October 2023

Mayor of Villa Rica candidate Leslie McPherson - see page 11

Carrollton City Councilman Jim Watters - see page 23

Restaurant/Hotel Inspections - page 28 Marriage Licenses - page 29

Nursing home spilling raw sewage into Buck Creek: 13,000 gallons a day

Buck Creek watershed drainage area is 32.4 sq. mi./ Buck Creek flows into Little Tallapoosa River

EPD alerted twice by Carroll County Department of

story by Sue Horn

Acting on a tip from a close source and utilizing the Georgia Open Records Act (O.C.G.A.§50-1870),StarNews obtained information, photographs, and videoes from Carroll County government and state revealing a long time ongoing large environmental spill in Carroll County discovered this past April by an employee of the Carroll County Department of Environmental Health (CCDEH).

Records show that the Georgia EPD was repeatedly informed of the spill and had to be dogged by a CCDEH employee into finally visiting the site.

EPD has not, as of press time, fulfilled their obligation to stop this egregious ongoing contamination in Carroll County. Since this site is strictly under EPD jurisdiction to inspect/monitor, serious questions need answers: When was the last EPD inspection? Did it pass? If the site failed inspection, why has the spill not been stopped?

Carrollton Nursing and Rehabiliation facility, built in 1986, is spilling (through flushing/draining) an estimated 13,000 gallons of raw sewage per day running through a non-operational onsite treatment

volunteers Amber Nixon,

Environmental Health (CCDEH): EPD goes to wrong nursing home; then cancels inspection of correct nursing home; finally dogged by CCDEH into visiting site

River System is only home to rare fish “Tallapoosa Darter”

To view video clips of the ongoing sewage spill, go to: www.starnewsgaonline.com (video clips made September 19, 2023)

Adult diapers, tampons, and medical sharps are visible in the trail of decomposing human waste

• Carrollton Nursing and Rehabilitation, 2327 Hwy. 27, Carrollton, has two onsite sewage treatment systems: one working; one not operational for decades • Facility was purchased in 2021 from GREAT OAKS NURSING HOMES who owned/operated for 26 years (1995-2021)

story by WayneReynolds

Betty B. Cason began serving her first term as Mayor of Carrollton in 2020 and is now running for reelection for her second term. She is the first female mayor of the 106 year old city.

“I enjoy the involvement with citizens, speaking to civic clubs, and with staff. Many of the statewide organizations I am now part of allows us to bring new things and ideas to Carrollton,” Mayor Cason said. “I have been in public service for 40 years, first working for the City of Bowdon, then 22 years as a probate judge, and now for over three and a half years as mayor.

“People ask me all the time: is the job of mayor full time? For me, it is! From visiting with and speaking to organizations, and other cities, and, most importantly, being

WayneReynolds

Past City of Carrollton mayor Walt Hollingsworth has decided he would like to have that job again, and is running for the position to be decided in the November 7th election. “I had so many people approach me about running again, that in late July I decided to run again,” Hollingworth explained. “Since I left office in 2020, many local residents called me and asked how to handle a question or concern in dealing with city hall. They weren’t complaints, but more so on how to navigate city government, which I could help with. I have stayed involved.” Hollingsworth served as mayor from 2016 to 2020.He is the lone challenger to Incumbent Betty B. Cason. Hollingsworth is a lifetime resident of Carrollton. He shared that he was diagnosed

B. Cason challenged by past mayor Walt Hollingsworth Carrollton Mayoral Race - Election November 7th -Early Voting begins October 16th Mayor Cason INCUMBENT MAYOR CASON page 6 See CHALLENGER HOLLINGSWORTH page 15

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HAPPENING

Dignity. Compassion. Service.

Our funeral homes are all owned and operated by the same local family—the Hightowers. Our top priority is to provide the best, most dignified, and quality service to our friends and families. Our staff is committed to providing support, compassion, information, and direction as needed to all members of our community, their families, and friends who are dealing with loss and grief.

County Solid Waste to receive their own excavator after destroying the one on loan from Public Works

New excavator is an unbudgeted item: $180,601 to be withdrawn from reserve

The excavator Solid Waste destroyed “might be good to sell for scrap”

story by Janice Daniel

The Carroll County Board of Commissioners met for their monthly work session on Thursday, September 28, 2023 at 4:00 p.m. The full board was present.

In March, StarNews reported on the destruction of aPublic Works Department excavator by an employee of the Solid Waste Department due to not following specific instructions that had been given for proper use. Public Works purchased a new excavator in February at the cost of $201,318 from Central Atlanta Tractor Sales, 4240 MLK Jr Drive SW, Altanta, to replace the one rendered useless.

During this September 28th commission work session, Jacqueline Dost, Solid Waste director, requested and received approval from the board to add to the Consent Agenda (all agenda items to be decided with one vote at the following October 3rd regular meeting) the purchase of a 2023 Sany Model 225 Excavator exclusively for the transfer station in the amount of $180,601. It will also be purchased from Central Atlanta Tractor Sales, Atlanta.

This new piece of heavy equipment was not budgeted in the FY23/24 Budget that began July 1st. But, Dost informed the board that she already checked with the finance director and there are ample funds to spend from the Solid Waste Reserve Account to purchase the new excavator.

construction process.

District 2 Commissioner Clint Chance asked if the IT equipment the judges have received technical grants for will be compatible with the sheriff’s office and administration. He was assured by the IT Director that his department has kept updating IT to keep it current and compatible so that all systems work together.

District 3 Commissioner Tommy Lee asked if Gay could have the drawings sent to the commissioners before the meeting scheduled for October 3rd? Gay said yes, and that he will have the RFP packages ready by the second week in October.

Theron Gay, a paid $100 per-hour county consultant (during 20212022, Gay was paid $19,850.00 by Carroll County taxpayers) was there to present consideration of issuance of three requests for proposals for the Court House for 1) finishing the 5th floor and associated improvements, 2) information technology and audiovisual systems, and 3) security systems, including cameras.

Consent Agenda was prepared as follows:

1.Ben Skipper, Community Development Director, reported that the Comprehensive Plan presented to the Georgia Department of Community Affairs was approved by that group and is now an official document.

In summary, county taxpayers purchased two excavators to replace the one destroyed so Solid Waste could have their own at a total cost of $328,919. It is not known if any Solid Waste employees will be required to attend heavy equipment operation training (West Georgia Technical College of fers “Diesel Equipment Technology classes).

Theron Gay, a paid $100 per-hour county consultant (during 2021-2022, Gay was paid $19,850.00 by Carroll County taxpayers) was there to present consideration of issuance of three requests for proposals for the Court House for 1) finishing the 5th floor and associated improvements, 2) information technology and audiovisual systems, and 3) security systems, including cameras.

2.Jacqueline Dost, Solid Waste Director, presented a consideration for the purchase of a 2023 Sany Model 225 Excavator for the transfer station, $180,601, from Central Atlanta Tractor Sales. The excavator is guaranteed to be delivered in less than 30 days, has a 5year/5,000-hour warranty. Dost also advised the board that the county already has familiarity with this brand as well as a diagnostic computer to identify problems that may arise after the warranty expires. District 4 Commissioner Steve Fuller asked if anything could be salvaged off the old excavator? Dost replied, “It might be good to sell for scrap.”

3.Approval of an ACCG Mental Health Resolution where every county in Georgia is urging the Governor and General Assembly to continue efforts to reform and improve mental health services in the state. Despite some successes, the commissioners agreed that there is still a tremendous amount of work to be done for all citizens across Georgia to receive adequate care for mental health and substance abuse disorders.

In summary, county taxpayers purchased two excavators to replace the one destroyed so Solid Waste could have their own at a total cost of $328,919. It is not known if any Solid Waste employees will be required to attend heavy equipment operation training (West Georgia Technical College offers “Diesel Equipment Technology classes).

Leslie McPherson For Mayor of Villa Rica

Early Voting begins October 16th Election Day is Tuesday, November 7th

*Former Member of City Council 2014-2023

*Lower Property Taxes

*Build a Thriving Downtown

* Be the Voice of All the People at City Hall

Gay told the board that the designs and plans are almost finished and he is getting ready to issue RFPs for the build-out. He has a list of 10 items for the project, and a list of items to be added on in order of priority and still remain within budget. He stated he hopes to have the bids ready for consideration by the board by the November work session.

There will be a bid bond, a performance bond, and a material bond included, and the county will keep a 5% retainer on invoices presented until each phase is declared to be finished correctly by a representative of the county with extensive knowledge of the

The Carroll County Board of Commissioners specifically urges the Government of Georgia to enhance Georgia Citizens’ access to vital mental health services, including the provision of state budgetary funding for additional behavioral health crisis centers across the state, additional co-responder units, and other resources to assist those with mental health/substance abuse issues. Resolution will be sent to the Legislature currently in their 2024 session. A study by Forbes in 2022 reported that Georgia has the fourth worst mental health care availability in the United States.

Chairman Michelle Morgan advised the board that a new agenda item will be added for the following Tuesday, October 3rd meeting: nominations for the AG Advisory Committee. With no further business to attend, the work session was adjourned.

* 4 Generations of My Family Live in Villa Rica

* Work with Integrity & Accountability to God and the Citizens of Villa Rica

"I am committed to doing everything in my power to raise our quality of life, reduce our property tax burden, and welcome new businesses to create a thriving downtown!"

LeslieEmcpherson@outlook.com

Facebook: Leslie McPherson for Mayor

Free shows monthly, some celebrity, and a lot of good food at Dyson Bar and Grill on Bankhead Highway in Carrollton

story by Wayne J. Reynolds

Meeting Carlos

Tyson you will notice his passion for food, his passion for the people, and his passion to share his stories.

“It all started out me selling jerk chicken back in Maryland. Then a buddy of mine showed me his crabcake recipe. I worked on perfecting it and started selling it out of the back of my car and at a local restaurant! It just grew from there,” said Carlos Dyson, co-owner of Dyson Bar and Grill in Carrollton. His partner is Tyson Blakely who is Carlos’ wife Kima’s cousin.

“And then covid happened,” said Carlos. “Kima, and I moved to Georgia in 2021 and bought Irma’s Tex Mex outside of Fairfield Plantation in Villa Rica. We opened it as Dyson Chicken and Seafood. But, I began researching the Carrollton area for restaurants, and saw there were some voids. So, I started looking for a new location. Where I am now is the first location I looked at [the vacant Burger King location on Bankhead Highway across from Scott Evans Chrysler Dodge Jeep]. I looked at several other locations, but came back here, and came to an agreement in November 2022, then signed the lease on January 1, 2023 and opened in April.”

“In opening up here in Carrollton, I never met so many people willing to help. The people, the county, and city offices were just so helpful. They would literally take me by the hand to walk me through the process step by step. This is so different from my experience living in Maryland and Washington, D.C. where the process was so much more difficult. Carrollton and the people have done so much for me! I wish I had done this twenty years ago - it would have probably added fifteen years to my life!”

“At the Fairfield location, I didn’t have sit-down seating and I knew if I wanted to grow I needed to have seating and be able to serve alcohol. When you serve fried food, it needs to be eaten immediately so it doesn’t lose its crisp and avoid getting soggy, so for me, seating was a must. At Dyson, your food is prepared to order -not prepared ahead of time. Yes, you will have to be a little patient because preparing it to order takes longer, but you will taste the difference. Here you will never be rushed; we want you to have a dining experience and to socialize with each other. I also think you will find the food is seasoned to perfection!”

Part of the attraction of Dyson Bar and Grill goes beyond the food: it’s Carlos spending time with each customer, asking about the food, making suggestions, and sharing stories. At Dyson, you could say you get the whole ‘Dyson experience’!

Uniquely, Carlos doesn’t charge for the space to host your private event, just charging for the food. He recently hosted the Fairfield Garden Club and the Carrollton High School 40th anniversary graduates.

Once a month, Dyson hosts a free show and dinner (paying only for your meal). On September 30th they hosted two free shows - Elvis and an Eighties show. On October 28th, they will host Apollo-O-Ween Halloween party featuring 90s rapper Freak Nasty and Southern Players.

See CARLOS DYSON page 6

Shown left is Carlos Dyson, co-owner of Dyson Bar and Grill in Carrollton, as he proudly shows off two of the restaurant’s most popular entrees: Crab Cakes and Lamb Chops.

Shown at top is Carlos’ wife Kimi, founding member of Total, an American R&B girl group and one of the signature acts of the Bad Boy Records imprint during the mid 1990s.

Previously located just outside of Fairfield Plantation and now located in the old (vacant) Burger King building in Carrollton

available to our citizens,” she said.

Betty and her husband Don are raising two of their grandchildren. “One aspect of raising grandchildren is this has allowed me to stay current with their needs and the needs of all the children in the city - such as in education, activities, and recreation - that, otherwise, I might not be as involved in or aware of.”

When Cason was Probate Judge Cason, she was instrumental in forming the Carroll County Mental Health Advocates in 2008, but she stressed that was a team effort.

“As a probate judge, I learned first hand how

CARLOS DYSON from page 5

“If you have never been here before, you might start with the seafood platter which is a great taste. I don’t think people realize all we offer. I will also put my Philly Cheesesteak up against anyone’s. We even import the bread from Philly! Of course, our crab cakes are like none other. It is my own recipe with no fillers, 29 seasonings, and secret mayo, and reflects the Maryland crab cakes I grew up with. You can order your seafood or chicken grilled, blackened, cajun, or fried. Try the fried lobster tails or blackened ribeye. People love the Dyson shrimp. We offer wings several ways, but our Southern fried wings are like your grandma made. During October, you can get 50 wings for $45 or 100 for $80.

“Until recently, we were the only restaurant that offered crab cakes and lamb chops! But try ours! Perfect to watch the game! Moving forward, we want to add some healthier options and Sunday brunch specials.”

“I want to be involved in giving back to the Carrollton community, so please involve us in fundraising efforts.The community has been so good to us and we want to give back. And everything we do is locally based. Interestingly, I have been surprised by how many seniors come to dine with us and how late they stay.”

Carlos’ wife Kima was a founding member of Total, an American R&B girl group and one of the signature acts of the Bad Boy Records imprint during the mid 1990s. Total is best known for their feature on Mase’s “What You Want”, as well as their hits “Kissin’ You”, “Can’t You See” (featuring The Notorious B.I.G.), and “What About Us?” and “Trippin’”, both featuring Missy Elliott.

Together, Carlos and Kima have 6 children and 8 grandchildren.

Kima is not only the only celebrity in Carlos’s life. In his old neighborhood in Waldorf, Maryland, located about 20 miles from Washington, D.C., lived Caleb Williams, the All American quarterback for the USC Trojans and 2022, Heisman Trophy winner.

“I have known Caleb since he was 4 years old. He spent a lot of time at our house growing up - and enjoying our cooking! He played on the same peewee football team, but he didn’t play quarterback - my son was the quarterback. Caleb was a linebacker and running back. Obviously, as they got older, that changed! Caleb has always been a hard worker beyond what you would expect for a teenager. He has worked hard for all he has accomplished.” Also in the neighborhood was Rasheed Walker, now an offensive tackle with the Green Bay Packers offensive tackle.

