Church FINANCE Road and Brightwave Blvd.
Only 9% (nine) of the 2019-2020 budget The Tanner Street/City Hall Avenue is funded by ad valorem property taxes. The Stormwater Improvement Project has been mayor and city council voted to maintain the completed and the West Reese Street current millage of 4.60 mills, which remains Improvement Project is near completion. the lowest rate in our area. We have not Other projects under construction include recorded an increase in the actual millage the Bankhead Highway Streetscape Project rate since 1993. Despite multiple construc- and West GA Regional Library Renovation. tion project expenses, the city’s combined DEVELOPMENT cash reserves remain strong and would cover So far this fiscal year, 71 new single-famfive months of operation. As of April 30, ily homes have been constructed or are 2020, total cash reserves were $25,725,816. under construction at a total estimated value Of this total, $14,028,823 are General Fund of $19,634,491. The total estimated value of cash reserves, $7,827,817 are Water Fund commercial and industrial construction since cash reserves, and $2,032,951 are Sanitation July 1, 2019 to date is $9,470,929.67. Fund cash reserves. • Total Estimated Value Single Family
STATE OF CARROLL 2020
Construction (not just new) = $21,870,547 The systems upkeep department includes • Total Estimated Value of Multifamily 18 employees who constantly maintain our Construction (not just new) = $29,429,065 more than 300 miles of water lines and 175 We have issued 1,884 business licenses. miles of sewer lines. The department mainOf these licenses, 169 were for new tains on-call personnel 24/7 to respond to businesses. WATER AND Visitors were responsible water and sewer problems in the timeliest possible
WASTEWATER for $12.31 million in state manner.
DEPARTMENT and local tax revenues in PARKS & RECREATION
The Water Filter Plant Carroll. Each household in The Carrollton Parks and earned the GAWP Platinum Award for six the county would need to Recreation Department was re-accredited for the fourth consecutive years of per- be taxed an additional $299 time by National Recreation fect operations. Staff per year to replace taxes and Parks Association this completed the scheduled generated by tourism. August. We are the second replacement of 50 per- smallest agency in the cent of the plant’s membrane filters. The United States to be nationally accredited. Wastewater Treatment Plant received the This year, more than 300 volunteers GAWP Platinum Award for 13 consecutive worked with our department, saving the city years of perfect operations. The mechanical millions of dollars. We offer more than 800 bar screens at the facility were replaced. recreation programs a year and we make it a
The Facilities Maintenance Department top priority to keep fees affordable. We have completed the rehabilitation of the Oak a strong scholarship program, thanks to priMountain Lift Station. The department also vate donations and willing sponsors. Last initiated the conversion of all lighting year, we awarded 75 scholarships at no cost throughout the city’s facilities to more effi- to the city. The department oversees 425 cient LED systems. acres, 29 parks and seven community recrea-
SANITATION AND SYSTEMS tion centers. We run tournaments and meets
This 23-person department collects more during 30 to 35 weekends a year, keeping our than 450 tons of household garbage, 1,700 hotels, local businesses and restaurants full tons of commercial garbage, 70 tons of recy- and generating an annual economic impact cling and about 250 tons of debris monthly. of $9 million. We also sweep and clean about 200 miles of ARTS road right-of-way annually. This fiscal year, the Carrollton Center for Our shop mechanics maintain more than the Arts had 61,505 visitors, patrons and par300 vehicles and pieces of equipment, which ticipants, as of April, 2020. The center saves the city thousands of dollars every offered 28 performances, 14 exhibitions, 43 year. See BETTY CASON page 27
CHEERS
Thank you to all who served
Spirits-Wine-Craft Beers 804 Maple Street Carrollton Ga 770-838-1000
HOURS: Monday – Wednesday 10AM-9PM • Thursday-Saturday 10AM-10PM• Sunday 12:30PM-6PM
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Lifetime Chiro We Are Thankful For Our Patients!
Happy Thanksgiving
Hours: Mon - Wed & Thursday 10am-12pm & 4pm - 6pm
120 Prospector Drive Villa Rica 770-459-5070 www.lifetimechiropracticpc.com
STATE OF CARROLL 2020
The State of Carroll Electric Membership Cooperative (EMC)
based telecommunications provider, control, but continuing efforts toward sus- greatest risk, inside employees working in Tim SyncGlobal Telecom. Members were excited tainability is something we can control. And the office or at home are also integral in preMartin to be informed of this partnership, and others were eager to hear that the first stage of broadband deployment would be coming to it is something the cooperative wants its members to be a part of. By the end of next year, Carroll EMC will serving our safety culture. As a company, we recently reached 3 million hours without a lost time accident, a milestone that has taken their area. After the acceptance of grant have adopted 36MW of renewable sources 10 years to reach. This achievement is an PRESIDENT/ CEO funds from the United States Department of Agriculture’s Broadband ReConnect into its power mix. This is Clean car energy is just as important as infrequent and special occurrence Program, in addition to the matching funds enough clean home energy. . . will allow members among electric CARROLLEMC from both the cooperative and SyncGlobal, parts of the Carroll EMC service territory will be offered broadband speed internet energy to power nearly 6,000 homes who purchase a new 100% electric vehicle to qualify for a $30 monthly bill credit and/or companies of our size, and it truly shows our com-
Many would rather not discuss the year services soon. While this first step is exciting each year! qualify for a one-time $250 reimbursement mitment to safety. 2020 - a year that most of us surely want to be over. But, for Carroll EMC, the entry into this new decade has brought forth many news, bridging the digital divide will continue to take time. Along with the introduction of broadband Clean car energy is just as important if they install a Level 2 NRTL/UL home charger at their place of residence. As with our sustainability efforts, we wanted things we wish to share, celebrate and into the cooperative model comes the con- as clean home Members can now be a part of our all-in to involve our remember. Through the uncertainty of the COVID-19 trolling of costs to the members. Protecting them from unnecessary expenses is a big energy. After adding the initiative for a brighter energy future. members with our safety efforts. The pandemic, the cooperative has operated at part of what we do. Legislation was passed first electric vehicle to our fleet, we felt there cooperative introduced the Commitment to full-capacity. From announcing a long- in the General Assembly this year that was more we could do to include our mem- Zero Contacts program, a program that awaited partnership for broadband deploy- voided current, negotiated rates between bers in our sustainability efforts. Early this includes not only cooperative employees ment to promoting sustainability with elec- EMCs and the big cable companies for pole fall, the cooperative will be introducing two being safe around electrical equipment but tric vehicle programs and achieving a sig- attachments. While there were many varying incentive programs: the Drive Free for a the membership and community as well. nificant safety milestone, Carroll EMC details surfacing during the session, the final Year program; and the Home Charger While it is important for us to educate our employees have committed to the “all-in” legislation sends the issue to be managed by Rebate program. These programs will allow members on the infrastructure in and near initiative despite unexpected changes. The the Public Service Commission, where rates members who purchase a new 100% electric their homes, it takes their willingness to cooperative’s obligation to serving its mem- will be determined later this year. vehicle to qualify for a $30 monthly bill accept that information and recognize the bers, the community, and fellow coopera- The biggest concern for rural Georgians is credit and/or qualify for a one-time $250 dangers of electricity. The Commitment to tives continues to be a priority, no matter the the $30 million in additional costs to be paid reimbursement if they install a Level 2 Zero Contacts program is that step forward. storm. by EMC members each year if the big cable NRTL/UL home charger at their place of Safety has also taken on another meaning