Yes, Carlos has some stories to share - be sure you get the “whole Dyson experience” next time you are there!

Dyson Bar & Grill is located at 700 Bankhead Highway, Carrollton. They are open Tuesday through Friday 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., Saturday noon until 9:00 p.m. and Sunday noon to 6:00 p.m. Follow them on Facebook for specials and events or by calling 470-727-4998.

broken the system is in helping those with mental illness. It has evolved to help advocate for people suffering from mental health issues. This program has grown and still growing, community partners, grants, fundraisers and donations have made this program most successful.”

She was also involved in bringing the Mobile Crisis Unit to the area which has grown from one unit to two, and is among the first of its kind in the state of Georgia.

“When there is an incident that may involve a resident in a mental health crisis, a paramedic and licensed professional counselor ride with a law enforcement officer. After law enforcement has cleared the scene, the response team immediately reacts. In over 700 calls in two years, only two people have been arrested, one for family violence and another for an outstanding warrant.”

Early in her term, COVID hit. Mayor Cason explained it was difficult to get things done then, but it was important to keep the citizens safe and businesses operating. “Some of the decisions were from the state level and not our local decision, but overall I think we did a good job.”

Among other positive projects during her first term, she and Council member Bob Uglum established a “Young Council” in conjunction with Carrollton Schools Superintendent Dr. Mark Albertus. This program meets monthly with high school students screened and approved from the facility to give

these students hands-on experience on how the government works.

Mayor Cason wants to “meet the needs of local small businesses as well as industry. We need to continue to revitalize and bring new life to Carrollton. I am proud of the new industry and business that come here but our greatest asset is our citizenstheir giving and loving attitude!”

The Mayor also - quite expectedly! - is excited about the “Mayor’s Reading Club” where she reads children’s books at various locations to children. She is also proud the city council agreed to donate land to build the All Ages and Abilities Access Park. “This park is a wonderful concept and so important. It is important not only for children with challenges but also adults with challenges to have a place to be with their children. It is being privately funded, which when

See CARROLLTON MAYOR RACE page 31

County

Board objecting to

Carroll County government has collected enough surplus tax to have 61% in reserves: $49M in cash reserves for $67M budget

4000

Carroll County property owners have filed an appeal protesting that assessments are too high

story by Janice Daniel Carroll County Board of

Commissioners held monthly work session Thursday, August 31, 2023 at 4:00 p.m. with all present except District 1 Commissioner Montrell McClendon.

Finance Director Alecia Searcy presented the report for the month ended July 31, 2023, the first month of the Fiscal year. County’s fund balance shows that Carroll County government has collected enough surplus taxes to hold 61% in Cash Reserves. The county has $49 million in reserves and will collect $67 million (a separate amount) in taxes this fiscal year. The unaudited fund balance as of July 2023 was $40,957,714 ($40.9M). The FY2023-2024 Budget is $67,037,386 ($67.03M).

Current revenue as of August 31st, was $3,566,650 compared to $3,218,102 for the same time last year. Expeditures came in at $4,962,688, compared to $4,209,301 same time last year, for a net loss of $1,396,038, and a balance in the General Fund of $39,561,677.

Items were put on a Consent Agenda for approval in a one vote action at the following Tuesday, September 5, 2023, regular meeting.

Consent Agenda item #4 was:

Chief Carroll County Appraiser Hubert Sparks stated he wanted to file a Notice of Appeal of 2023 DOAA Sales Ratio Study pursuant to O.C.G.A. 48-5-275, regarding the 2023 Sales Ratio Study for Carroll County as performed by the Georgia Department of Audits and Accounts. Sparks feels the state’s

guidelines for assessing property are flawed.

The State Board has notified Sparks that the Carroll County assessments were too low.

Sparks asked the Board for an amount up to $3,000 to hire a firm to assist in this appeal.

Commissioner Chance stated that the Board of Assessors has had over 4,000 appeals filed this year by people who think their property value is grossly overstated.

The other Consent Agenda items were as follows:

1.Chief Superior Court Judge Simpson stated the Judicial Branch is seeking a $5,000,000 ARPA Supplement Grant for 2024 and 2025, and to roll the unspent funds from 2023 into this grant, which $1,900,000 of $2,500,000 has already been spent.

since they are taking care of the backlog from covid.

2.Christy Owens, director of the Animal Shelter, requested a purchase for a surgery table for spay-neuter services which will be paid for by funds to be raised through a September 9th fundraising event. Owens said this table will allow the technicians to prep an animal for surgery while two surgeries are going on, thereby cutting

down substantially on the time it takes for their two volunteer veterinarians to perform these operations.

3.Resolution, presented by Dee Perry, that the Carroll County Board of Commissioners establish an Agricultural Advisory Committee representing the diversity of agricultural operations in Carroll County in order to promote the objective to retain agriculture as a viable economic endeavor in Carroll County. Perry said this Committee has been recommended in the Comprehensive Plan for many years, and she

The Game & Southern Fried Wings!

50 for $45, 100 for $80

Judge Simpson advised that $360,000 will be spent on technology for Coweta County, and $400,000 for Carroll County. He said they are looking to add three Superior Court Courtrooms and one State Court Courtroom. The Coweta portion will be paid by Coweta County and reimbursed from the grant.

Judge Simpson also reported to the board that the average number of days in jail is now 142. At an average of $50 per day per inmate, 365 days would come up to $1,700,000, so it’s important to keep jail time low. He said the courts have a 241% clearance rate of cases

•Lunch!

$10.95 Select Sandwich/platter w/side & drink Tues.-Thur

•Dinner!

Dyson Seafood and Chicken

Steak, Lamb Chops, Seafood, Crab Cakes & More

•Party!

28 APOLLO-O-WEEN Halloween Party w/Freak

Nasty Full Bar--Sunday Brunch It's Dyson's .... Fun! Food! Fantastic! CrabCakes Wings Early Voting begins October 16th Election Day is Tuesday, November 7th HOLLINGSWORTH for MAYOR of CARROLLTON Contact me if you have any city concerns hollingsworthwa@aol.com Cell: (770) 328-7118 Office: 770-832-2371 Follow on Facebook Walt Hollingsworth for Mayor COMMON SENSE CONSERVATIVE Carrollton native & Carrollton High graduate Auburn graduate Experience— former Mayor 2016-2020 Working Businessman Cancer Survivor Pro 1st & 2nd Amendments

Chief Appraiser files Notice of Appeal to State

its “Sales Ratio Study’ for Carroll County: state says Carroll County’s property assessments are “too low”; Hubert Sparks says their guidelines are flawed

plant, out onto open ground and draining into an open well, and continuing its path forming an approximately 1/4 acre sewage pond that then drains into Buck Creek (see photo right). Buck Creek connects with and flows into the Little Tallapoosa River at a point located downstream from the City of Carrollton’s drinking water source (water filtration plant).

The open well (see photo this page) is in the watershed defined by the 8 digit Hydrologic Unit Code (HUC) 03150108 and has a drainage area of 32.4 square miles.

The EPD permitted this original site in 1986 for this sewage treatment plant. . . It is, and has been, EPD’s responsibility to monitor this location since 1986. . .

County Department of Environmental Health: “We found that part if not most of the sewage flow was not tied to the septic system. In a densely wooded area away from the main drive we found what appears to be an old sewage treatment plant that looked to be in disrepair for quite some time. . . These systems are regulated by the EPD.”

According to StarNews’ source, “adult diapers, tampons, and medical sharps” were visible in the raw, decomposing sewage.

According to the StarNews’ source, “adult diapers, tampons, and medical sharps” were visible in the raw and decomposing sewage.

Photographs obtained by StarNews show the open well, and parts of the older sewage treatment equipment (see photo this page ) including what appears to be an outside electrical box.

The EPD permitted this original site in 1986 for this sewage treatment plant, and it has been under their jurisdiction and responsibility to inspect on a regular basis. It is, and has been, EPD’s responsibility to: monitor this location since 1986; be aware of the history of the facility, such as when the newer onsite sewage treatment plant began operation; when the older one stopped functioning; and if the older one has been or is incurring any violations (spills). Thus, one of two scenarios is true: 1. EPD failed to inspect this site for at least two decades; or 2. EPD inspected this site witnessing the spill without taking steps to stop it.

Carroll County Department of Environmental Health and EPD

An anonymous call from a duck hunter on January 25, 2023, reporting the smell of sewage on Buck Creek resulted in the Carroll County Department of Environmental Health (CCDEH) to investigate the closest nearby facility: Carrollton Nursing and Rehabilitation, 2327 Highway 27, Carrollton. The initial investigation by CCDEH on January 31st of the facility’s septic system resulted in the finding of “unable to verify any sewage spill”. Complaint was abated February 2nd. After receiving another anonymous complaint on April 26thone that provided more details as to the location of the problem - a second investigation by CCDEH uncoveredliterally - a second, and much older non-functioning onsite treatment system through which sewage was found to be freely flowing. This older treatment system was discovered by CCDEH under decades-old growth of trees, bushes, and grasses. StarNews discovered an online satellite image of the sewage spill that appears to be at least a 1/4 of an acre in size; depth is unknown (see photo this page).

According to the report filed April 27th by Jake Holloway, Environmental Health County Manager, Carroll

That same day, Holloway referred the complaint to the Georgia EPD as “it is in their jurisdiction”. He sent a lengthy email to Brian Boutelle, EPD, Stormwater and Drinking Water, detailing the ongoing contamination and situation: “We received a complaint on Carrollton Nursing and Rehab located at 2327 Hwy 27 North Carrollton, GA 30117. I accompanied one of our inspectors to the site during the investigation. We found what appears to be an old onsite treatment plant. I know these were originally permitted by the EPD.”

Holloway’s email continues, “It appears the system has not functioned in many years or possibly decades. The components are hard to identify as they are in such disrepair and have thick vegetation growing around it. Currently, there is raw sewage that leads directly into a pond. The pond then spills into a creek [Buck Creek] that is in close proximity to the pond. We pulled the water use records for this facility and found it is likely discharging an average of 13,000 gallons of raw sewage a day into an open water system and has likely been doing this for quite some time.”

Holloway’s email states, “I wanted to inform someone at the EPD since these type systems are not within our jurisdiction. . . If you would like more details feel free to call me on my cell.”

Boutelle responded the same day (April 27th) with this email: “This is a permitted site that we regulate. We were scheduled to conduct a routine inspection last week, but it has been moved to early next month. We have not been notified of any issues with this system. We will make it a priority to investigate.”

Holloway responded eight minutes later, “Thank you. We can meet you out there when you come if needed, the issue is well hidden by the vegetation.”

Two weeks later on May 9th, Holloway emailed Boutelle again: “I just wanted to follow up and see if anyone had time to follow up on the sewage issue at Carrollton Nursing and Rehab.” Boutelle responded to Holloway 36 minutes later: “We are planning on a site visit tomorrow.”

On May 17th, Boutelle emailed Holloway: “We looked at the system at Carrollton manor [sic] and did not see an [sic] unpermitted discharges. Could you email us a map marked with the location of the unpermitted discharge?”

Holloway emailed Boutelle pointing out that EPD went to the wrong nursing home, that “the failure is not at

See EPD’s BUNGLING page 9

O.V. GRAY AIRPORT

DARK BLUE: BUCK CREEK

YELLOW: CARROLLTON NURSING & REHAB

RED: CARROLLTON WATER INTAKE/ FILTRATION PLANT

GREEN: WHERE BUCK CREEK ENTERS LITTLE TALLAPOOSA RIVER DIRECTLY

DARK BLUE: LITTLE TALLAPOOSA RIVER

BLACK: CARROLLTON WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT NEAR UWG

Shown above is a satellite image of the Carrollton Nursing and Rehabiliation facility with the raw sewage pond circled in red. Using the square footage of the facility as a guide, the sewage pond is estimated to be around a quarter of an acre, depth unknown.

In a video obtained by StarNews through the Open RecordsAct, sewage is seen flowing into this open well located on the acreage belnging to the Carrollton Nursing and Rehabiliation facility. (See video: www .starnewsgaonline.com)

Shown above are components of the older sewage treatment equipment located on the Carrollton Nursing and Rehabiliation’s property including what appears to be an outside electrical box.

EPD’s BUNGLING from page 8

Carrollton Manor on Oak Grove. It is at Carrollton Nursing and Rehab. . . 2327 Hwy 27 North in Carrollton. The system we are referring to is an old EPD type treatment facility that has not been in operation for decades but the sewage is still connected to it. It is likely not currently inspected. If you are coming. . . I could meet you. . . and show you where the problem is located. I have attached a map of the property and the location of the problem is marked.”

Carrollton Nursing and Rehab told CCDEH’s Holloway that during the three months she has worked there she has been “keeping track of the incidents” and provided a copy to Holloway:

an employee of Carrollton Nursing and Rehab relayed . . . a “strong sewage smell in the dishwashing area usually happens in the morning when the staff first open the facility”

A week later on May 24th, Jenny Thieu, EPD Environmental Compliance Specialist, emailed Holloway: “I am doing 2 inspections before meeting you tomorrow. I may meet you around or after 10:40 a.m. unless I can find a window of time before. I’ll let you know by phone. If I can’t meet you tomorrow, I’ll also let you know.” The next morning, Thieu emailed Holloway: “I cannot make it this morning. . . I have a lot to address with my inspections today. I will come out next Friday.”

The following week Holloway was on vacation, and upon his return was informed that EPD visited the site the prior week. As of press time, CCDEH has received no followup from the EPD regarding this spill.

Decades of raw sewage flow

According to a source close to StarNews, electricity has not been received at Carrollton Nursing and Rehabiliation’s old onsite sewage treatment plant electrical box for a mininum of twenty (20) years, as the power company’s records only go back that far. The saturation point of thousands of gallons of sewage flushed/drained out every day behind the facility for perhaps 20+- years would most certainly affect drainage ebb and flow depending on rains or droughts. On May 8th, an employee of

- sinks in the main kitchen back up regularly

- toilet adjacent to kitchen clogs “every three days”and she is responsible for cleaning up

- water accumulates at the bottom on the toilet and the floors

- a “strong sewage smell in the dishwashing area usually happens in the morning when the staff first open the facility”

In a letter dated May 2nd from the Georgia Department of Community Health (GDCH) and sent to Carroll County Department of Environmental Health concerning the above complaints related to the sewage/water back ups/smells inside the nursing home, GDCH acknowledges “receipt of your complaint. The complaint has been referred to the Long Term Care Section of the Healthcare Facility Regulation Division for review.

“First, we must determine if your complaint raises issues that are within our regulatory authority to oversee. . . If so, a member of our staff will investigate the complaint. If we do not investigate. . . we will write you and let you know why. . . if. . . an on-site investigation is required, the visit will be unannounced. . . After the investigation is completed, you will be notified in writing of the outcome.”

This letter was unsigned. No one has been contacted at CCDEH as of press time.

Owners/Prior Owners of Carrollton Nursing and Rehabiliation

Carrollton Nursing and Rehabiliation, including its older style onsite sewage treatment plant, was constructed in 1986. Current

owner is Blue Stone Realty who purchased the facility on August 5, 2021 from Great Oaks Nursing Homes. Great Oaks Nursing Homes was owner and operator for 26 years (19952021) having purchased the facility in February 1995 from Eugene Bishop for $1.9M

($1,953,429). Blue Stone Realty Associates LP, Daniel Allen Ehrich of Inwood, NY (Long Island) purchased Carrollton Nursing and Rehabiliation, also known as Carroll Convalescent Center, August 5, 2021, from

Shown above is another component of the old onsite sewage treatment plant through which sewage is shown flowing freely and abundantly.

See GREAT OAKS NURSING page 10

Shown above is a black plastic drainage pipe (see at top). The raw human sewage running down through a fenceline is referred to as “blackwater”: a combination of feces, urine, water, and toilet paper. (All photos obtained through Open Records Act.)

GREAT OAKS NURSING from page 9

Great Oaks Nursing Homes for $13.9M ($13,957,895). Built in 1986, it sits on 15.36 acres. On that same day, TLS Land Partners LP, Daniel Allen Ehrich of Inwood, NY, also purchased Pine Knoll Nursing Home, 156 Pine Knoll Drive, Carrollton, from Great Oaks Nursing Homes for $8.2M ($8,210,526). Built in 1980, Pine Knoll is on public sewer.

Flesh-eating bacteria and Cryptosproidium

The flesh-eating bacteria Aeromonas hydrophila is found in both human and animal waste. Rivers and creeks naturally contain aeromonas hydrophilia from wildlife, such as deer, bear, snakes, and frogs that utilize the waterways leaving their scat behind. The daily runoff from an approximate 13,000+- gallons of human waste would significantly add to the percentage (parts per million) of aeromonas hydrophila contamination in Buck Creek, its watershed, and the Little Tallapoosa River. The National Academy of Sciences statesthat “Natural infections with flesh-eating bacteria from exposure to water can have devastating patient outcomes. Aeromonas hydrophila causes necrotizing fasciitis (NF).”

University of West Georgia student Aimee Copeland fell from a zipline into the Little Tallapoosa River in May 2012, severely injuring her leg and was later diagnosed with necrotizing fasciitis from the water of the Little Tallapoosa River that was contaminated with aeromonas hydrophila entered the nine-inch open wound in her calf. She lost parts of all four limbs due to the infection and had been informed by physicians that she had little chance of survival. She underwent more than 30 surgeries to close the wounds from her amputations.

Buck Creek: Watershed / Drainage Area

“Buck Creek Near Carrollton, GA”. (USGS02413070) This stream site, maintained by the

The flesh-eating bacteria Aeromonas Hydrophila is found in both animal and human waste. . . University of West Georgia studentAimee Copeland fell from a zipline into the Little Tallapoosa River in May 2012, severely injuring her leg . . . diagnosed with Necrotizing Fasciitis, a bacterial infection caused when the water of the Little Tallapoosa River, that was contaminated with Aeromonas Hydrophila, entered her open wound

USGS Georgia Water Science Center (identifier USGS-GA), has the name “BUCK CREEK NEAR CARROLLTON, GA.” and has the identifier USGS-02413070. This site is in the watershed defined by the 8 digit Hydrologic Unit Code (HUC)03150108. This site has a drainage area of 32.4 square miles.

Georgia Environmental Protection Division

The following is from the State EPD website: “The Environmental Protection Division (EPD) of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources is a state agency charged with protecting Georgia’s air, land, and water resources through the authority of state and federal environmental statutes. These laws regulate public and private facilities in the areas of air quality, water quality, hazardous waste, water supply, solid waste, surface mining, underground storage tanks, and others. EPD issues and enforces all state permits in these areas and has full delegation for federal environmental permits except Section 404 (wetland) permits. The Georgia EPD Director is Jeff Cown.”

The following is also from the state EPD website declaring their mission: “The Watershed Protection Branch protects and restores Georgia’s water resources. We take the lead in ensuring clean and safe water, and with our partners, we pursue a sustainable environ-

ment that provides a foundation for a vibrant economy and healthy communities.”

1987 Cryptosproidium in Carroll County

In addition to the flesh-eating bacteria aeromonas hydrophilia, cryptosporidium is also found in raw sewage and natural waterways.

On January 21, 1987, Dr. Mary Miles, health center physician at West Georgia College, notified the Georgia Department of Human Resources (GDHR) of a dramatic increase in acute gatroenteritis among the students. She reported that on January 20th alone, more than 200 students were ailing. Between January 12-February 7, 1987, roughly 13,000 Carroll County residents (county population then was 64,900) were sickened by cryptosporidiosis due to contamination of theCity of Carrollton’s filtered public water supply. Cryptosporidium oocysts were identified. Studies for bacterial, viral, and other parasitic pathogens failed to implicate any other agent.

Shown above is the Tallapoosa Darter, a rare fish that is endemic to the Tallapoosa River System in Georgia and Alabama, including the Tallapoosa River, Little Tallapoosa River, and their tributaries. This fish is particularly vulnerable to habitat loss because its distribution is restricted to a single river system.

Many Carroll Countians today still remember the symptoms they suffered: watery diarrhea, stomach cramps or pain, dehydration, nausea, vomiting and fever, lasting for one to four weeks.

Federal and local engineers investigated the City of Carrollton’s sand-filtered and chlorinated water system revealing the reason cryptosproidium was able to pass through and be

present in the city’s drinking water: mechanical agitators had been removed in December 1986 in anticipation of a scheduled replacement but had not been replaced; and filters were sometimes restarted without first being backwashed. During the first week of January, 1987, West Georgia College reopened after the holiday break. The number of filters restarted increased by 16, from a weekly average of 22 to 38, because water use increased with the returning students.

See CRYTPO SOURCENOTFOUND page 12

Shown above is another piece of the old onsite sewage treatment plant, a broken 6” terra cotta drainage pipe.

Leslie McPherson: active, vocal council member now running for Mayor of Villa Rica Council member

for Ward 3 resigned post in August to run for mayor citing a “power hungry mayor”

story by Wayne J. Reynolds

On August 22, 2023, Villa Rica City Council Member Leslie McPherson announced she was running for the position of mayor in the upcoming November 7th Election. That day, she also resigned her seat representing Ward 3. “By law I had to resign my seat,” McPherson said. She was elected to a four-year term on the city council that began January 2014.

“I am running for mayor,” McPherson declared, “because we currently have a powerhungry mayor who is working outside the city charter. The mayor and council are not to be involved in the day to day running of the city. We have a city manager style of government and the city manager runs the day-to-day operation.

“Furthermore, “ she averred, “the council members are kept from receiving, or are receiving altered, information from the current mayor. We must have a mayor who works legally within the city charter parameters.”

McPherson stated that, as council member, she supported the Fuqua Project. “The new road will connect the east and west sides of the city. It will benefit the residents on Cleghorn and open up access for them. I have met with the residents who are worried about protecting their historic homes as well. It will provide walkability, availability, and access to downtown which will benefit the downtown businesses.”

Leslie said she advocates and will fight for small businesses which she believes are the backbone of the city. As for growth, she understands the concept of “we will grow out of the problem” to spread the costs.

“But explosive growth never works well. I support the rights of a property owner to do what they want with their property. But when there are zoning requests, we must balance the rights of the property owner with the impact of our community and its quality of life.

“We need to think about what kind of place this will be in ten years and what we want. Do we want the problems that a nearby city has? I don’t think so!”

As representative of Ward 3, McPherson advocated for keeping an eye on our property tax and said that, as mayor, she will continue to do just that.

“Our current mayor has advocated for raising property taxes even in the middle of the pandemic! I have been consistent about lower rates.”

The most important issue The City of Villa Rica faces today, according to McPherson, is water independence.

“It is a problem we have been working on. We need to be independent of those we are buying water from, but it is an ongoing process. We are pioneering a new process that we hope to get approved by the stare and the EPA [Environmental Protection Agency]. But we will and must continue to explore all options and opportunities.”

Leslie and her husband Mike moved to Villa Rica permanently in 2009 from Delray Beach, Florida. She is part of four generations of her family who live in Villa Rica, including her 94

who is “working outside the city charter”

year old mother. She and Mike have raised three children. While raising children, sLeslie worked in a variety of capacities in the local school system including substitute teacher and teacher’s assistant. She holds an associate’s degree in business.

She has participated in jail ministry in both Florida and Georgia, is involved with the local Pregnancy Crisis Center, and is a member of Golden City Lions Club and Midway Church.

“Over the past 15 years, I took myself ‘back to school’,” she said, “studying the United States Constitution and The Bill of Rights, discovering the rights we have given up and what we need to do to get back on track.”

When the community opened up after covid, and public gatherings resumed, she and Carroll County Commissioner Clint Chance founded The Guardians of Liberty, a non-partisan, proAmerica group that hosts informal sessions for citizens to learn more about their government and how it affects their daily lives locally.

“We want people to participate and get involved in our government in both the school boards, and city and county governments.

“When I joined the council in 2014, the city didn’t stream meetings and wasn’t on social media, so I started an email list to inform my 3rd Ward residents to stay informed about what was going on in our city government. I emailed them at least once month. And it also gave them a way to contact me with their questions

and concerns. They always knew I was working for them.

“In local city government, council members rely on city employees for information. However, employees work for the city, while I work for the residents. As an elected official, I need to avoid ;system think,; and while it is important to listen to the staff, I always try to remember I represent the residents. I was their voice whether I was a council member, and will be continue to be if I receive the honor of being the next Mayor of Villa Rica.”

In conclusion, McPherson emphasized she is running as an advocate for the business community, getting a handle on the city’s growth and help direct the right type of growth, ensuring mayor and council work within the legal framework of the city charter, and being the voice of all the people at city hall.

You may reach Leslie McPherson on Facebook at Leslie McPherson for Mayor or LeslieEmcpherson@outlook.com

Early voting begins October 16th and the election is November 7th.

Leslie McPherson

“We need to think about what kind of place this will be in ten years and what we want. Do we want the problems that a nearby city has? I don’t think so!”

-Leslie McPherson, candidate, Villa Rica mayor

CRYTPO SOURCE NOT FOUND from

page 10

In theSeptember 2010 case study “Cryptosporidiosis in Georgia” by U.S Department of Health and Human Services, CDC, on the 1987 outbreak in Carrollton, the following was reported: “Low-level cryptosporidium infection in cattle in the watershed and a sewage overflow were considered as possible contributors to the contamination of the surface-water supply, but investigators could not conclude that the outbreak was caused by cryptosporidiosis from cattle. Investigators raised the possibility of surface runoff as the cause. Investigators also considered a sewage pipe overflow that occured above the water treatment plant, but that could not be determined.”

In conclusion, investigators did not find nor did they announce the source of the cryptosporidium. Edward B. Hayes was the lead epidemiologist investigating from CDC.The outbreak in Carrollton, Georgia, was the first reported contamination of a filtered surface water system.

Sewage discharge in freshwater ecosystems: loss of biodiversity, cyanotoxins, fish death, The following are excerpts from the book “Implications of Sewage Discharge on Freshwater Ecosystems” by Sami Ullah Bhat and Umara Qayoom, published October 2021:

“Water pollution has received more attention during the past few years owing to their ecologic, biodiversity, economic, and social perspectives. . . Freshwater ecosystems such as lakes and rivers are among the sensitive ecosystems, which host rich biodiversity. . . . Loss of biodiversity, physiological and behavioral changes in species, community shifts, and fish mortality have been witnessed in aquatic ecosystems which are the recipients of untreated or partially treated sewage.

“Nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus are abundant in sewage and are one of the leading causes of eutrophication [death of animal life due to lack of oxygen] of water bodies.

“Untreated or partly treated urban wastewater consists of high concentration of nutrients . . . which upon decomposition releases additional nutrients. Algal blooms especially those of cyanophytes release cyanotoxins, which are known to have harmful effects on aquatic life, wildlife, livestock, agricultural crops, and humans. Several toxins are liberated from sewage into the water, which are consumed by fishes. . . thereby increasing their possibility of entering into the food chain. . . Human urine consists of a high concentration of . . . nitrogen and phosphorus. . . Low dissolved oxygen (DO) indicates potential danger to the water body. Oxygen-demanding wastes in the sewage are responsible for the depletion of DO levels, which impact both water quality and biodiversity in the water body. The aquatic ecosystem suffering from hypoxic or anoxic conditions is responsible for the depletion of fish stocks and other forms of aquatic life.

“Fish are among the most affected species as low DO concentration increases their susceptibility toward diseases, retarding their growth, hindering their swimming ability, changes in feeding habits, migration, and in extreme cases results in death.”

The Tallapoosa Darter

The following is from Georgia Department of Natural Resources: “Tallapoosa Darter is a rare fish endemic to the Tallapoosa River system in Alabama and Georgia. Georgia populations are known from the Tallapoosa River, Little Tallapoosa River, and their tributaries.

“The Tallapoosa darter is particularly vulnerable to habitat loss because its distribution is restricted to a single river system.

“Populations in the Little Tallapoosa River system are isolated from downstream popula-

Oxygen-demanding wastes in the sewage are responsible for the depletion of DO levels. . . aquatic ecosystem suffering from hypoxic or anoxic conditions is responsible for the depletion of fish stocks and other forms of aquatic life.

tions by Harris Reservoir in Alabama and are not as widespread as those in the main Tallapoosa River. . . Stream degradation is the result of failure to employ Best Management Practices. . . failure to control soil erosion from construction sites and bridge crossings, and increased stormwater runoff. . .”

In conclusion, the negative effects of this long time, large, raw sewage contamination in Carroll County are far reaching and may take years to discover the full impact.

Hannah M. Kahler contributed to the research and content of this article.

City of Villa Rica reduces budget by $438,380 by transferring two projects over to SPLOST budget; and cutting some renovations, concessions stands, and new vehicle for maintenance

Council member Shirley Marchman is elected Mayor Pro Tem with resignation of Council Member Leslie MPherson who is running for position of Mayor story by Janice

Daniel

The Mayor and Council of the City of Villa Rica held a Special Called Meeting Tuesday, September 5, 2023, at 6:00 p.m. for the purpose of conducting two items of business, and holding the last Public Hearing on the 2023/2024 Fiscal Year Budget.

Public Hearing was held, but no one spoke.

One item of business was election of Mayor Pro Tem. Council member Shirley Marchman was nominated and unanimously approved to serve as Mayor Pro Tem to finish the term of

Leslie McPherson who stepped down from the council to run for mayor. Marchman’s term will end at 12/31/23.