Extending broadband service within the companies and select legislators are success- residence. Members can now be a part of our this year-social distancing, mask wearing Carroll EMC service territory has been a ful. This could be an issue where EMCs will all-in initiative for a brighter energy future. and sanitation. We made the decision at the topic of discussion for many years, and early need the help from rural Georgians to voice Many of our employees risk their lives beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic to last spring it became a tangible opportunity. concerns to law makers and commissioners. everyday working near high energized lines, close office lobbies to the public. Many Following the passage of Senate Bill 2 in Following our lead on social media and the and we keep safety as our top priority to cooperative employees began working from 2019, the cooperative was able to fully Carroll EMC website will be crucial for our make sure they make it home to their fami- home, and our crews’ schedules were stagengage with potential partners in broadband. members and community stakeholders. lies each evening. gered. Even though it was difficult to part The result was a joint venture with Bremen- Many parts of 2020 have been out of our While those working in the field face the See TIM MARTIN page 19
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STATE OF CARROLL 2020
The State of Carroll County Chamber of Commerce/Burson Center/ Carroll Tomorrow
Daniel many community partners and stakeholders were all suddenly altered. cumstances, I saw this community respond to needs, deliver assistance, encourage their Some things will return to pre-CoVID normal, and some things may be changed forJackson Significant conversations with healthcare officials and local leaders in government and neighbors, and support the efforts of others. See DANIEL JACKSON page 19 PRESIDENT/ CEO Carroll County Chamber of Commerce The Burson Center Carroll Tomorrow business suddenly required immediate attention and responses. The information came pouring in from many sources, and the questions outnumbered the answers at times. The Chamber’s “Together Carroll” pivot plan became the new focus for this year. Allen’s The Christmas House Annual Open House Thanksgiving 2020 will go down as the year we all will want to forget, but know we never will or can. It started so well, but then in midMarch, this thing called CoVID-19 came to us from far away, and suddenly our world was disrupted in so many ways we still can’t Many normal activities were canceled or postponed, but many other initiatives were created to respond to the crisis and support chamber members and the community. Social distancing and shelter in place orders made it all the more difficult for local leaders to circle the wagons and respond. It Florist Carriages Rides Allen’s Flowers & Gifts Afternoon 2pm-11pm comprehend. While we don’t want to talk about what has not been the year we were expecting or hoped for, however; we have survived, we 175 Head Avenue Tallapoosaall has happened this year, we can’t deny Everyone’s world has been have learned some things, and we will 770-574-2482 what has happened. So much about CoVID impacted by CoVID. . . but not all in the same way. . . Some move forward wiser and hopefully better. www.AllensFlowersGifts.com Open Mon.-Sat Call for Sun. Hours businesses and organizations were able to pivot, adjust how they conduct business. . . while others have struggled mightily to survive. . . I saw individuals I know and respect wrestle with decisions that affected their employees, customers, patients, students, constituents, families, and clients. has been an unknown, and even now, leaders and experts in healthcare, government, and business are struggling to respond to the problems, agree on solutions, and focus on longer-term answers. It is easy for us to say, “Never in our lives have we seen or experienced anything like this,” and perhaps for us, that is a true statement. The combination of challenging issues going on now is somewhat unique and overwhelming. However, if we hit the pause button and take a look back at history, people have always had to deal with challenges, disappointments, and adversity. While many uncertainties remain out there, this is what we do know. We are blessed to live in a community with strong leaders who love and care about our community and our citizens. I watched leaders in healthcare, government, education, business, and non-profits step up and make difficult decisions utilizing the best information available in everchanging times. I saw individuals I know and respect wrestle with decisions that affected their employees, customers, patients, students, constituents, families, and clients. In uncertain and continually changing cirDanny’s Pressure Wash Danny’s Pressure Wash Inc.com Your 1-Stop Shop RESIDENTIAL SERVICES House-Deck Sealing-Deck Cleaning- Driveways-Pool Area-Painting-Lawn Care COMMERCIAL SERVICES Building-Drive Thrus-Parking Decks-Gum Removal-Dumpster Area-Shopping CenterConcrete-Restaurants www.dannyspressurewashinc.com OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK CALL 770-947-3499 LICENSED & INSURED ANY HOUSE up to 2000 sq ft CLEANED for only $119.95 With coupon only. Some restrictions may apply. Offer expires December 12, 2020
Everyone’s world has been impacted by CoVID and many other significant things in 2020 but not all in the same way. Some people have found their personal lives, family situations, work, or lifestyles completely altered. Others have managed to navigate through all of this relatively unfazed. Some businesses and organizations were able to pivot, adjust how they conduct business, and do very well, while others have dealt with major adjustments, setbacks, and adversity. Some have been able to tackle the issues and challenges head-on and managed things Southland Insurance Fast, Friendly, Local! Service you can count on. SOUTHLAND INSURANCE AGENCY CARROLLTON • 770.834.7631 southlandinsagency.com well, while others have struggled mightily to survive. For our world, we started off the year with Since 1916, Auto-Owners has been teaming up with big plans and high expectations. We were ready to celebrate the 65th anniversary of the local independent agents-people focused on you, Chamber of Commerce all year long and celebrate the fifth and final year of Carroll the customer. That’s the quality of your agent, and Tomorrow’s Advantage Carroll 2020 campaign. Even with all the challenges, we actu- the company that stands behind them. ally did okay this year.
It is difficult to articulate what all has happened this year and what we did to respond in a few paragraphs. But respond, we did. the Chamber and Carroll Tomorrow staff and boards found themselves in the middle of many conversations and decisions regarding CoVID this year. The normal robust calendar of programs, events, council meetings, business activities, and interactions with the
RICH STINSON from page 9 week-long Back to School celebration on social media.
Hope for the Holidays - Our last phase of giving is underway and focuses on meeting the needs of our communities during the
FRED O’NEAL from page 10 is a national trend. For example, the shift in online spending has increased nationally by 18% in 2020. Government programs such as the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) has provided a stopgap and safety net for small business owners needing immediate working capital. Finally, just the ordinary nature of decision making, whether that be buying a home or expanding a company, has been postponed in some situations while individuals wait for a palatable solution to the Covid-19 crisis.
Like other crises in the past, this too shall pass, but life on the other side of the pandemic might look a little different.