The other item of business was the adoption of amendments to the City of Villa Rica FY2023-2024 Budget to reduce the budget by $438,380. With this reduction, the FY20232024 Budget is now $20,493,159 ($24.49M).

These amendments were passed by the council unanimously. These cuts included:

- $100,000: Gold Dust, repair/replace bleachers in basketball gym

- $75,000: Old library, renovations of current space (approx. 5,000 square feet)

- $45,000: V-Plex, training center, renovations, HVAC, carpet, restrooms and nets

- $45,000: library, labor to retrofit with LED lighting

- $45,000: new Ford F-250 vehicle with service body

- $19,000: V-Plex, alarm system, replacing ceiling tiles, repaint interior and build storage area

- $15,000: Avanti building, painting the right

side of the building

- $9,133: V-Plex, three concessions stands, countertops, cabinets, water fountains

- $10,000: V-Plex, outdoor workout station

- $5,781: administrative costs subtracted from both revenue and expenditures

Transfer two projects from General Fund to 2021 Carroll SPLOST:

1. $114,864: Scoreboard replacementsGold Dust (4); V-Plex (9)

2. $25,164: replace/new scorer ’s standsGold Dust (2);V-Plex (2)

Commission unanimously denies zoning for overnight tractor trailer parking

story by Janice Daniel Carroll County Board of Commissioners met on Thursday, October 5, 2023 at 6:00 p.m. All were present, District 4 Commissioner Steve Fuller by attending phone.

The Consent Agenda, prepared during the September 28th work session was read and approved unanimously (see story Page 4).

In Public Comments, Tammy Smith of 2675 Highway 113 North, Temple, advised the board about a creek at highway marker 4 where Carroll County owns a small strip of land, and there are dead trees on this piece of land, which she feels is concerning.

In the Zoning Session, Ben Skipper, director of Community Development, presented a Request for Rezoning from Commercial to Industrial for a distribution warehouse and tractor trailer parking at Parcel #073-0008, Lot 220, by Owner/Applicant MonTonSon Development LLC. Rhett Harmon of Carrollton stated his company’s plans for this

property are to provide monthly leases on a maximum of 238 parking spaces for tractor trailers who need to be parked for an extended period of time. This is not for overnight parking or sleeping there. Facility would be gated and property would be monitored 24/7.

Rhett Harmon of Carrollton stated his company’s plans for this property are to provide monthly leases on a maximum of 238 parking spaces for tractor trailers. . . not for overnight parking or sleeping there. Facility would be gated and property would be monitored 24/7.

Chairman Michelle Morgan asked Skipper if the re-zoning is approved, what else could it possibly be if it gets zoned industrial? Skipper said “it could be used for all other permitted uses in the industrial zoning category.”

District 5 Commissioner Ernie Reynolds stated concerns about how truck traffic coming from the north could safely enter the premises. Applicant stated that there are already other ways to access the property by tractor-trailers,

but his company will have to be compliant with whatever DOT decides needs to be done; that his engineer will be working with them to decide how this traffic coming from the north will be able to safely access the turn into this facility; and that nothing has been finalized with DOT. Harmon emphasized the four alternate routes that already have access to his proposed parking lot for tractor-trailers.

District 4 Commissioner Steve Fuller’s question was in regard to Miller Academy Road, and the applicant assured him that his company’s property is nowhere close to Miller Academy Road. Trucks will have to get in and out of the property through Highway 27. A motion was made by District 6 Commissioner Danny Bailey to deny the appli-

cant’s request, seconded by District 2 Commissioner Clint Chance. Motion carried 70 to deny this zoning.

In Business Session, Chairman Morgan advised that the discussion about the 5th Floor of the Court House has been postponed. Finance Director, Alecia Searcy, presented the financial report for the two months ended August 31, 2023. Revenues were at $7,153,813 or 9.77% of Budget, and expenditures were at $13,236,846, or 18.08 % of Budget.

Lastly, each commissioner named their appointment of a person to the AG Advisory Board, as follows:

Montrelle McClendonMerrill Folsom

Clint ChanceRyan Morris

Tommy LeeKelly Hagen

Michelle MorganBill Hodge

Steve FullerJerry Culver

Earnest ReynoldsSam Duke

Danny BaileyDr. Allison Key Meeting was adjourned.

story by Janice Daniel

The City of Carrollton Mayor and City Council met Thursday, a.m. for their monthly work session.

There was one voting item: Budget Amendments, FY23-01, 02, 03, 04, 05, 06, 07, 08, 09, 10, and 11 and FY24-01, and 02. These amendments were approved by council 3-0.

Other subjects discussed were as follows:

1.Community Mental Health Event Tanner/Willowbrooke, presented by Lindsay Allred, a nurse at Willowbrooke. The event is called Climb Out of the Darkness, bringing awareness to postpartum depression and other maternal mental illnesses. The event: at Hobbs Farm October 7, 2023.

2.City Manager David Brooks updated the mayor and council on proposed pickleball courts. He said city staff are evaluating potential locations that would require minimal sitework and have available parking.

Council Member Bob Uglum stated that the Mayor and Council do not yet know what direction they want to take with the courts. Council Member Brett Ledbetter said he would prefer to move quickly on building the courts. Mayor Betty Cason said that the city’s goal is to meet the need for all citizens and she appreciates the residents of Longview Street letting council know how much the park is already used. She assured them, “We will look at all options for locations for new courts.”

3.Community Development Director Erica Studdard said Community Development staff released an RFP for a Comprehensive Safety Action Plan to develop a holistic, well-defined strategy to prevent roadway fatalities and serious injuries within the City of Carrollton. City was awarded a $60,000 grant from DOT to go towards the plan. Studdard said two proposals were received and staff recommends that Kimley Horn be awarded the project in the amount of $71,500. Vote will be taken at the

--- Article II, Section 4 of the Constitution.

story by Janice Daniel Mayor and Council of the City of Carrollton met for their Regular Monthly Meeting on Monday, October 2, 2023 at 6:00 p.m. All members were present.

Mayor Betty B. Cason gave the Oath of Office to the five new members of the Carrollton Youth Council: Mason Bass, Henry Carden, Deneli Amaya-Reyes, Kate Jackson and Presley McLaren. Mayor reminded everyone that October 23rd through October 31st is Red Ribbon Week, fighting substance abuse in school through education.

The mayor read a proclamation recognizing the partnership between the City of Carrollton and University of West Georgia (UWG). The impact of the university, their contribution of $633 million to the region’s economy during the state’s 2022 fiscal year, and the pool of labor provided by students who participate in jobs and internships with many city businesses, have a strong effect on the city’s economy. Dr. Kelly, UWG president, mentioned the university’s move to Division 1 athletics this year. UWG Day is October 21st, the day of the University’s Homecoming.

In the Zoning Session, Erica Studdard presented the Site Plan Amendment of 216 and 302 Avalon Drive in the Tanyard Creek subdivision for applicant Habitat for Humanity. Jennifer Shunn, executive director of Habitat for Humanity, advised mayor and council that Georgia Power and the Southern Company’s Research and Development team had offered

--- March 1788 Federalist Papers

"The Powers of the Senate Continued"

to gift them two highly energy-efficient manufactured (mobile) homes which they are asking to place at the above addresses. The homes, each valued at $170,000, will be sold to two qualifying families at a cost of $108,000 with a 20-year no interest payment of $450.00 per month. Shunn said, “This is what we call affordable housing. These homes are for working families of low to modest incomes . . . a way to help people achieve the American dream.”

Austin Freeman of Clayton Homes, located in Bowdon, Georgia, invited people to come by and look at their manufactured homes to help get rid of the “trailer” stigma so many people still have. He reminded council that the average home today costs $447,000 at 7.2% interest and a monthly payment of $3,500.00, and that salaries are not keeping up with the high cost of housing.

Curt Henley of Carrollton, a member of the Habitat for Humanity Board, said he wanted to reinforce the idea that these high quality, energy efficient homes will be a better quality than the homes around it. He thanked the council for the millage rollback that will help lower income people pay their property taxes.

James Perch, the architect for Habitat for Humanity emphasized that these houses are manufactured in a clean, controlled environment and are extremely energy efficient, stateof-the-art homes.

Thomas Mills of 305 Avalon Street, across

See TWO MOBILE HOMES page 29

Carrollton mayor and council discuss pickle ball court locations, mobile homes, golf cart accidents

Carrollton council tables decision for 30 days on installation of two mobile homes in subdivision

In memory of Bill Chappell by his GT-Betas

"The President, Vice President, and all civil Officers of the United States, shall be removed from office on Impeachment for, and Conviction of Treason, Bribery or other High Crimes and Misdemeanors."

"The prosecution of them --- will seldom fail to agitate the passions of the whole community, and to divide it into parties more or less friendly or inimical to the accused."

Alexander Hamilton

CHALLENGER HOLLINGSWORTH

from front page

with cancer in 2022 and after treatment, which he shared was a tough year, he is now cancer free. He graduated from Carrollton High School in 1975 and then graduated from Auburn University in 1981 with a degree in agriculture. After graduating, he went to work in the family business, Hollingsworth & Sons, and has remained to this day at Hollingsworth Concrete. He has diverse business interests including Carrollton Jewelry and Pawn, GW2, and a development business at Cottage Grove.

“I am a working businessman!” he said. He has been involved in the community serving as past president Carrollton Jaycees, past Community Development Vice president Georgia Jaycees, and past president Carrollton Evening Sertoma Club.

“I am the child of Depression Era parents and I think that it was a privilege. I was taught and still believe not to be wasteful. By the way, my mother, Patsy, is 90, but still comes into the office on a regular basis and still signs checks!”

Hollingsworth spoke on his term of mayor, “We got through the Black Lives Matter time

and got the fire department situated. During that time, one new fire station was built and another started, but wasn’t completed when I left office.” He also mentioned that the Neva Lomason Library remodeling project was started, but once again was not completed when he left office.

Insofar as why he wants the job again, Walt explained, “I wasn’t finished yet. I am not kicking anyone. The council is a good group of people. They seem to be conscientious, but I do think they are spending a great deal of money recklessly. I am a common sense conservative type of person.

new industry here. There is now no place for expansion of new industries.”

. . . why he wants the job again, Walt explained, “I wasn’t finished yet. I am not kicking anyone. The council is a good group of people. They seem to be conscientious, but I do think they are spending a great deal of money recklessly. I am a common sense conservative type of person.

The past mayor continued, “I want to bring some common sense to the light. They spent six million dollars out at Lake Carroll. I am not saying it won’t be nice, but we are headed for some tough economic times. I am anti-apartments. During my time as mayor, we put a moratorium on apartments. I don’t think we need any more apartments, except maybe some for senior living. I am pro 1st and 2nd Amendments.

ryone can attend and know what is going on. A lot of important items are decided at work sessions. What they are doing is not illegal, but I am not sure if it is ethical. A lot of people can’t attend a 9:00 a.m. meeting, but they want to be involved.”

Hollingsworth said, “The city does a good job of communicating. This month, the council will vote on a 20 year comprehensive plan with a 5 year review, rather than 5 year plans to follow when I was mayor. It is ambiguous and complex and I can’t comment on the content because I haven’t seen it yet. This plan is what the council will follow so without knowing all the details, I don’t know what I can accomplish if elected. I will have to see where I can plug in, but it won’t take me long to be up to speed!”

“I don’t know about spending 15 million dollars on this pond. It was originally proposed during my term, but I opposed it. It is a settling pond near the river and water treatment plant that is hoped will save the city money long term. My biggest objection to it then was it was the last 60 acres left that we could use to attract

Public invited to participate in 19th Annual Stand for Life 10 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 21st on sidewalk in front of Walmart in Carrollton

The largest Pro-Life “Stand for Life” in West Georgia will be held 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 21, 2023.Interested persons are invited to participate.

West Georgia Right To Life (WGRTL) will be setting up on the sidewalk on Highway 27 South in front of the Walmart in Carrollton. Parking available in the Walmart parking lot.

WGRTL President Duane Hack said, “The ‘Life’ message is growing - come be part of it!

“This council is holding work sessions during the day when most people can’t attend. I would like to move it back to nights, when eve-

6 Benefits of seeing a Chiropractor after a MOTOR

Please consider joining us as we Stand For Life on Saturday, October 21st.”

Hack said, “This makes for a great Ministry Outreach for teens and young adult youth groups. We are a voice for those who can’t stand for themselves.

This is the 19th year “Stand For Life” will be held.

For more information, contact Hack at 470370-2452 or duanehack46@gmail.com

Dr. Leroy Venn -Board Certified orthodontist, in practice for 18 years. In 2008, Dr. Venn opened the doors of his own practice-- Smile Studio Orthodontics in Fairburn. He has since opened 3 satellite offices in Hiram, Lovejoy, and now Carrollton. Dr. Venn prides himself in maintaining a high level of quality service to put a smile on Atlantans’ & West Georgian’s faces with a personal touch.

Contact Walt Hollingsworth at ho llingsworthwa@aol.com or 770-328-7118. Facebook: Walt Hollingsworth for Mayor.

U.S Department of Labor’s revisions to overtime regulations: 50% increase in overtime pay threshold on tap

MARCY HEATH

678-821-3508 marcy@be inoventive.com

The U.S Department of Labor has finally unveiled its highly anticipated proposed revisions to the overtime regulations affecting American workers. These proposed changes entail a substantial increase in the threshold for exempt status, exceeding $55,000, marking a rise of over 50%.

In accordance with the DOL’s existing regulations, employees falling under the exempt category, typically encompassing managers, executives, and specific administrators, must earn at least the current threshold amount of $35,568. Should the new threshold be implemented, employers will be confronted with a decision: either increase the salaries of their current exempt employees to meet the new threshold or reclassify them as non-exempt. In the latter case, these workers would be entitled to overtime compensation, usually at a rate of time and a half, for any overtime hours worked.

There is speculation that this proposal is moving swiftly through the process and could become a permanent regulation within the next two months. This timeline leaves employers with a narrow window to implement any necessary adjustments.

What’s Changing: • The exempt salary threshold will increase to $1059 per week or $55,068 per year. That’s up from the current $684 a week or $35,568 a year.

• The exempt salary threshold will automatically increase every three years based on cost-of-living increases.

• The proposal will raise the threshold for the “highly compensated employee” exemption to $143,988 from the current threshold of $107,432. The job title alone does not confer “exempt” status upon an individual. To classify a worker as exempt from overtime pay, a twopart test must be applied:

1. The salary threshold, which cannot exceed $55,068 annually, as per the rule.

2. The duties test, which specifies the precise job responsibilities required to qualify for exempt status.

The Duties Test: A worker must have certain duties to be an exempt employee. The three main exemptions are:

Executive exemption: These employees must manage a department or division, direct the work ofat least two workers and have the authority to hire and fire.

Administrative exemption: Primary duties must be office or non-manual work related to themanagement or general business operations, and the employee’s duties must include exercisingindependent judgment on significant issues.

Professional exemption: The employee’s primary duty must be the performance of work requiring advanced knowledge, predominantly intellectual in character and which requires the consistentexercise of discretion and judgment.