I would propose that we can survive and thrive as we find new ways to adapt to this new way of doing everyday life. I just think about the number of groups who have embraced virtual meetings, including schools, corporations and churches.
Additionally, our community should and will seek ways to redeploy capital to operate post-Covid. As families spend more time at home, for example, building supply and home remodeling companies are seeing a boost in their demand.
Buildings that have been used to house significant numbers of employees can be used for alternative purposes as we will see some employers increase the permanent numbers of associates who work from home.
The ultimate resolve will be how we move forward as a community under this environment which will require innovation, cooperation and sacrifice on the path to building a stronger, resilient, sustainable economy. Stay safe. MICHELLE MORGAN from page 12 not happen everywhere. The strong social connections we have with our state local leaders (Rep. Jay Collins, Rep. Randy Nix, Rep. Lynn Smith, Senator Mike Dugan and Senator Matt Brass) makes us a better and truly unique County to overcome today’s challenges. Who we are today pales in comparison to who we can be tomorrow - choosing to be optimists!
I recently attended a funeral of a young person and the word that everyone continued to use to describe him was “kind.” It was good to be able to celebrate someone’s life in-person once again and seeing in their eyes the smiles hidden behind the masks. I hope we can each be kinder to each other as Carroll countians and strengthen our relationships and sense of satisfaction in life.
I take personal pride in all the work your county employees do, but I am especially proud of how in nearly every way, our county employees have taken up the challenge to serve you during the pandemic. We decide what our tomorrow looks like by leading and hiring individuals to give you better service. We decide what our tomorrow looks like by being kinder to each other. Together, let us have a hopeful tomorrow by strengthening the associations and networks which connect us all: family, church, community, sports leagues, gym classes, bridge and book clubs.
Remember my door is always open. I’d like to reconnect with each of you. holiday season. Southwire has committed a $250,000 monetary gift, which will be shared across our communities to assist with needs that may arise during this time. Additionally, we will be offering our community partners and friends a way to get involved with this effort through a virtual fundraiser, which will be held on December 3 from 6-9 PM live on our Facebook and YouTube channels. The event will feature a variety of musicians, inspirational messages and more to bring extra joy and hope to our communities this holiday season.
All in all, these efforts, alongside many more, make me incredibly proud to lead the Southwire organization. Outside of our dedicated COVID-19 response, we have also seen continued improvement in our safety programs, a strengthened focus on cyber safety and growth in our sustainability www.starnewsgaonline.com StarNews November 8, 2020 Page 17
efforts, including the launch of our Carbon Zero goal - stating that Southwire will achieve 100% zero carbon energy for operations by 2025.
We also remain committed to strengthening our company’s culture of empowerment, trust, consistency and inclusion. Southwire’s focus on diversity and inclusion (D&I) is not new, but over the last few months, we’ve been holding more virtual roundtables, taking more time to listen to the perspectives of our employee resource groups and having more conversations with employees throughout the company to better understand how we can best make a difference and how we should continue to drive our culture of inclusion at Southwire.
From these conversations, our team has put together a thoughtful and meaningful plan for how we will accelerate our D&I efforts moving forward focused on awareness, organizational action and community connections.
I have also joined the CEO Action for D&I, the largest CEO-driven business commitment to advancing diversity and inclusion in the workplace and look forward to connecting with and learning from other leaders as we grow together. We know that we don’t have all the answers, but we are continuing to listen and learn so that we can drive sustainable change both within our walls and within our communities.
As I wrap up my commentary, I also want to highlight a couple of exciting recognitions our team received this year.
First, Southwire achieved a spot on DiversityJobs top employer list for 2020. In order to be on this list, organizations must See SOUTHWIRE page 27
Southwire
State of the Carroll County Commission District 5
Ernie Reynolds
COMMISSIONER District 5 CARROLL COUNTY BOARD of COMMISSIONERS
Overall, it seems that our Carroll County government is currently operating fiscally well, as we have slightly more in our cash reserve/fund balance revenue now than we did the same time last year. This is in spite of CoVID-19 impacts to our area. Of course, this positive financial situation does not need to lull us into complacency. Instead, we remain diligent in maintaining our frugal stance and monitoring the local economy closely, as future impacts could quickly turn us into a downturn.
Just this morning, I was listening to reports from UWG’s economic forecasting presentation, which explained how hard many local businesses had been hit - and also explained how the federal CoVID unemployment payout benefits may negatively impact the economy. So, we keep closely monitoring the situation.
Speaking of our county government frugality, I was very glad that we (the Carroll County Board of Commissioners) “rolled back” the county’s property tax millage rate. I certainly was an advocate of this, meaning not increasing the millage rate on the county’s portion of residents’ property tax bills this year. My opinion remains strong that home and land owners in our county, through their property tax payments, pay enough into county operations - and we should ensure efficiencies in our operations so that we do not have to increase those rates. I do believe that, overall, county government operations reflect a conservative and frugal approach - as they compare very favorably against benchmark per capita expenditures of other counties with similar land areas and populations.
One reason we have been able to keep general operation revenues in such good shape is the availability of SPLOST funds for capital expenditures and improvements, including road building and repairs. These SPLOST funds are a sales-based tax (1-cent per dollar), paid by anyone purchasing items in our county, whether they reside here or not. I have heard that a significant portion of SPLOST funds are paid by persons from other counties and even those from Alabama, who make purchases here and pay the SPLOST tax on such sales/purchases. Such a “consumption-based” tax results in these non-residents paying taxes that end up in our county as revenue.
In March of next year, Carroll County voters will decide whether to renew this 1cent SPLOST tax. In addition to many of these SPLOST dollars going toward county road costs, there are a plethora of other items that these funds are used for.
We are in the process of identifying and listing on the March ballot the types of county projects that will be funded through the renewal of this one-cent per dollar SPLOST revenue. Such projects include: road building and improvements; sheriff, fire, and various emergency services equipment, vehicles and buildings/fire stations; other building costs, including offices for county departments now housed in the old College Street buildings (the county already has some saved funds for this purpose, but will add to it, which will provide that this can finally be accomplished); county park enhancements; and many other items, which will be listed in fuller fashion after we get finish getting input into precise needs.
In general, I have been pleased with improvements that I pushed for in the operations of the County Tax Assessors Office recently being accomplished. These recent improvements include: bringing on a new, replacement member of the Board of Tax Assessors; placing a new Chief Appraiser over daily operations of the Tax Assessors Office; and training staff of the Tax Assessors Office in customer relations. I am pleased with these accomplishments and you should see the results in a more professional, open, responsive, and friendly Tax Assessors Office experience when you interact with this county office.
Within District 5, you know of the two new fire stations that were recently opened Jones Mill Road and Tyus-Carrollton Road. This will reduce homeowners’ insurance premiums in those areas, as fire service will now be more closely accessible to those area residences.