How to Prepare: Begin by compiling a roster of your existing exempt employees whose annual earnings fall within the range of $35,568 to $55,068. Each of these employees will necessitate a strategic choice:

1. Either increase their salaries to align with the new threshold.

2. Or reclassify them as non-exempt, enabling them to receive overtime compensation for any extrahours worked.

Additionally, you will need to establish robust systems for monitoring their hours worked, whichincludes tracking overtime hours accurately.

Furthermore, it’s important to consider that your benefits package may vary between nonexemptand exempt employees, and adjustments may be necessary for individuals whose status changes.

Additionally, devising a communication strategy to effectively convey these changes to yourworkforce is crucial.

Lastly, anticipate potential opposition to this rule from business associations, with the possibility oflegal challenges aimed at halting its implementation. For more information, call me at 678-821-3508.

JEdward Jones

story by Janice Daniel

The Mayor and Council of Villa Rica met on Tuesday, September 12, 2023, 1:00 p.m. for their monthly work session. Council Mmmber Anna McCoy was absent. Main business conducted was discussing and agreeing on the items for the Consent Agenda that would be voted on (in a single vote) at the regular meeting scheduled to follow at 6:00 p.m. (same day).The work session lasted about one hour, allowing four hours until the regular meeting began during which the Consent Agenda was to be voted on.

Consent Agenda items:

1.To authorize the execution, delivery and performance of an Intergovernmental contract dated as of September 1, 2023, with the Urban Redevelopment Agency of the City of Villa Rica, Georgia, and to authorize the Mayor and City Clerk to execute any documents needed.

2.Fleet Manager Chris Maddox asked council to approve that two vehicles be put up for auction on deals.gov: one Ford Taurus with over 100,000 miles and needing $2,600 of repairs; and one T550 Wastewater crane truck no longer used. These two vehicles are currently stored in the Avanti building and that space is needed for other things.

3.Request to approve FY23 Budget Amendments #156-168, mainly accounting for 2022 the Douglas County SPLOST, and the purchase of new Christmas décor that was approved but not previously budgeted.

Finance Director Jennifer Hallman also mentioned that Utilities Director John Bain wanted to make a swap in his 2024 Budget.

actual final cost was only $70,000, so he wants to use the remaining $60,000 for baffle boards.

4.Ken Denney, public information officer, requested to adopt a formal policy for public interaction on social media platforms, including Facebook, X (formerly known as Twitter), Instagram and LinkedIn. The formal policy was reviewed by a team of attorneys with the First Amendment Clinic of the University of Georgia, and also reviewed by City Attorney David Mecklin.

Utilities Director John Bain wanted to make a swap in his 2024 Budget. He had ordered equipment for the West Plant that he expected to cost $130,000, but the actual final cost was only $70,000, so he wants to use the remaining $60,000 for baffle boards. . . .Some upcoming zoning issues were briefly discussed and will have a Public Hearing in the 6:00 p.m. meeting.

lift station to the Cleghorn lift station. The North sewer plant is operating at about 80% capacity and cannot be upgraded in a cost-effective manner. This creates a need to divert the flow currently being generated on the north side of the lake to the West Plant via the Cleghorn lift station. Cost is $30,300 to come from the Water & Sewer Fund.

7. Approve a proposal to make drainage improvements to the road surface along the top

of the Mirror Lake Dam, due to rainwater pooling on top of the dam and creating a safety hazard. HRN Construction has proposed to make the necessary improvements for an amount not to exceed $12,125 with Bobby Elliott overseeing the work.

Mayor and council also heard a presentation from Roadway Management Technologies, a company who helps transition a vehicle fleet into Smart Vehicles that can monitor road conditions, deteriorations, changes in base, subbase, etc. They will equip the vehicles they choose and charge per lane mile.

Some upcoming zoning issues were briefly discussed and will have a Public Hearing in the 6:00 p.m. meeting.

Work session was adjourned.

One part of the final policy is to be adopted into the Personnel Handbook, and another part will apply to members of the public who wish to interact with the city on these platforms.

Questions or concerns regarding the City of Villa Rica’s social media activity or the social media policy should be submitted online to communications@villarica.gov.

5. Approve a proposal from Falcon Design to engineer the reconstruction of Punkintown Road from intersection at Shoreline Parkway to just beyond the entrance to Town Creed, including the intersection with Old Stone Road. Punkintown Road to be rebuilt with curb and gutter, and a new travel surface. Falcon Design to engineer this reconstruction at a cost of $257,500 funded from the Carroll SPLOST.

Lake Carroll Lawn Equipment

1111 Bankhead Hwy Suite 13 Carrollton, GA 30117 770-832-7705

Lake Carroll Lawn Equipment

Insurance Solutions of the South

678.821.3508

Per usual business, City of Villa Rica holds work session and regular meeting on same day: little time (four hours) for average citizen to be aware of city’s intended actions prior to votes

Southwire’s 12 for Life program opens new industrial maintenance lab in partnership with county schools

from press release

Southwire’s 12 for Life announced its partnership with Carroll County Schools to open a new Industrial Maintenance Lab to its students. “The Industrial Maintenance Lab is a great opportunity for our students to be able to pick up a skilled trade that is in high demand - not only by Southwire but also for all industry needs,” said Derrick Autrey, plant manager of Southwire’s Copper Rod Plant and former plant manager of 12 for Life in Carrollton, Ga. “The students that complete this training and receive the lab certification can take the skills they learn to any industry and have a distinct advantage. I’m excited to see what the future holds with this addition to the facility.”

12 for Life, a collaborative partnership that began between Southwire and Carroll County Schools in 2007, provides classroom instruction, on-the-job training, key work and life skills, mentoring and employment opportunities. Through the program, students are motivated to stay in school, graduate and move ahead to become successful, productive members of the communities in which they live. Due to its growth and success in the west Georgia area, a second site for 12 for Life was added at Southwire’s campus in Florence, Ala., in 2010.

“12 for Life has proven to be a gamechanger for our students,” said Scott Cowart, superintendent of Carroll County Schools. “They have

the opportunity to get experience, learn job skills, earn a paycheck and have a job waiting for them when they graduate. Southwire and other local industries have a critical shortage of skilled industrial maintenance technicians, and this expansion allows our students to be trained to help meet this need. It’s a win for everyone.”

To prepare students for a future career in industrial maintenance, 12 for Life recently started offering training opportunities that cover various industrial maintenance topics, including pneumatic systems, mechanical systems, electric motors and more. Students who participate in industrial maintenance courses will receive both computer lessons and hands-on training with several machines.

“The words ‘exposure’ and ‘engagement’ come to mind when describing the purpose of 12 for Life’s Industrial Maintenance class,” said Joel Grubbs, 12 for Life site supervisor for Carroll County Schools. “In January, we started class with 15 students, and we quickly observed how eager they were to learn the skills necessary to secure a job in the field of industrial maintenance. Offering this lab to our students exposes them to that career path, and they are seeing for themselves that the technology skills they learn in the lab allowthem to repair and maintain the machinery that they’re using as operators.”

www.southwire.com/sustainability/giv ing-back

University of West Georgia to host holiday festivities for community: Nov. 29th-Dec. 2nd

from press release

Feel like walkin’ in a winter wonderland this holiday season? You’re in luck, as the University of West Georgia will host the inaugural Winter West Wonderland from Wednesday, November 29th through Saturday, December 2nd.

This community event – free and open to everyone – will feature numerous opportunities to get in the holiday spirit, including lighted displays of student-built sculptures, a holiday market, and an opportunity to meet and take pictures with ‘Kris Kringle’ and ‘Winter Wolfie’.

“We are excited to host this event to both showcase the incredible work of our students and invite the community onto our campus for evenings of holiday fun and engagement,” said

Dr. Brendan Kelly, UWG president. “We look forward to having families from across the West Georgia region and beyond join us on campus to catch a glimpse of what UWG offers the students and communities we serve.”

Activities to be on offer at Winter West Wonderland include:

- Light sculptures designed and crafted by UWG art and computer science students

- Performances of songs and readings from winter holidays around the world by UWG music and theatre students

- Performances of holiday-themed shows –“Most Incredible Christmas” and “One Christmas Night in Memphis” – at the Townsend Center for the Performing Arts (Tuesday and Thursday only; additional cost; tickets available at townsendcenter.org)

- Visits and photos with Santa Claus and Winter Wolfie, hosted by UWG Alumni and Constituent Engagement (additional cost)

- A cookie-decorating demonstration with a take-home decorating kit (additional costs)

- Do-it-yourself holiday crafts (additional cost)

- Holiday market with more than a dozen vendors selling arts, crafts, and other products

- A donation point for Toys for Tots (in partnership with Southwire) and non-perishable food and hygiene items to UWG’s Center for Integrative Wellness to support students on campus

- Dining options available nightly, including dining experiences coinciding with Townsend Center performances

- Holiday movie screenings in Love Valley (VIP packages at an additional cost).

UWG will host Winter West Wonderland from Tuesday, Nov. 29, through Friday, Dec. 2, from 4:30-9 p.m. each evening.

Parking will be available at the Campus Center at 302 West Georgia Drive and the UWG Bookstore at 301 West Georgia Drive in Carrollton.

Wayne Davis Concrete Company contributes $100,000 to Higgins General Hospital of Tanner Health Systems

Wayne Davis Concrete Co. announced a $100,000 contribution to Higgins General Hospital in Bremen, Georgia, through the Georgia HEART (Helping Enhance Access to Rural Treatment) Hospital Program. Through Georgia HEART, Georgia taxpayers can make contributions in exchange for a 100% state income tax credit - up to specified limits - to qualified rural hospitals of their choice. Participating C Corporations and pass-through business owners may qualify for an additional federal business expense deduction. The Georgia HEART Hospital Program directly helps improve health care in communities while keeping tax dollars local. You may contribute as a business owner or an individual. To learn more: georgiaheart.org

“We are grateful to Wayne Davis Concrete Co. for providing financial support for Higgins General Hospital and its mission to provide quality care to every member of our community,” said Loy Howard, president and CEO of Tanner Health System. “Rural hospitals face unique challenges, and this donation from Wayne Davis Concrete, and the donations from others, help ensure our neighbors continue to have local access to lifesaving medical care right in their home community.”

Wayne Davis Concrete Co., a 350+ team member company, was founded in 1971 by Wayne and Joyce Davis in Tallapoosa, Georgia, on the same site where it currently operates. Today, Wayne Davis Concrete Co. operates 19 ready-mix plants, fleet of readymix trucks and employs well-trained team members to service their customer needs.

Shown above left to right are Daniel Jackson, chair, Tanner Medical Center Inc. board of directors; Richard Davis, president of Wayne Davis Concrete Co; and Loy Howard, president and CEO of Tanner Health System.

story by Janice Daniel

The Carroll County Board of Education met Monday, September 18, 2023 at 5:30 p.m. for their monthly work session meeting. All were present, with Board Member Thomas Sizemore via phone.

A financial update was presented by the finance director as follows:

Year-to-Date August 31, 2023 (60 days into the FY2023-2024 Budget):

- Taxes/monies collected: $5,470,678

- Taxes/monies spent: $9,474,880

Fund Balance (cash reserve) totaled $23,173,506 ($23.1M) with $3,041,237 ($3.0M) of that in encumbrances. FY20232024 Budget totals $227,121,271 ($227M).

Chair Bryant Turner discussed the District 4 vacancy left by the passing of Board Member Clayton Kierbow, and how the board can go about filling that vacancy for the remainder of

County school board approves purchase of 628 Sage Street, Temple, for $260,000 plus closing costs for future expansion

The Carroll County Board of Education met at 6:30 p.m. on September 21st, 2023 to conduct their regular monthly meeting. Board Member Bart Cater was absent; Board Member erry Miller participated via phone.

There was no Public Input, and the Agenda was approved.

Superintendent Scott Cowart reported that the School District has received $190,000 Safety Grant for a Shield System to be installed at Bay Springs Middle School. He also informed everyone that this is Hispanic Heritage Month and events are taking place in and around school for this celebration.

The 2023 Annual Report was presented to the Board Members and they were advised that there is now an App “carrollcountyschools,ga” where everyone can keep up with student achievements and the community, stakeholders, and so much more. A special page has been added in a new website launch the first week of October that will be dedicated solely to the Board of Education, and all of its related information will be readily available in one place.

Superintendent Cowart spoke on the Villa

Carroll EMC’s “Impact Grants” awarded to 29 charitable organizations in West Georgia area

Since 2002, $4.5 million has been awarded through Carroll EMC’s “Operation Round Up”

from press release

Twenty-nine charitable organizations representing portions of Carroll, Haralson, Heard, Paulding, Polk, Troup and Floyd counties were awarded Impact Grants from Carroll Electric Membership Cooperative (EMC) Foundation. Foundation Trustees approved a total donation of $107,978.51 for a variety of communitybased projects. Impact Grants are made available each year to eligible groups who operate to benefit their surrounding community. Health and human services, education, environmental protection and safety are a few areas that receive funding from grants.

To apply, organizations within Carroll EMC’s service territory must have a vision or project in mind that would enhance the quality of life for others. The grant writing process is simple: Complete an online form that outlines the project and provide a detailed budget.

It is through member participation in Carroll EMC’s Operation Round Up program that the cooperative is able to award Impact Grants. Members can contribute by rounding their electric bill to the nearest whole dollar. Funds are separate from cooperative revenue and are administered by Foundation Board of Trustees. Since the first issuing of grants in 2002, $4.5M+ has been given back to Carroll EMC communities.

Kierbow’s term which ends December 31, 2024. Having looked into the options, Chair Turner said he will check with the school attorney, but he has seen the possibility of an appointment by himself, or set an election process for people from District 4 who might be interested in filling the seat.

This election would be held in May, but in the interim, the board decided they would like to advertise the temporary vacancy and take informal written statements from people who are interested. When they get names compiled they will take a vote at either the October or November regular meeting.

will have two gas stations (regular and diesel), but the current bus gas stations will continue to operate as well.

Jones also asked for field trips and fFundraising events to be placed on the Consent Agenda.

Dr. Jessica Ainsworth presented student achievements with information about the West Georgia Technical College MOU, which she asked to be put on the Consent Agenda.

Rica TAD Joint Committee which was brought up in the work session on Monday the 18th. He has agreed to be one of the Committee members representing the Carroll County Board of Education.

After some discussion, it was decided and voted on to approve Jody Millains of Villa Rica to be named the second committee member. Quasi Hudson was considered as a person the committee wishes to engage for his input, and also keep him informed of what the committee is doing. Board members Sandra Morris and Thomas Sizemore stated they had done some research on Millains and felt comfortable with naming him to the committee, primarily because of his background in construction.

Board then went into executive session. An executive session is a secret session, not open to the public, in which the only topics that can be legally discussed concern real estate nd personnel.

When the board returned and meeting resumed, approval was given on the personnel actions submitted by the superintendent.