I am also very pleased with our County Roads Department and what they have done for our District 5. They obtained state funding for the rebuilding of three bridges in or near our district. These three bridges were recently rebuilt and enhanced with nearly all Additionally, the Lowell Convenience state Department of Transportation funds Center and Dyer Road Convenience Center and included the following bridges: driveways have recently been paved, which 1.Thomas-Wilson Road bridge - 100% will eliminate the potholes and muddy state funded at a total cost of approximately entrances to those areas. Many roads $1 million. throughout District 5 2.Tyus-Veal Road My opinion remains strong have been resurfaced bridge - 100% state that home and land owners and restriped, most funded at a total cost of approximately $800,000. in our county, through their property tax payments, pay recently Needmore Road, Bethesda Church Road, and 3.Tyus-Carrollton enough into county operations - Clem Lowell Road. Road bridge - approx. and we should ensure As most of you 70% state funded at a total cost of $1.1 million. efficiencies in our operations so that we do not have to know, the proposed Rock Quarry on Black Dirt Road north
Also under the increase those rates. I do believe of Whitesburg has auspices of our Roads that, overall, county government been an ongoing saga Department Director, the consistent problem with excessive trash at operations reflect a conservative and frugal approach for fellow residents of my District 5. We extended the public several of our county comment period for Convenience Center locations was this three times, allowing more people to addressed. We met with our waste place comments formally with the Three management services contractor and Rivers Regional Commission, which then determined that the consistent overload of submits such information to the state. We trash was occurring in spite of them now await word on what will be happening emptying all of the trash containers at these at the next step. locations daily. So, it was decided that trash Overall, we feel good about being able to compactors would be the best answer to unanimously pass revised county ordinances, alleviate the persistent overload of trash. We which place such operations under Industrial are now placing trash compactors at the Zoning - Conditional Use ordinances. following county Convenience Centers: Previously, the removal of minerals was • Whitesburg Convenience Center listed under Agricultural Zoning - Permitted • Lowell Convenience Center Use ordinances. However, not even these • Newnan Road Convenience Center (will prior ordinances allowed the rock quarry receive two compactors) plant operations. • Temple Convenience Center See ERNIE REYNOLDS page 19
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ERNIE REYNOLDS from page 18
I intend to keep District 5 as you want it a peaceful, agriculturally thriving district. A rock quarry in the middle of such a district, which includes my home as well as yours, does not fit.
As you know, I have been with you in this from day one - and will continue to work to ensure our homeplaces are tranquil, our children are safe, and our roads are quiet.
TIM MARTIN from page 15 from seeing each other face-to-face each day, it was an easy decision to make because the health and well-being of our employees, Members and community is important to us. Through chaotic circumstances, the cooperative maintained business continuity and upheld its concern for those around it.
While 2020 has been a year like no other, Carroll EMC has remained steady, keeping
DANIELJACKSON from page 16 ever. We all can learn from this experience, make changes and adjustments that make us better and stronger, and move forward with the confidence that we live in a great community, and we will continue to grow and thrive.
In summary, this community has experienced some turbulent times and handled it pretty well. The economists have recently told us, we weathered the storms of 2020 ECONOMIC FORECAST from front page Business’ Center for Business and Economic Research (CBER), the event was held at the Burson Center in Carrollton and broadcast via Zoom and Facebook Live.
Dr. William “Joey” Smith, chair of UWG’s Department of Economics and a David A. Johnson Distinguished Scholar; Mark Butler, Georgia’s ninth commissioner of labor; and Brad McMillen, chief investment officer and managing principal at Commonwealth Financial Network, spoke on the current and future state of the economy. UWG President Dr. Brendan B. Kelly welcomed guests to the event.
Dr. Faye McIntyre, dean of the Richards College of Business and Sewell Chair of Private Enterprise, said this is a time for us all to come together. “This is going to be an economic forecast breakfast like no other, just like 2020 has been like no other,” McIntyre said. “You are going to hear some wonderful information this morning. We at the Richards College of Business are in the business of transforming lives through education, engagement and experiences. Today we hope you are going to hear something that will help to make your organization more successful in the next year.”
Smith assured the virtual crowd that his team and others in the field are working hard to stay on top of the fluid economic situation affecting the nation and specifically the west Georgia region, which includes Carroll, Coweta, Douglas, Haralson, Paulding and Polk counties. “Although these are unprecedented times, we are still continuing our work and mission,” Smith said. “COVID has had resounding impacts on the economy as a whole, and it’s a topic we’re having to deal with on a daily basis.”
Smith said unemployment rate numbers increased exponentially in west Georgia because of the shutdown. “Unemployment rates reached the double digits, but they’ve fallen back down,” Smith said. “We started out five years ago with a 5.1 percent unemployment rate, and right now we’re sitting at around 5.8 percent for our region. We’re not Your residence and my residence are in the same place - as well as your heart and my heart! Thanks to all of our county employees and to all of my fellow residents throughout District 5 who keep up the good work during these unsettling and financially difficult times. I continue to enjoy working for you. Please contact me anytime -ee my Facebook page for updates - Ernie Reynolds, District 5 County Commissioner. the lights on for our 50,000+ Members and maintaining the highest levels of customer service. We continue to look towards the future of bringing broadband to our rural communities, promoting sustainability through our solar initiatives and electric vehicle incentives and always keeping our employees and communities as safe as possible. We welcome 2021 and all the positive changes coming our way.
pretty well. Consumer confidence is strong, and the local economy is stable.
Recent surveys tell us our citizens enjoy and appreciate the assets we have. Quality Healthcare, Exceptional educational opportunities, Quality of Life amenities, strong community leadership, and stable governance are all important factors that make Carroll County a great place to live, work, worship, study, and play.
We have work to do. Together, we can and will move forward and carry on. doing terribly, but obviously we’re not doing as well as we were.”
Smith reported that some businesses actually benefited from the pandemic, especially those who adjusted and provided online services, curbside pickup and deliveries. Smith also said the construction industry “is still moving swiftly and is robust, and the housing market is still on an upward trajectory with the lowest mortgage rates in history.”
Mark Butler, Georgia’s 9th labor commissioner, said his team has never had to work harder with less resources, but that he is proud of what they have accomplished.
“We’ve seen just under four million claims filed this year – most of them during the pandemic – and we have to work all of them,” he said. “We’ve had four times the work than during the Great Recession, but we are only seven days backlogged. The men and women of the Department of Labor are heroes; they’ve worked around the clock, seven days per week.”
Following Butler’s presentation, McMillen discussed the current state of the national economy. “Bounceback” has been better than anyone thought it would be, McMillen said, but economic and medical risks are rising. This factor, according to McMillen, will likely worsen the impact to the economy but not halt overall resilience.
“As we get the third wave, we’re going to see states that have reopened slow down,” he said. “It will affect the economy at a national level; it’s an incredible human tragedy. Hiring has increased from early on in the pandemic, but it’s slowing down. We’re not out of the woods as far as economic recovery.”