Also, Morris made a motion for the board to purchase the property at 628 Sage Street in Temple for the amount of $260,000 plus closing costs. Chairman Turner said this is a great opportunity to purchase land next to a school that may need expansion at some future point and will now have room to do that.

There was a discussion about the Joint Committee of the Villa Rica TAD. It was decided that Superintendent Scott Cowart should be one of the representatives. The purpose of this committee will be discussions about high density projects proposed in the City of Villa Rica. This was added to the Thursday regular meeting agenda.

Terry Jones, assistant superintendent of Administrative Services, gave an update on the projects underway and those to be started in the near future. He said the new Operations Center

Superintendent Cowart said the EMT Pathway added hands-on experience in an ambulance has been a great success, and the 12 for Life Industrial Maintenance Pathway is also very important. Chair Turner said Southwire and PrintPak are two industries in Carroll County that are excited to see young people training on maintenance of industrial machinery, as that is needed. Currently, maintenance people are trained on-the-job and at a cost, and industries need people who are familiar with the kinds of machinery these industries have.

After an executive session (secret meeting), the board voted to approve recommended personnel changes, and then adjourned the work session.

County school board to appoint a temporary interim board member to fill vacancy left by the passing of Clayton Kierbow:interested residents of county school District 4 may apply now

Carroll County Chamber of Commerce to award 2023 Woman of Year, Legacy Award, and Rising Star Award from press release

Each year, the Carroll County Chamber of Commerce celebrates women business leaders making a difference in Carroll County. The awards honor women who embody leadership qualities that have driven not only their success but also the success of those around them. This year’s honorees will be recognized at the Woman Business Leaders Award Celebration in November 2023. The three awards are2023 Woman of the Year, Legacy Award, and the Rising Star Award.

The Carroll County Chamber of Commerce is accepting nominations from chamber members for the 2023 Woman of the Year, Legacy Award, and Rising Star Award.

The Women’s Business Alliance (WBA) proudly presents the annual Woman of the Year

New UGA Extension agricultural educator for Carroll County: Case Wilson of Bowdon

Award, recognizing a woman who embodies the WBA mission to empower, educate, and support women in the workplace by providing guidance, support, resources, and opportunities to succeed in the business world.

Nominees ideally would be a leader with a longstanding record of success in leadership roles, whether in business or through volunteer, philanthropic, or public service positions, has had a tremendous impact on the Carroll County community, has worked in the Carroll County business community (not necessarily for the same business) for twenty years or more; and is a chamber member or is affiliated with a member of the chamber.

Carroll County Chamber of Commerce, 200 Northside Drive, Carrollton, 770-832-2446. carroll-ga.org

submitted by Paula Burke

Carroll County UGA Agricultural Agent

Case Wilson has joined the Carroll County Extension ‘family’ as Agricultural Educator.

Wilson was born and raised in Bowdon, Georgia on his family’s Polled Hereford and Commercial cow-calf operation. He owns WG Cattle Company where he raises Hereford Show cattle and replacement females.

Case graduated from Bowdon High School in 2018, and graduated from Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College in December 2022 with a Bachelor’s degree in Animal Science/

Livestock Production.

Case Wilson showed cattle through Carroll County 4-H for 12 years all across the country. He enjoys working on the farm, deer hunting, and hanging out with family and friends. He has been in agriculture his entire life.

Case and Paula Burke, Carroll County Agricultural Agent, will work together to bring information and resources to the agricultural community in Carroll County.

You may reach Case at the Extension office at CaseD.Wilson@uga.edu or 770-836-8546.

from press release

The City of Carrollton was selected by the Georgia Municipal Association (GMA) to receive one of the $10,000 Health Promotion and Wellbeing Grants awarded statewide to promote worksite programs that enhance the health and wellbeing of city employees and family members.

Awards are made to members of the GMA GMEBS Life and Health Insurance Fund, underwritten by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Georgia, based on a city’s commitment to employee health and demonstrated collaboration with other community groups and organizations engaged in health promotion.

As part of the grant process, the city designated a Health Promotion Champion to develop a workplace health promotion action plan and attend Local Government Risk Management Services’ (LGRMS) High Impact Health Promotion Champion training sessions.

Workplace wellbeing programs have a demonstrated track record of improving employee health and quality of life while reducing medical claims and improving workplace morale. GMA offers wellbeing services to all member cities through LGRMS, a not-for-profit agency operated jointly with the Association County Commissioners of Georgia.

At the city’s annual health fair, city employees were offered a confidential health assessment program using a health risk appraisal with blood pressure screening and health improvement feedback.

The GMA – GMEBS is available to all Georgia Municipal Association members. Currently, several cities, authorities and regional commissions participate in the health plan. All cities, authorities and regional commissions participating in the GMA – GMEBS are eligible to apply for the Health and Wellbeing Incentive Grants on an annual basis.

Publisher certify that all information furnished on this form is true and complete. understand that anyone who furnishes false or misleading information on this form or who omits material or information requested on the form maybe subject to criminal sanctions (including fines and imprisonment) and/or civil sanctions (including civil penalties.)

City of Carrollton receives $10,000 grant from GMA to promote “worksite programs that enhance the health and well being of employees and family members”

Jones-Wynn Funeral Home announces recent achievements of

from press release

Richard Stone, Funeral Director Assistant with Jones-Wynn Funeral Homes & Crematory, Villa Rica, has achieved a professional milestone by successfully completing the Certified Funeral Celebrant training program, held at Emory University in Atlanta from July 22-26, 2023, earning Stone the certificate of Certified Funeral Celebrant.

The Funeral Celebrants Training is a class that focuses on personalized funerals, presented by Doug Manning and Glenda Stansbury of the InSight Institute. By the end of 2018, they had trained over 3700 Funeral Celebrants across the United States and Canada. A Funeral Celebrant is a layperson, clergyperson, funeral director, and/or a funeral director assistant who has received specialized training in conducting funerals for families seeking a personalized and individualized funeral service experience.

The training brought together participants from all corners of the country. These individuals will offer these services to families they serve at their funeral homes and within the community. Celebrants provide personalized funeral services, tributes, memorial services, and graveside memorials. They meet with families to design a service that reflects their loved one’s life.

Richard Stone shared that he would like to use his experience and celebrant training to further meet the needs of the families he helps serve, to help provide more meaningful services for the familiesy. He anticipates that by “sharing this training and working alongside other certified celebrants within the JonesWynn family, a deeper and more personal emotional connection will be established”. This connection, he believes, will help fractured families with a healthier grief journey.

Payton Twilley has become a Certified Crematory Operator following the completion of the ICCFA Crematory Program on August 1, 2023. Payton is serving her apprenticeship at Jones-Wynn where she will become a licensed funeral director and embalmer.

“Payton Twilley’s passion for serving families has filled us with great pride. Her genuine compassion and dedication to learning and excelling in funeral service, rooted in the exceptional level of our Jones-Wynn Care, are qualities that truly set her apart,” said Ellen Wynn McBrayer, president of Jones-Wynn Funeral Homes & Crematory. “As Payton continues her journey toward becoming a licensed funeral director and embalmer, we will continue to support and encourage her as she continues to strive to serve and care for the families we serve and our community.”

two employees: Richard Stone, Payton Twilley

Siblings Jeri, Jesi, and Cory Smith win big at competitive twirling

Ayear ago, StarNews brought you the story of Jesi Smith, then age 6, in her quest in competitive twirling for a national title in her age group on the campus of Notre Dame in Indiana to compete for that national title. With limited experience she celebrated her hard work by finishing second for that national title. This year 7 year old Jesi Smith returned to competition July 24-29, 2023 and won the 7-9 Novice Strut Open World Champion! She also won the Age 0-10 Solo Rifle Open World Champion and finished second 2 in Age 7 Beginner Open World Solo Baton Twirling. Her sister, Jeri, won Age 11-13 Solo Rifle Open World Champion. Jesi’s brother, Cory, won the Age 10-12 Novice Open World 2 Baton Champion and Age 0-12 Solo Color Guard Champion, as well as placing 2nd Place in Age 10-12 Advanced World Open Solo Champion.

Shown above lef to right are Jeri Smith, Jesi Smith, and Cory Smith. The three siblings’ parents are Chris and Jeani Smith, Villa Rica. A Championship family!

October 25, 2023 6:30-8pm

Shown above left is Payton Twilley, newy Certified Crematory Operator, and right isRichard Stone, newly Certified Funeral Celebrant.

409 Center Point Rd. Bremen

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Georgia Environmental Protection Division: you had one job to do, protect our environment

Do you remember the Perdue chicken commercials of the 70s to 90s?

My thoughts on what makes for good government

My name is Jim Watters and I’m running for a fourth term on the Carrollton City Council.

I believe Carrollton is one of the greatest cities in Georgia. In this article I will lay out why strong, consistent conservative leadership has been, and will continue to be, the key to our success. But first, I’d like to provide my thoughts on what makes for good government and the role of our Mayor and Council.

Government is necessary in a functioning society. However, it also needs to be constrained as much as possible to operate effectively “for the people”. In Carrollton, we strive to maximize freedoms for residents, and in return we ask citizens to take personal responsibility and be law-abiding contributors to society.

JIM WATTERS COUNCILMAN WARD 3

CITY of CARROLLTON

j.watters@carrollton-ga.gov

Each month the Mayor and Council, the City Manager and city staff have at least two public meetings where

I am running again because Carrollton is truly a special community with many unique qualities and a local government that functions efficiently. We should not change course now.

servative leadership. I have spent my entire career in the private sector as an electrical engineer and sales manager, and having done so, I understand the work it takes to make and sell products and services, control expenses, and turn a profit. The same rules for success in the private sector apply to government. You can trust that I will continue to do the job well. I vow to Keep Carrollton Safe, Vibrant and Prosperous! I made this my campaign motto because it sums up what I believe are the core tenants of what makes our town Altogether Original™.

SUE HORN EVANS EDITOR/ PUBLISHER

Successful television advertising in which company founder Frank Perdue himself extolls the natural health and deliciousness of his product: “Perdue chickens grow up healthy, eating a diet of wholesome natural foods like golden corn and marigold petals” making the point “the better the breeding, the better the eating”. In fact, Perdue chickens consume so much crushed marigold petals, their skins have a distinctive golden yellow hue: a testament to what Jean Anthelme Brillat-Savarin, French lawyer, politician, and gastronome wrote in 1826: ‘’Dis-moi ce que tu manges, je te dirai ce que tu es’’, which translates to “Tell me what you eat and I will tell you what you are”, or the shortened version today, “You are what you eat”.

In Russia, Perdue sells its chickens under the name “Golden Chicken” boasting of the connection between what the Perdue chickens eat and what the consumer then gets to enjoy eating, too. Nutritional value of consuming marigold flowers includes microscopic-sized carotenes/carotenoids which are “precursors for production of Vitamin A”. Eating chicken that has eaten marigold petals will also put Lycopene in your body, which has been reported to be beneficial for good oral health and good bone health.

On our front page, StarNews breaks the news of a large, years long, raw human waste sewage flow spilling into Carroll County’s Buck Creek, its watershed, and then into the Little Tallapoosa River. The watershed’s drainage area is 32.4 square miles.

The original complaint of a “sewage smell” was made by duck hunters. Yuck.

What about deer hunters? Anyone been fishing in the past two decades in in Buck Creek or the Little Tallapoosa River?Has anyone, in the past twenty years or so, taken the fish, duck, or vension home, cooked it, and ate it? If so, were cooking temperatures hot enough to kill any lingering, wriggling microscopic bacteria? These are questions concerning public health risks for us in Carroll County, and perhaps beyond our county lines. What are the long term and reaching effects of a probable twenty-year-long insertion of large quantities of wastewater containing aeromonas hydrophila and cryptosporidium into the biosystem of this watershed and downstream? What loss of biodiversity has occurred due to probable higher than normal oxygen depletion? (See videos of the spill: www.starnewsgaonline.com)

Are there farms located within this watershed or downstream along Buck Creek and Little Tallapoosa River? If so, could this affect Carroll County’s farmgate value of cattle (goats, etc.) if these animals bred for human consumption were found to have been drinking water containing much higher than normal contamination? River water naturally contains bacteria, and soil and sand can naturally help “clean” the wastewater, but, human urine contains much higher levels nitrogen and phosphorus. Yuck, again.

Major questions must be answered by Georgia EPD. How could this have gone on for so long? When did EPD last inspect the facility’s sytems? Did inspections include both the newer and older system? EPD can’t declare ignorance of two systems, as EPD does the permitting process. If EPD inspected, how could the older onsite treatment plant possibly have passed?!

What paperwork was shown concerning up-to-date inspections for the these sewage systems on signing day August 5, 2021 when Blue Stone Realty purchased the facility from Great Oaks Nursing Homes for $13.9M? Great Oaks Nursing Homes was owner and operator for 26 years, 19952021. It is my opinion that, on signing day, someone had to have known of this sewage running through a defunct system and out past the property line.

I am grateful to Carroll County Department of Environmental Health Manager Jake Holloway. He is my hero. He stepped out of his job comfort zone and did not let up on trying to get the attention of Georgia’s EPD, dogging them with a ‘Hey! Hey! Over here!’ Thank you, Mr. Holloway.

But I am sad for Carroll County, Georgia.

The City of Carrollton is a business that operates on tax revenues and provides various services to the community such as law enforcement, fire protection, municipal court, parks and recreation, cultural arts, and public works (engineering, streets, water and sanitation).

The Mayor and Council acts as the board of directors for the city and serves as the voice of the community to our City Manager, David Brooks. David is responsible for the city’s day-to-day operations and reports directly to the Mayor and Council.

decisions regarding ordinances, finances and land usage are made. We all work for you, our customers, and together we strive to provide you with a good return on your tax dollar investment.

I am running again because Carrollton is truly a special community with many unique qualities and a local government that functions efficiently. We should not change course now.

Building a great community such as ours does not happen by accident. It takes hard work and consistent con-

Safe: In Carrollton, we back the blue! The City’s public safety budget has almost doubled over the last ten years, from $6M to $11M annually. We have very little turnover in our police and fire departments due to competitive pay, benefits and an emphasis on teamwork culture. Laws are efficiently and fairly enforced, and most crimes are solved quickly. Supporting our first responders will remain a top priority for me.

Vibrant: Whether it’s Market Night at the newly renovated Lakeshore Park, to Mayfest, the Art Takeover, Taste of Carrollton, Summer Concerts Series, Locals Live and Movie Nights at The Amp, programs at the Center for the Arts, the Carrollton Half

The (original) 1787 Founding Fathers’ definition of “Misdemeanor”

The President, Vice President, and all civil Officers of the United States, shall be removed from office on Impeachment for, and Conviction of Treason, Bribery or other high Crimes and Misdemeanors.”Article II, Section 4 of the Constitution.