However, McMillen said the economy will recover over time and there are currently several positive factors to consider.
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Page 21 November 8, 2020
COMMENTARY
“Not just what happened, but what matters”
SUSAN M. HORN EDITOR/PUBLISHER
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Sore losers, sore winners, and the, not quite, lost art of gracious behavior
The “season” of politics is a year round sport; the game’s players require no training.
SUE One might say that mostly, today, it is an open season, concerning the HORN sport of politics, in that restrictions and rules are abandoned, ignored by EDITOR/ so many players. My opinion is that PUBLISHER the players are not so much ignoring the sportmanship rules, it’s that they are untrained, undisciplined participants, thus do not know how to win graciously, or likewise, lose graciously.
A sore loser and a sore winner behave the same: loud and childlike. The words are different; the inner child the same: “I lost! They cheated!” “I won! I’m the best!” Gloating, taunting, ridiculing - all the actions of a grown-up child, who, in the game of politics, is that undisciplined player. And the voters are also counted as players in this sport, not just the candidates.
In the aftermath of the 2020 General Election, the undisciplined political players/voters will, like an irresistible, consuming addiction, take on the challenge of saturating Facebook, Twitter, and other direct messaging platforms with their sore winning/sore losing stink in a twisted, non productive defense of their particular candidates. Our presidental candidates’ rude behaviors speak for themselves.
Sore winners are also accurately categorized as skilled bullies. And this is where the stink spreads. Less trained players gravitate like super magnets to these bully winners in dog pack mentality copying and promoting the destructiveness as if bullying was one of the correct rules.
In addition to bad social media practices, this almost extinquished art of winning or losing graciously is greatly exacerbated by the sore winner/sore loser behavior of cable television actors - yes, actors, people employed to play a part.They are not employed to produce and deliver news; they are not journalists or news media. Their job is to create, through their acting, a strong televised message that will help the people employed at same cable news network to sell the most advertising they can. It’s always about the money. Follow the money. One side or the other cannot continue their message without the money. And bullying helps get the money.
In the spring of 1983, I was working in a restaurant in Queens, New York. As I looked across the dining room, I saw two men walk in through the front door and seat themselves at a booth without waiting for the hostess. A waitress approached their table quickly and took their order.Meals were served, quickly. The duo left without paying, talking and laughing as they strolled out the front door (I remember one disgustingly picking in and about his teeth with a wooden toothpick.) And, they were criminals, too, but not for skipping out on two eight dollar meals. These were two well known Mafia members (the Bonanno Family, I was told) truly bullies in ways we can only imagine, who everyone in that restaurant tolerated that evening in a quiet manner. We were, you could say, gracious losers - not protesting the unfairness, the wrongness, the immorality, the offense, the violation by these two men. Their swaggering behavior - the gloating by these winners of the two pasta dinners - was front and bold. But, as gracious losers, we knew, instinctively, that there was more at stake than an outstanding meal ticket.
Sometimes bullies win. And they will seem intolerable. But, we can retain our dignity, our graciousness, our sense of self worth - and be on THAT side of right - by not losing our souls to the stinking part of the team that engages in nasty, unfair plays. One of my favorite and well proved go-to thoughts when I am feeling frustrated by another’s unpleasant behavior is: “First one angry is first loser”. Don’t become angered by sore losers or sore winners. Be the gracious one. There is more at stake than a political contest.
Georgia is moving in the right direction
It seems like yesterday that I in reforming key areas - particudecided to run for political office. I felt we could work with our edu- MIKE larly the last two where my primary responsibility is determincators to improve our outcomes and increase future opportunities DUGAN ing the legislative outlay of the state. I’ve taken up those areas of for our youth. I felt there was an over regulation of our business structure that was preventing us from being able to unleash the full potential that our state had to offer. STATE SENATOR(R) Senate Majority Leader reform and, to me, we have a way ahead. For the first time in over a decade, the Quality Basic Education formula (QBE) was fully funded. I felt that too many people were mikedugan@senate.ga.gov This formulation looks at the having to make decisions about 404-463-2478 needed resource requirement to their healthcare based off the high adapts as our environment correctly fund education system cost of insurance. I wanted to take changes. An example is the tech- across the state. The 2008 housthe time during this highly volatile nology that enhances all areas of ing crash forced budgets to be campaign season to tell everyone society today could not have been slashed. In that time, the state has why I feel that Georgia is moving comprehended a decade ago. That incrementally added to the forced in the right direction. one small example is why we deficit - now, we have a formula-
Governing is never about pre- continue to evaluate and adjust as tion that has complete funding. In senting a onetime solution that needed. The past seven years addition to the fully funded eduthen works forever. Government have allowed me to be involved See SENATOR page 31
Cable companies need to pay their fair share of pole maintenance and replacement
Protecting Georgia EMC members’ investments
Since we were formed as a not- tives, like Carroll EMC. The dolfor-profit electric cooperative in lars you, our member-owners, 1936, Carroll EMC has been a pay in your monthly electric bill source of growth and stability in West Georgia. We deliver reliable TIM allow us to acquire, install and maintain those poles, for the and affordable energy and we MARTIN benefit of the entire community. support our communities through While we welcome cable comcharitable programs. Recently, we PRESIDENT/ panies to our poles, we need them announced an exciting new part- CEO to pay their fair share of the costs nership with SyncGlobal Telecom Carroll EMC of owning, maintaining, and which is funded through our your home. replacing these poles. They investments plus a grant from the Across the state, instead of should not demand a government USDA ReConnect Program. building their own poles and mandate to lower their infrastrucThis partnership will result in new or enhanced instead of building their own poles ture costs, while millions of Georgia citizens and busiinternet service to more than and acquiring their own rights of nesses are forced to absorb 7000 residents and more way, cable companies pay a rental the financial loss because than 200 businesses in West fee to attach their equipment to the cable does not want to pay Georgia. Although that partnership utility poles owned by its fair share. The rental fee that cable is just getting started, a cooperatives, like Carroll EMC.. . . companies pay to attach to debate is brewing about our the rental fee . . . is now the the utility pole is now the utility poles that we own and subject of debate at the Georgia subject of debate at the maintain to carry electricity to your home and business. Public Service Commission Georgia Public Service Commission (PSC). Not only do our poles allow us to acquiring their own rights of way, On behalf of the more than 4 keep your lights on, they serve as cable companies pay a rental fee million EMC member-owners the infrastructure for cable com- to attach their equipment to the across Georgia, EMCs are asking panies to bring their services to utility poles owned by coopera- See FAIR SHARE page 31
Managing your legacy
When we think of human moti- we did, but how and why we did vation, perhaps we envision a it is equally important. drive, or internal desire to achieve I want my story to be as rich something better. While every and diverse as the life I have led individual’s perception of “better” thus far. If anyone had told me may differ, the end-state goal of improvement is still there, thrust- DANIEL years ago, when I was wearing a military uniform, that I would be ing each of us towards that better vision. Pushing ourselves to bet- JACKSON working in journalism, I would have found the statement unlikely. terment is fundamentally human, That’s the thing about getting betisn’t it? Complacency is the could achieve more in life. It was- ter; it’s not always in the direction enemy of change, just as gravity n’t about money, but a sense of one may have envisioned, but it is burdens physical motion. accomplishment, achievement, consistently, if not infinitely
For many years, I believed that and I didn’t want to leave an fascinating. a college education was unneces- empty legacy. To clarify, a higher education sary, having retired from the U.S. Legacy matters. It’s how we does not replace common sense. Army after twenty years and land- are talked about, remembered, But, in my experience, it sweetens ing a good paying logistics job, I how we live on. Many say that the relationship between the two, just didn’t see the need for a children are our legacy. This is complimenting each other in a degree. As time passed, I realized, true. They carry the stories and way that enhances the flavor of that sure, I could continue without memories of us, passing them for- life’s accomplishments. The two, a degree, but I felt as though I still ward through time. Not just what See LEGACY page 31
The Moore Method, or, the ‘Learning to Teach Ourselves Method’
SYBIL THOMAS River Rambles syllabil@aol.com
My brother is a devout fisherman. Or said another way, fishing is his religion. Every autumn he makes a pilgrimage from Colorado, where he works as a hydrogeologist, to Georgia where he fishes the Chattahoochee River.
This year he’s eager to get back to the slice of beach below the cabin, the site of last fall’s stellar catfish-catch, a healthy tenpounder, glistening blue-gray in the twilight when Josh put it back. Today, the beach is even narrower after Hurricane Sally’s flood - a lean triangle of wet sand banked against
JASON SWINDLE SWINDLE LAW GROUP, P.C.
DRIVING THE BUS
In recent years, I have noticed that I generally respond differently to challenges and difficult situations that life brings forth. I have learned (the hard way at times) that God is in control of our lives and wants for us to build a personal relationship with Him according to His will for us.
That is not to say that we do not have free will. Most people can do whatever they choose in life. But, choosing to live according to your own free will as opposed to seeking God’s will are very different avenues.
We all have or had biological earthly fathers. Some of those relationships are good while others are not. But, we also have teacher that she was having problems playing a particularly difficult passage in a concerto for violin. Perlman’s approach to such a problem did not arise from a point of view like “Here’s how you do it”, but more like
BILL “How do you want this to go? What sound do you want in this passage?” BOURIS This approach put the student more in control of her own development.
Years ago, a young girl was showing great left hand brought an end to her path to promise at playing the violin. Her mother become a concert violinist. But, soon, her felt that this daughter was a prodigy and curiosity, as well as the instincts she could sought a teacher for her, one who would take put to use, that she gained from learning how her daughter to the next level. Eventually, to teach herself, took her into entirely new the great violinist, Itzhak Perlman, listened areas of life. Her new directions were totally to the child’s playing and took her on as a unrelated to music. The transcript of the radio student. Quoting from my source on this program that tells the full story can be found story, “Perlman didn’t just teach the girl to at: play violin. He taught her something much https://www.npr.org/transcripts/680679054 more important: how to teach herself to play To me, this is more than a success story. the violin.” It’s really about one’s path in life. When I
This came up when she was showing her heard that Perlman was interested in having
The language of fish
A little later, an injury to a tendon in her
Driving the bus
a fallen tree lying in the mouth of the inlet. The only reason the sand is there at all is because the downed trunk is still rooted in the riverbank and not going anywhere. We find a square of old plywood for Josh to stand on, solid purchase when he reels in the next memorable catch. The set-up has a Huck Finn feel, as if he might sail down the river standing up, fishing his way to the gulf on a makeshift raft.
Rains come during the night, falling in sheets. The next morning Josh’s beach is underwater, as is his raft. We hike to a boulder outcropping at the water’s edge, a pile of granite where an otter always seems to leave a fresh scattering of tiny, bluish, empty clam-shells. A quicksilver spinner with red tassels shimmies against the current and one skinny smallmouth bass - what Josh affectionately calls a dink - is summoned briefly from the river.
He’s never seen the Chattahoochee in full-flood mode. Riveted, he watches her jump her banks and steal into the woods. We his student teach herself, I was immediately taken way back, to my days working at Emory, and my friend Steve Wagner, a mathematician. That was some 45 years ago.
No, before I tell you about Steve and the “Texas Method”, I should mention that as a child, I loved math. During high school, I excelled in math, aced a course in calculus, and when I started at college, I was allowed to enroll in graduate math courses. After my first two courses, I was riding on ego. Then, I was lost. Finally, I had to abandon any pretense of being a math major, let alone a career mathematician. So, I figured that it would be best to put those interests way over to the side.
Fifteen years later, at Emory, my friend Steve Wagner offered a math class to anyone at the Research Center, where we worked. The course was laid-back, conversational, and met once a week. There was no text book, and hardly any notetaking. I thought all that was interesting, and became even more
walk back into the swamp, far enough to cross the stream and fish on the other side of the swollen creek. He sets a worm on a bobber in anticipation of the big gar or muskellunge he’s certain will come up the widened stream in search of his irresistible night-crawler.
The river keeps rising, hurling hundreds of thousands of gallons of water past our feet. Josh tries casting off an ephemeral beach east of the cabin, and then from a boat launch at McIntosh Reserve. Nothing.
One morning early, we drive south to West Point to canoe the lakes and wetlands that hem the flooded Chattahoochee there. We follow serpentine channels, marveling at the eagles, egrets, and herons, each with the same hopes as ours but more frequent success. Josh does catch a splendid bass, declaring it a hybrid of largemouth and smallmouth - a mediummouth bass I presume.
“What is it exactly?” I ask him. “What draws you to fishing?” curious when I learned that he’d been studying math (topology in particular), in this manner for several years. Here’s a capsule of what Steve eventually told me. About a hundred years ago, a mathematician at the University of Texas, Robert Lee Moore, began turning out an unusually high number of graduate students who proved to be excellent research mathematicians.
While not using any textbook, or even referring the student to an outside source, Moore managed to engage his students in dialog. Of course the dialog was mathematical in nature, but from a more psychological standpoint, it engaged the students in a discovery of what they needed to know, and eventually for each individual to discover how to get to learn about it.
So, you can understand how the story of Perlman’s efforts to have his violin student learn how to teach herself, could trigger my memories of Steve Wagner’s math class. Se BILL BOURIS page 31
As his older sister, I know fishing evokes childhood memories of our dad. When Daddy set out to buy a modest motorboat, father and son had to overcome our mother’s doubts. The boat was christened The Jericho after Joshua persuaded the walls of Mom’s resistance to come tumbling down. Over time fishing has sunk into his bones, deeper than nostalgia.
“It’s the unknown,” he tells me. He never knows what’ll be on the end of that line or what it’ll tell him about the body of water he’s fishing on. With his science mind, he takes in data on species, variety, habitat.