“The prosecution of them will seldom fail to agitate the passions of the whole community, and to divide it into parties more or less friendly or inimical to the accused.” - March 1788 Federalist Papers, “The Powers of the Senate Continued” Alexander Hamilton

While expulsion from public office goes back to the days of the Roman Republic, the modern view traces back to the English Parliament like most of other American political practices. The first public official known to have been impeached was Baron William Latimer in 1376 for aiding and abetting the King’s enemies, accepting bribes, and extortion. Latimer was a close friend to King John’s son. Crazy how family can affect public office.

TRAVIS PITTMAN

Dictionary of 1721).

Impeachment has been fairly rare as it has only been used 19 times in our 240+ year existence. Judges hold

In 1787, as the Constitutional Convention was closing, “High Crimes and Misdemeanors” were added to “Treason and Bribery” at the behest of George Mason of Virginia. Misdemeanor had a vastly different meaning to the Founders than is widely accepted today.

thwarted efforts by Democrats that proposed unconstitutional legislation. Political impeachment aside, research the federal government’s successful conviction of General Flynn of criminal “process” crimes. For both Flynn and Paxton, their private funds were exhausted when facing the unlimited funds of the Fed. This process has gone wild concerning January 6th “crimes”.

In 1787, as the Constitutional Convention was closing, “High Crimes and Misdemeanors” were added to “Treason and Bribery” at the behest of George Mason of Virginia. Misdemeanor had a vastly different meaning to the Founders than is widely accepted today. In their political system, the term “misdemeanor” would apply to an official using his office for personal gain or influence (Nathan Bailey’s Etymological

the lead with 14 instances resulting with 10 convictions and four acquittals. Only one cabinet-level position was impeached for receiving payments in exchange for making official appointments, but was acquitted. Significant, since the house is debating the fate of Garland and Mayorkas.

Four impeachments are recorded and no convictions for three presidents, withholding a special place for two efforts to convict Trump. Nixon resigned before the vote in the house was accomplished.

Recently on the state level, there was an impeachment process started in Texas against Ken Paxton who has

In the last few years, the two Trump indictments show a penchant for controlling our political system with the Machiavellian purpose that the “end justifies the means”. In the first impeachment, a phone call by Trump to Zelenskyy (Ukraine) was interpreted to be an effort to hurt a potential political opponent. So how do you investigate corruption when actions look to be very questionable? Look at the phone call verbiage and the current findings surrounding Hunter Biden and decide for yourself. The second impeachment read that Trump had incited an insurrection on January 6th. Again, read the speech and form your own conclusions.

An interesting read is “Profiles in Corruption” by Peter Schweizer which points out many of the people in power today and how they have used their office for financial gain. He started with the book “Clinton Cash” in his investigations of political corruption.

Currently, the Republicans are taking their turn at the process. Hard to imagine that any investigation will result in a conviction in the Senate or

SUSAN M. HORN EDITOR/PUBLISHER

See JIM WATTERS page 31

Considering our current political class, are

Constitution concerning who can vote. Name two.

6.Name one responsibility that is only available to a United States citizen. Name two rights available to everyone living in the United States.

7.Who wrote The Declaration of Independence and when was it adopted”

8.Name three of the original thirteen original states.

you competent to vote?

cast.

Like most of us, you are a U.S. Citizen by the grace of God: you were born here. What if you had to take a “United States Citizenship Test before you could vote? Try a few questions:

1.Name one of the five rights granted by the First Amendment to our Constitution.

2.Name one of the three rights provided by our “Declaration of Independence”.

3.How many senators are there in the Senate and how many representatives vote in the House of Representatives?

4.Who becomes President if neither the President nor Vice-President can serve?

5.There are four amendments to the

The Trembling River

SYBIL ROSEN THOMAS

River Rambles

Some months ago in this column I wrote about the death of my friend Mary B and how she described the journey of her dying from ALS as being carried on a “river of letting go.”

A few weeks before her passing, Mary B sent a farewell letter to her friends, along with the poem “Fear” by Kahlil Gibran, author of “The Prophet,” the celebrated Lebanon-born poet who died in New York City in 1931.

It is said that before entering the sea a river trembles with fear.

She looks back at the path she has traveled, from the peaks of the mountains, the long winding road crossing forests and villages.

9.Name one war fought by the United States in the 1800s. (Surely, you remember the war of 1812!)

10.How many states border Canada; how many states border Mexico?

You did not do too well, did you? Neither did I. Answers can be found in a PDF copy of the 2022 United States Citizenship Test. Print one. The Wall Street Journal says we have two political parties, one stupid and one evil. Do you support the EVIL one or the STUPID one?

Now, what do you really know about the current federal administration? Most of you are paying the bills. Biden and Harris were elected, by most accounts, by a majority of the votes

And in front of her, she sees an ocean so vast, that to enter there seems nothing more than to disappear forever.

But there is no other way. The river can not go back. Nobody can go back.

To go back is impossible in existence.

The river needs to take the risk of entering the ocean because only then will fear disappear, because that’s where the river will know it’s not about disappearing into the ocean, but of becoming the ocean.

Mary B’s river of letting go carried her into an ocean, too, that vast shoreless sea we often evoke in our efforts to comprehend the mysteries of death. The inclusion of this poem with her good-bye said so much about my friend’s final path: her fear and acceptance and, most of all, her courage. Gibran’s words comforted me and others too, as was her intention; it told me she’d realized what she needed in order to be at peace.

So how many Cabinet members does President Biden have? Less than 20 or more than 20? Exactly how many? Would you believe that as of September 2023 there were 25 members of the President’s Cabinet? Can you name three? Would you loan money to or buy a used car from any of them? Where did these people come from? Do you think that these 25 people could agree on anything except that they want more money?! You are paying the bills.

Given that the Afghanistan War lasted some 20 years under four U.S. presidents; cost thousands of lives on both sides and billions of tax payer dollars to replace the Taliban when we went in with the Taliban; and given that Biden bailed out leaving billions of dollars of our best equipment and 13 American dead at the airport, who won??

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, more than one in five families (21.1%) receive government means tested assistance. Are you part of the 79% who pay for that “assistance”?

Trump and 18 others have been indicted by

By sharing Gibran’s poem, Mary B once again reminded me that rivers and oceans have had long lives as metaphors. We are drawn to these expressions because they reflect both our external life and our inner one, giving image and shape to ineffable aspects of interior worlds. Particularly when called upon - as we all will be - to navigate the arduous pathway between life and death. Metaphors from nature are bridges to the unknowable, and in this way the unthinkable can become imaginable, and therefore accessible.

I was pleased to see the poet also thinks of rivers as feminine, using the ‘she’ pronoun. He’s willing to be unabashedly anthropomorphic - or gynecamorphic as my fellow writer Bill Bouris once suggested - in describing a river that “trembles with fear.” Now anyone who’s been in a canoe on choppy waters knows that rivers tremble. Yet, by assigning human emotion to water’s behavior, Gibran goes a step further and assumes the river has a certain consciousness, an awareness of experience, a knowledge of where she’s been and where she’s going. By beginning the poem with, “It is

the Fulton County District Attorney and based upon the jury pool some or all will likely be convicted. Ex-President Trump may well serve a mandatory prison term. Question: With more than 10,000 people in the Fulton County jail awaiting a hearing, why are those Fulton county residents not more worthy of the Fulton county DA’s attention? Is this about “justice” or is it about the D.A.’s political ambitions?

Now, are things really that bad? Consider:

Year 536 and for about 100 years thereafter: Volcanic eruptions in Iceland threw a giant ash cloud into the sky and crops died everywhere from Europe to Latin America. It was the 10 coldest years on record. In 541, the Justinian plague arrived in Egypt.

Between 541 and 549: 5,000 people died daily in Constantinople. These diseases and famines resulted in political changes that resulted in the deaths of an additional unknown number of people.

Year 1347: the Justinian (Bubonic) Plague killed an estimated 60% of the European population. It has never really ended, just controlled.

said,” he suggests up front that these ideas are rooted in the realm of story and legend.

Still, it’s here the poet and I part company. With all due respect to him and Mary B, I think it possible my friend might even agree with me on this next point. It’s not that I don’t appreciate Gibran’s work and the wisdom he offers, it’s just that I have a hard time picturing a river as fearful. I base this on long observation of the Chattahoochee, a river that passes by my window at every moment - and I will tell you she feels anything but hesitant. Rather, she seems eager to make her way to the sea.

And why not? By the time the Chattahoochee River empties into Lake Seminole, a reservoir on the Georgia-Florida border, she’s drained more than 8770 square miles of watershed basin, receiving volumes of water from hundreds of smaller tributaries such as Carroll County’s Snake and Whooping Creeks and many more nameless streams like the one in the floodplain below the cabin.

Perhaps it’s Lake Seminole that “trembles with fear.” Thirty-five miles long and two

Missing: a correction on false information on legislation from Senator Dugan

headline over my column then was “SB 264: Americans last college tuition legislation” which reflects my view of the bill. My experienced opinion is based on the language in the legislation and understanding what would happen if it became law.

The bill would alter current state law that requires all new Georgia residents to live here for a year before they are allowed to access the instate tuition rate. That “all” description includes the above foreigners as well as Americans who move here from other states.

fact is that I watched the Senate Higher Education Committee hearing on SB 264 on March 16, 2023. There was no vote. I posted a link to that meeting with a video of the hearing and a transcript of the proceedings on my website.

In addition to being grateful to editor/publisher Sue Horn for the space to write here about illegal immigration in Georgia, I am also a Star News reader. As such, it seems there was something glaringly absent from the previous three editions of this newspaper. I am very curious to know if other readers agree. I was looking for and expected a correction from State Senator Mike Dugan. Was anyone else?

In the June edition of Star News, I wrote about a Democrat bill pending under the Gold Dome that deals with changing a law that effects tuition costs in our public-funded colleges and the definition of “resident” used to determine eligibility for instate tuition. SB 264 is a Democrat bill on which Senator Dugan is the number one cosponsor. The

Here is that exact wording with my own emphasis on what I regard as the “Americans last” part: “noncitizen students admitted to the United States as refugees pursuant to 8 U.S.C. Section 1157; as special immigrants pursuant to Public Law 110-181, Section 1244, as amended, Public Law 109-163, Section 1059, as amended, or Section 602(b) of Title VI of Division F of Public Law 111-8, as amended; or as humanitarian parolees pursuant to 8 U.S.C. Section 1182(d)(5)(A) shall be classified as in-state for tuition purposes immediately upon settlement in Georgia; provided, …”

Simply put for people who don’t read and work with state legislation on a regular basis, SB 264 says that “special immigrants” (known as “SIVs”) and otherwise illegal aliens who are granted Biden’s ‘humanitarian parole’ to legally enter the U.S. could migrate to Georgia and be eligible for the much lower instate tuition rate in our public colleges the same day they arrive.

The current instate tuition at State University of West Georgia is $2,732 (15+ hours). The current out-of-state tuition is $9,641 (15+ hours) per semester (westga.edu).

As I wrote, SB 264 does not change the fact that an American student from Michigan (for example) would still have to wait twelve months to qualify for the lower tuition while it allows a new student from Afghanistan to qualify upon arrival.

Sue Horn, the Star News editor, quite correctly passed my column on to Sen. Dugan before the June edition deadline so that he would have the opportunity to respond to my opinion of the bill on which he is a cosponsor in the same (June) edition. His reply ran directly below my space. But it was full of numerous obvious, easily refuted inaccuracies.

Just two examples:

- Sen. Dugan told readers here that the bill “…never even got a committee hearing…” The

- Sen. Dugan also told readers - and constituents - that “the language in SB 264 already exists in Georgia law with the exception of the term ‘Special Immigrants.” It doesn’t. Again, SB 264 eliminates the existing law that says the Special Immigrants and humanitarian parolees must live here a year before qualifying for instate tuition - just like Americans do.

The July Star News edition contained my point-by-point explanation of those false statements along with references and citations that illustrate the truth. Ms. Horn headlined it: “Pending legislation creates a benefit and significant monetary savings for foreign nationals that is not available to Americans.”

Readers who want to review this can access these columns on ImmigrationPoliticsGA.com by entering “Mike Dugan” in the search bar. Please be reminded that despite what Senator

Grandparents Day: Creating a legacy and celebrating God’s goodness

DUANE HACK

West Georgia Right to Life

PRESIDENT

“The Heartbeat of Georgia”

Duanehack46@gmail.com 470-370-2452

I read an article recently about the role that we, as grandparents, play in the lives of our grandchildren. National Grandparents Day, a day established to honor Grand (and GreatGrand) parents was recognized this past September 10, 2023. The special day is the Sunday after Labor Day each year. Grandparents’ Day was founded by Jacob Reingold and Marian McQuade in 1973. Because my wife and I have been a grandparent for over 17 years, it’s become a special part of our lives! Let’s talk about the role that we as grandparents can make in the lives of our loved and cherished grand and great grandchildren.

The purpose of Grandparents Day is for

older adults to share valuable wisdom, varying perspectives, to teach and emulate values and morals with young people, starting with their grandchildren, on this day and into the future. In our current culture, just as the personhood of the preborn is being denied, the God-given life of our elderly population is being devalued and faces the real potential of experiencing the same vulnerability as the preborn.

So, how can we as Christ followers honor grandparents all the time, not just on one day? We can celebrate and support the relationship between grandparents and their grandchildren while acknowledging the joys, triumphs, challenges, and difficulties of this multi-dimensional relationship. The Bible has a lot to say about grandparents and their grandchildren. In fact, over 100 Bible verses exclaim God’s glory about this sweet relationship. And why not?

“One generation shall praise your works to another and shall declare your mighty acts. I will mediate on the glorious splendor of your majesty, and on your wondrous works” KJV Psalm 145:4,5. “But the mercy of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting upon them that

Oak Mountain Academy’s academic journeys

ERB, SAT, & ACT - out score not only the state average, but also the national average.

fear him, and his righteousness unto children’s children” KJV Psalm 103:17. What an opportunity, obligation, and responsibility each of us grand and great grandparents have in being an example to those who watch and emulate our every move!

A growing trend: grandparentsraising their grandchildren - Did you know that according to a report from AARP Public Policy Institute, approximately 2.7 million grandparents in the United States are raising their grandchildrenand this number is on the rise? There is a plethora of reasons for this growing trend, including parental neglect, abuse, abandonment, addiction, mental health issues, incarceration.

In a recent West Georgia Right to Life Founder’s Day event and outreach, WGRTL had an opportunity to have “Life Dialogs” with 100s of attendees. We had conversations with grandparents who adopted their respective grandchildren due to circumstances listed in the previous paragraph. It’s unfortunate that the least protected in our society today, the children of America, are the ones who suffer the most and least protected! Thankfully, for every

child that is in the foster care system, there are about 25 children being raised by grandparents. Families raising a grandchild save the taxpayers over $6 billion each year by keeping children out of the foster care system.