My brother’s a high-energy guy (in case that’s not obvious); he likes to keep moving. When he fishes, he gets very still. He puts his attention on the bobber or the spinner and he waits. He is radically patient. Opening to the unknown, he slips the boundaries of his being. Through the language of fish, he absorbs the life of the river, the swamp and cove, becoming larger
than the facts, or himself. a heavenly father. Our heavenly father wants focusing every day on giving control of my to guide us in the right direction and be an life over to God has been the most important important part of our lives. decision I have ever made. It has
For people like me, who naturally desire significantly reduced stress, increased the to do things my own way, relationship level of happiness in my life, and placed me building with God can be difficult. Sometimes, I wake I know that in a position where I know that whatever circumstances I am up in the morning ready to whatever facing or have faced in the take on the day according to circumstances past, God will take care of it. my plan and my own will. This approach has time and I am facing or What a relief. Imagine walking into court, a hospital, a again produced less than have faced in new job, a difficult decision, a desirable results at the end of the past, God will challenging personal struggle, the day. Fortunately, a few years take care of it. or the millions of scenarios that life brings our way with the back, a man showed me a new What a relief. confidence that you do not way to approach each day that have to rely on your own life gives us. Instead of “driving the bus” human power to “take care of the situation.” myself, I would just ask God for knowledge When we turn things over to our heavenly of His will for me and the power to carry father, the outcome always turns out okay. that out. Notice that I did not say that the outcome
At first, I did not like that idea. What if turns out “my way”, but okay. Sometimes, God’s will is different than my own? God has a plan in place that we cannot see at
I decided to give this a try. the moment. It can be difficult to trust Him
The results were amazing and changed when we cannot see His intention. my life in ways that I would never have If we are on our own path, He has a believed. While I am far from perfect, tendency to pull us back to His path. If we resist, this can be quite a painful experience.
Now, allowing God to lead us throughout each day does not mean that we can just sit up on the back porch and waiting for Him to do all the work. It is just the opposite. When we are following God’s will for us, oftentimes we are more active and involved in activities than when we thought we were in control of our own lives.
Each of has a different purpose. God has a different plan for every one of His children. The important thing is to follow His plan to the best of our ability.
Some folks may say that they are too independent to give it over to God. Others may not believe in God at all. For those of you who struggle with what I am telling you about this way of living, I would simply suggest that you perform the experiment. Just for one day.
You can be the judge of whether living according to God’s will or your own will is the path to peace and contentment in your life.
I am grateful that I finally handed over the keys to the bus to God and moved into the passenger seat.
COMMENTARY A season of gratitude and thankfulness
mental and physical health. This can be more than we can bear, and we can find ourselves wondering when things will go back
PATRICK to normal. This type of stress will eventually take its toll. YURAN Now is the time to “make sure our glass is half full” because half empty is simply Headmaster depressing. It doesn’t require much time or OAK MOUNTAIN energy. We simply start by taking a few minACADEMY utes at the beginning of each day to
As we head into the holiday season, it is acknowledge all of the positive components important to remember that we have much in our life that fill the glass. for which to be thankful. To help make this a regular habit, we may
Even during a global pandemic and in want to write these acknowledgements down times of fear and great uncertainly, thankful- on paper. It doesn’t have to be a lengthy list, ness and gratitude are necessary components but by identifying the positive components, of a healthy life. we may begin to notice improvements in our
We have all heard the phrases “make sure mental and physical health as the glass runs our glass is half full,” “look for the silver lin- over. Make sure your glass is half full... ing,” and “count our blessings.” These are Now, more than ever, is the time to “look not just clichés, but studies show this posi- for the silver lining” and doing so is not as tive mindset contributes to a healthier life. If difficult as one might think. All we have to we are being honest, the world we live in do is stop. When we find ourselves enjoying today can be quite overwhelming. a moment, just stop... It could be a laugh, it
The political discontent, the social unrest, could be a conversation, it could be a smell –and figuring out our new “normal” during a whatever it is and whenever it comes, just global pandemic is wreaking havoc on our stop... by taking a short time to bask in the
My last column
ED WILSON
Thoughts While Shaving cedwilson587 @yahoo.com
This will be my last column.
First, I wish to thank editor and publisher Sue Horn Chappell for allowing me to bloviate these past years and particularly for editing and improving my draft input.
And second, I wish to thank those readers who were kind enough to communicate agreement or disagreement with my writings. I learned from all.
A fair question is why bail out now, when, admittedly, I still have an opinion on every subject known to man, most of which are beyond my understanding?
The fair answer is: 1. It takes three pairs of glasses to function 2. My get up and go has pretty much got up and gone 3. My recliner and TV have become my best friends, and those old series and movies are better now than they were so long ago.
Have a nice day.
Cedwilson587@yahoo.com
Editor’s note:Well, dear readers, I will do my best to, hopefully, convince Mr. Wilson to not abandon us with his “Thoughts While Shaving” columns.I realize he celebrated his 92nd birthday this year, but, that’s no excuse!
His words of logic on a myriad of life’s topics gracing this newspaper’s pages for the past decade have enhanced and enlightened many a mind, and, undoubtedly, annoyed so many others.
Anyway, I know that, tomorrow, Mr. Wilson will shave again, and have thoughts, again. . . perhaps they will be second thoughts?
Letter to the Editor
To theEditor:
You can protect yourself : Perspective from a registered nurse
During this COVID19 crisis, we as nurses have been called heroes, angels, essential workers and given free meals and applause: thanks, but that is not what we want. What we really need is for you to protect yourselves. I know that you have been getting mixed messages from the government, scientists, and the media about what to do, so let me be perfectly clear: wear a mask, wash your hands and do not touch your face, especially your eyes.
This is not rocket science, it is common sense, please think about it. You can do this and it is not political, we are all Americans. And for those of you who do not follow this advice, when I see you come through those doors in the emergency room short of breath with a fever, I will do the best that I can to save your life.
It is happening, it is all around you and is getting worse. We as health care workers are worked to the bone and see the end results of death and disability. Twenty percent of those who do recover are still suffering symptoms, and the long-lasting affects could shorten their lives. Fifteen percent of athletes who recover from COVID19 have heart damage. This is not the flu. This is something far worse.
If we all protect ourselves, things will get back close to normal when vaccines become available, and then you can relax a little bit. There are no politics here, just plain common sense, please do what is right to protect you and your loved ones. And by the way, when you do that, you are also protecting me.
I do care, I love saving lives and that is why I became a nurse.
I was trained by the U.S. military and the DOJ for medical management of patients from weapons of mass destruction biological, chemical, and nuclear specializing in pandemics.
Dan Stahl RN, Carrollton
experience and acknowledge how we are blessings... feeling at that very moment, then we can In times like these that consist of political hold on to it for as long as possible. Make discontent, social unrest, and a global pansure to find the silver demic our mental and lining.... physical health are pushed
Now is also the time In times like these that and stretched to a different to “count our bless- consist of political discontent, level of confusion. If you ings” and doing so can be as easy as falling social unrest, and a global or someone you love is struggling, there is hope asleep after a long pandemic our mental and and there is help. The day’s work. Once we physical health are pushed National Alliance on lay our head on the pillow at night, we can and stretched to a different Mental Issues (NAMI) has a helpline: 800-950-6264. take a moment to level of confusion. Please share this informaacknowledge the day’s If you or someone you love tion to anyone you feel successes or blessings. There are many is struggling, there would benefit. As we head into this great moments is hope and there is help. holiday season, my hope is throughout our day The National Alliance on that we all intentionally that we rarely recognize because the nega- Mental Issues (NAMI) has a seek out the positive components and successful tive moments are the helpline: 800-950-6264. moments in our own lives ones that get fed con- Please share this as we “make sure our glass tinuously – not the positive successes. information to anyone is half full,” “look for the silver lining,” and “count
Studies show that you feel would benefit. our blessings.” acknowledging posi- It is also important to tive success before share our gratitude and bedtime leads to a better night’s sleep. A bet- thankfulness with the ones whom we love. ter night’s sleep leads to stronger mental and You might not know just how much they physical health. Make sure to count your need it.
My world needs you
On March 12, 2020, my whole world changed. The closing of churches, schools,
TRACEY eateries, and places of businesses were all maimed. PITTS Hand sanitizers, Lysol wipes, and toilet tissue became essential. Newly selected ball Millennials Christian players won’t be able to show their full Ministry (MCM) potential. No need for new makeup, lip gloss, lipstick,tpitts@mcmem clothes or even new high- heeled pumps. Notpowered.org able to really enjoy the outdoors because of a quarantine lasting for months.
We’ve been asked to wear a mask when we interact with others, standing six feet and being distant from our family and friends. Scientists and doctors are working feverishly desiring for this dreaded disease to quickly come to an end.
There are so many things that I took for granted--going to my church, hugging my mom, eating at various eateries, going to the movies whenever I wanted to do so. Now, I have to wash my hands a thousand times a day, not touch my face, and use plastic gloves to open any door as I go. It took this pandemic to help me to get my focus back on Jesus, the One who died for me. Jesus, precious Jesus, the One who set me free. I have so much to be grateful for although my world has been turned upside down. I have life, health, family and having a brilliant, sharp mind... one that is sound.
I have used this time wisely to get my life in order as Jesus’ coming is drawing nigh. He’s coming back like a thief in the night; as quickly as the twinkling of an eye. In the Word of God it states that there would be wars and rumors of wars all over this land. I can turn to any platform of social media to see man fighting against man.
So much violence and death everywhere that I turn. So much hatred and wickedness and buildings as they burn. I scratch my head in dismay for all that my hazel brown eyes see. I now quickly look to heaven and scream, “Lord, I need Thee!”
I am quick to repent now for my frequent lackluster attitude. I can no longer make an excuse, but I am now seeking God asking, “How can I be used?” Used by Him to tell others of His unfailing love, mercy, and grace. I am no longer allowing daily distractions to keep me from seeking His beautiful, yet timeless face.
For the time has come where two will be working... one will be taken and the other left (rapture). It’s time for me to truly love God and not be overcome with myself. For I now realize that things may never go back to being normal in this land. Jesus, we need You-every boy, girl, woman, and man.
So, I’ve decided to fall deeper in love with you, my Savior, my Lord, and my King. You are my OXYGEN, my protector, my everything. So, please forgive me for taking You and all that You’ve blessed me with for granted. Praying, studying, and living a life upright and not slanted.
Learning to love others, speak truth to power, and lift up Your name. After this pandemic has passed, because I want to always please You, and glorify Your Holy Name, I’ve vowed not to be the same. So, I lean on Your magnanimous shoulders when I need to shed a tear.
I must rely on You and not walk in any fear.My world needs You, for You are the only foundation that is sure. You are the Righteous One, and the only One who is pure.
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University of West Georgia’s annual “A Day” fundraiser brings $1,000,496
Conducted during the CoVID-19 pandemic, 2020 Campaign is now the second largest “A Day” in the university’s history
submitted by Colton Campbell
Communications Department / UWG
The University of West Georgia recently concluded its annual A Day to Give West –known as A Day – campaign, notching more than $1 million in gifts to support the university’s annual fund.
The $1,000,496 raised will support scholarships, enhancements to campus, laboratory equipment, recreational activities, and other initiatives and programs. The final amount makes the 2020 campaign, conducted during the COVID-19 pandemic, the secondlargest in the university’s history.
Dr. Meredith N. Brunen, vice president for University Advancement at UWG, said A Day is a celebration of what can be accomplished when UWG is engaged with, championed by, and working alongside its communities.
“Our community truly rose to the occasion and showcased their commitment to and support of UWG, and for that, we are thankful,” Brunen said. “Since A Day’s beginnings in 1982, we’ve blossomed from a college into the university we are today: one that has flourished as a direct result of the support from the communities we serve.”
Christy Sammon served as chair of the 2020 campaign, with Dr. Stacy Boyd and Melanie McLean serving as co-chairs of the campaign for UWG faculty and staff.
“Despite the challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic, we were able to pivot, get creative and still raise an outstanding amount in a unique year,” Sammon said. “During my 20 years of involvement with A Day, the communities we serve have always been generous, so I was honored to be chair this year and am so proud of the University of West Georgia and what it means to our community.”
The A Day campaign originated in October 1982, when then-West Georgia College introduced a new fundraising concept in which the collective university community championed its West Georgia Annual Fund.
Bob Stone, founder and chairman of the board of SMI, served as a co-chair of that inaugural campaign. This year, Stone said he was glad to hear of the “tremendous support” that resulted in another $1 million year for A Day.
“Over the years, I have seen the effect of A Day funds on so many aspects of our university and students’ experiences,” Stone said. “A Day began and continues to be a testament to the amazing support UWG receives from our community.”
UWG students participated in the campaign, as well, raising more than $3,400 in the Mr. and Miss A Day competition. In this event, 10 students represented various student organizations in an online campaign challenge to benefit student scholarships.
Nichole Fannin, executive director of development at UWG, said opportunities for philanthropy like A Day make it possible not only to instruct and enlighten students but to inspire them to make a positive impact on the world.
“The impact this campaign makes in the lives of our students is almost immeasurable,” Fannin said. “We are so proud to be stewards of a campaign that showcases the mutually beneficial relationships between UWG and the regional community.”
Left to right: UWG community partner Tim Martin, president and CEO of Carroll EMC; Dr. Brendan B. Kelly, president of the University of West Georgia; Dr. Meredith N. Brunen, vice president for University Advancement at UWG; and Nichole Fannin, executive director of Development at UWG.