Biggest challenge is a financial dynamic: approximately 21% of grandparents who are taking care of their grandchildren are living below the poverty line. In addition to raising their grandchild, they can be saddled with persistent family problems because of missing parents, legal hurdles, and brokenness. Across the U.S., more than 13 million children are living with their grandparents, who are the sole parental influence and may have no one to turn to for day-to-day emotional support.

How can the community come alongside a grandparent raising a grandchild? Here are a few suggestions: Commit to praying for all families with grandparents raising grandchildren, share any resources that might be helpful to the grandparent(s), start a prayer group for grandparents, drop off a meal periodically and offer childcare, if needed.

Oak Mountain Academy has an impressive 61-year legacy of overall excellence. This excellence is a direct result of our faith-based educational programming, dynamic opportunities in the arts, athletics and student leadership, and in the safe, family environment on the campus. However, the crown jewel in our legacy of excellence is the academic program.

When asked about The Academy, one of the first things mentioned is our long-standing track record of student’s academic success. Almost every year on average our test scores -

Over the past five years our graduating seniors - with an average class size of 12 - have earned over $10 million dollars in academic scholarship offers to colleges and universities of their choice. It is without a doubt that our academic program is a standout for our families on The Mountain. It is this reason that we have identified several Personalized Academic Journey opportunities for students to experience at Oak Mountain Academy.

The Academy’s Personalized Academic Journeys are intentional educational structures that include a rigorous academic course of study and authentic contextual learning experiences designed to prepare students for college and beyond. These journeys include the Advanced Placement (AP) Scholar Journey, the Entrepreneur Scholar Journey, the World Language Scholar Journey, and the Customized Academic Scholar Journey.

The AP Scholar Journey is designed to provide students with a clearly defined AP curriculum track to earn a series of distinctions upon graduation. The AP Scholar Journey enables academically prepared students to pursue college-level studies while still enrolled on The Mountain. The journey consists of collegelevel courses and corresponding exams that are administered in May of each year. Currently, OMA offers 17 AP courses in five subject categories. Participating in this journey can help students stand out on college applications. Students participating in the journey have an opportunity to earn an AP Scholar Seal which serves as a signal to colleges that a student is prepared to handle the rigor of college-level course work and is awarded to seniors at graduation who have completed a series of accomplishments.

The Entrepreneur Scholar Journey is designed to provide students with a clearly defined curriculum-based track to acquire

essential knowledge and skills for success in business and leadership. Critical areas taught along this journey include the following: identifying entrepreneurial characteristics, selecting a value proposition, and business model development; recognizing a business opportunity and starting, operating, and maintaining a business; and analyzing an entrepreneurial venture, strategic planning, expanding product line, and pivoting to improve market shares and revenue streams. Students participating in the journey have an opportunity to earn an Entrepreneur Seal which serves as a signal to colleges that a student is prepared to participate in a businessrelated field of study and is awarded to seniors at graduation who have completed a series of accomplishments.

The World Language Scholar Journey is designed to provide students with a clearly defined curriculum-based track to acquire essential knowledge and skills for success in

parent whose child has died

BILL BOURIS digi@mindspring.com

In English, we have the word “orphan”, meaning a child whose parents have died. But there is no equivalent word for a parent whose child has died. Because, in recent years, there has been a major loss of life, mostly among the youth and due to drug addiction, there are many grieving parents who feel that such a word would help them, spiritually, socially, and therapeutically.

If you google something like “what do you call a parent whose child has died?”, you will discover the Sanskrit word “vilomah” and the Hebrew word “shakul”. At this time, it seems that vilomah is the leading candidate for adaptation into English. Personally I prefer shakul, but, there are good reasons for vilomah. n Sanskrit, it means something like “an upset of the natural order of things”, and the proponents of “vilomah” feel it therefore recognizes the genesis of the parent’s grief.

Margery is part of a group of childhood friends from Macon. That group goes as far back as the early 1940s. So, with such life-long connections, you can understand our sadness when we learned that a daughter of one of this group had died. Recently that mother, among Margery’s earliest friends, stayed with us in Whitesburg. She told us of her emotional state and of her communicating with other parents who had lost a child. Although her daughter did not die from the possible effects of drug addiction, the overwhelming majority of those parents whom she met and commiserated with were grieving from that particular reason, drug overdose due to addiction, and it was at that time that she learned of the lack of a specific word in English. That’s how Margery and I became aware of it.

By googling “What languages have a word for a parent that has lost children?” I found a Reddit forum that had exactly that for a subject. People from several areas of the world participated. Several languages, like Greek, German, Spanish, Russian, Turkish, Japanese, Portuguese, and Tagalog (Phillipines) use expressions like “bereaved parents”. But as was pointed out by the discussion-leader, these were “expressions” and not an individual word, as might be illustrated by the word “orphan” (versus the expression “parent-less

child”). The only languages mentioned that had such a word were Hebrew, Arabic, and Classical Chinese.

Since Hebrew and Arabic are part of the family of Semitic languages, their words for the parent who has lost a child are rather similar. The Chinese pictograph, that signifies such a bereaved parent, was lost when that language had its writing system “modernized”, according to that contributor. That’s why “vilomah” (possibly to be followed by “shakul”) is the leading candidate for adaptation into English.

All of this leads me to the question: Why? How come, with only a hint from Classical Chinese and Semitic languages (like Hebrew and Arabic), was such a word dropped and forgotten?” I’m assuming that many if not all languages had such a word. For what it’s worth, here’s my opinion:

In ancient times, there had to be a period when human societies began to first organize themselves into larger, much larger, units, like “kingdoms”. This passage away from “familytribe” could not have succeeded if there hadn’t been a parallel development from tribal-related fighters into larger organizations, integrating many such groups of fighters into the first armies.

Take Phillip of Macedon, as a late example of this process. He conquered the highly devel-

oped societies to his south, Athens and its culture being the great prize. When his son Alexander took over the enterprise, he then organized all of Greece into an empire whose army conquered Asia as far as India. In order to establish local dynasties that would be loyal to Greece, he had his Greek officers marry into local royal families. So far, this kind of history is well-understood (as evidenced in the movie “Alexander the Great”).

What I want to add is mention of the honor that is given to the individual for giving their life under such a development. In other words: To make a mother feel that her son’s death was “worth it”, which did not happen in the next valley, but thousands of miles away, the new rulers also had to take over the role and the responsibility of the “grief-stricken parent”. In other words, as nations and empires developed, so did a certain local word disappear, for a parent who has lost a child. Now, the state and nation grieved the loss of its fallen heroes instead.

Here’s an interesting development: In Israel, “shakul”, the Hebrew word for a grieving parent, is increasingly being used for the parent who has lost a child, militarily!

This is all very complicated, but it leads me to another question: Why is this search for the proper word happening now?

COMMENTARY

You are the light LESLIE VAUGHN

Millennials Christian Ministry (MCM)

Have you ever felt like you were invisible? Like people didn’t notice you unless you were like them. Has it been easy for you to hide in the shadows or just blend in? God did not call you to hide out in the comfort zone. He created you to shine. You are the light. Matthew 5:1416- “Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. 15 Neither do men

wide, the man-made lake is fed by the confluence of the mighty Chattahoochee with the equally-impressive Flint River (a 8,460 squaremile watershed) for a dual catchment area of 17,280 square miles. (Forgive all these numbers, but in this instance I know of no other way to summon in words the sheer amount of water we’re talking about here, billions upon billions of gallons!)

The Chattahoochee and Flint Rivers emerge from Lake Seminole in Florida as the formidable Apalachicola, and this new river with a new

in a criminal charge assuming a party line vote and the current political justice system. The first step to stem the corruption is a fair election, and then hope the other side does not adopt the same criteria in governing.

First Amendment rights and political speech are highlighted in most of the dialogue by politicians on these issues when they are trying argue their position. The current indictments from Fulton County, Georgia will be interesting to follow since they depart from the usual scenario in the Federal system.

Many of our politicians have amassed a fortune during their political tenure, it is hard to believe they did not use their position for financial gain (18th century “Misdemeanor”). The only solution for this graft has to start at the local level. The constituents of the official can limit a representative’s term or make him disclose his personal monetary gain in office through their votes and/or political action.

Political speech usually circumvents libel laws and with a compliant media to carry the “misinformation”, the public rarely gets an unbiased explanation of the subject. Currently, the impeachments involving Trump have stretched the boundaries of political ‘mis- or disinformation’ identified as the abuse of power and election interference.

The involvement of three letter agencies is starting to be exposed for their deceitfulness. Kash Patel’s latest book “Government Gangsters” estimates 15% of the administrative state would have to be fired to get it under control and ultimately return our agencies and departments to work for the American People. Trump has already vowed to cut 50,000 government jobs, which would be a good start. In his first term, he cut around 10%.

Once again, the broad and open-ended language of the Constitution is playing “hell” with our politics. The meaning of words and the cultural practices in place during the 18th century political justice system have to be used to understand the context. Can you picture our politicians impeaching an official for jaywalking when using our modern term for misdemeanor? I can.

light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. 16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. “

I was comfortable in the back of the church, not the front. But I couldn’t hide anymore. When I looked back over my life, I found I wasn’t very good at hiding. Someone would pick me to do something out of my comfort zone. One person who asked me to do something was my Aunt Sybil. She wanted me to help her start a children’s choir. I knew nothing about children. I was still a teenager myself. Yet she saw something in me and believed I could do it. I found a hymnal and went to the children’s song parts. I taught them

name has a journey of only 160 miles in which to empty her 19,500 square miles of combined watersheds, fanning out in broad webs of swamps, bayous, and wetlands to reach finally (and I feel sure without trembling) the Gulf of Mexico.

I wasn’t with Mary B when she died. I’m told by those who were that her going was gentle and fearless. Which brings to mind two other goings I was present for: first, my mother’s more than twenty years ago. Her slow, almost-imperceptible last breaths were like the flattening of the waves on a beach at low ebb. As silence descended and her breath unfurled to nothing, I had the sensation that my mother and those of us around her, in fact the entire ICU, had become a vast calm sea into which she had apparently vanished.

The other death happened right in this room where I sit writing these words. Almost ten years ago, my husband Glyn died here beside the river he had known intimately for over 45 years. Was he drawing on her fearlessness when he left us with grace and a glimmer of mystery?

His eyes were closed, his face turned toward the river.

“It’s like a tide going out,” I whispered to him as he glided effortlessly from his own river of letting go into that endless ocean.

the words. They had fun. A choir was born. God used me here and there to do other things. Hiding was just not an option. Using the gifts God gave me was one way I let my light shine. 1 Peter 4:10 “As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.”

The goal of your life is to glorify God. You are the light. You can’t do that by hiding in the comfort zone. It’s time to find your sweet spot in the kingdom.

It didn’t matter how young or old I was. I was that light. You are that light. You can’t hide anymore than I could. Can you relate? Matthew 5:14“Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.”

You’re called to give light to those around you. You’re called to let your light shine. Men are to see your good works and glorify God. No matter how old you are, God has called you to be light. You are the light. Sometimes, even now as an older person, I find it is still so easy to hide in the background. It’s so easy to blend in and be like everyone else.

The goal of your life is to glorify God. You are the light. You can’t do that by hiding in the comfort zone. It’s time to find your sweet spot in the kingdom.

Once I did a summit with someone, she said she was an introvert. She said being an introvert doesn’t mean you can’t do it. You can do it because God helps you. Philippians 4:13“I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” Under His anointing and guidance, she was an amazing speaker. After her speech, she went to be alone to recharge.

Year 1919: the Spanish flu and WWI killed about 40 million people.

Year 1945: two atomic bombs dropped on Japan resulted in some 400,000 deaths and casualties.Additionally, the U.S. dropped some 2000 tons of incendiary bombs that killed about 100,000 civilians. The Holocaust killed some 6 million Jews and the WWII combat reduced the global population by some 3%. In total, the world lost about 70 to 85 million peo-

Here, I thought I was an introvert. I can’t do that. I can’t talk in front of a bunch of people. I can’t do Facebook lives. What would I say? What would I do? As an introvert, I thought I could hide behind the scenes. Can you relate? Have you been hiding in an area of your life where God wants you to shine?I believe this is the time to do it. This is the time to stop hiding and do those things God has for you. It doesn’t have to be a big thing, but you can do it.

Someone needs you to shine your light. Someone needs you to stop hiding and being in the background. Someone needs you to stop blending in.

Where are you hiding in life? Where are you shining? God created you in His image. God made you for more. You are special. God has a good plan for your life that goes far above your wildest dreams. Ephesians 3:20 “Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us”

Jeremiah 29:11”For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.”

I didn’t think I could do half the things I have done. I didn’t think I mattered or what I said mattered. So for a long time, I stayed silent. I hid in the background. Little by little, I am gaining ground and stepping out on God’s plan for my life. If I can do it, so can you. You are the light.Yes, I can. Yes, you can.

ple. I guess God has a way of cleaning up the population problems man seems to create.

In reality, all of the current self-serving and incompetent politicians are really just a passing aggravation.

So, who will you vote for? The nominees of stupid party or the evil party? Anybody really look good? If you do not vote, no problem, other likely incompetents will select your leaders. You just pay the bills. cedwilson587@yahoo.com

TRAVIS PITTMAN from page 23

RIVER RAMBLES from page 24

ED WILSON from page 24

Carroll County Department of Public Health restaurant health inspections scores

To view complete inspection details: dph.georgia.gov/environmental-health Following

A Message from your Tax Commissioner

Tax bills are going out the beginning of October.

In March of this year Governor Brian Kemp along with the General Assembly of the State of Georgia enacted the Homestead Tax Relief Grant (HTRG) program, in accordance with O.C.G.A. §36-89-1. This is a One-Time tax reduction program for all eligible homeowners who have an approved Homestead Exemption in plane on their primary place of residence.

Property owners will receive the tax relief grant in the form of a $18,000 reduction in the assessed value of their homestead property. Therefore, the tax reduction amounts will vary amongst property owners.

Rental Properties and Non-Homestead properties will not be eligible for the Tax Relief Grant.

For more information visit the Department of Revenue website at: https://dor.georgia.gov/2023-property-tax-relief-grant.

The tax commissioner’s office has moved to 997 Newnan Road, Carrollton, GA for the new administration building to be built at 423 College Street.

Eat) cheese and next to sour cream allowing potential cross contamination.

432 College Street Carrollton, Georgia 30117 770-830-5843

Jack’s 1109 North Park Street

87

9/18/2023: Martin’s 612 Bankhead Highway Carrollton 85 previous 85

9/07/2023: Carrollton Nursing Rehabilitation 2327 Hwy 27 NCarrollton 83 previous 87

9/15/2023: Pupiseria La Gloria 500 Newnan Road Carrollton 80 previous 92

9/26/2023: Jersey Mike’s 1670 Hwy 27 South Carrollton 77 previous 87

Violations: Observed drink nozzles with heavy black mold built up in drink machine located in dining room. Observed magnetic knife strip with rust. Observed front display cooler, both prep coolers holding TCS foods above 411F. Observed bleach and sanitizer bottles stored next to dry foods.

9/11/2023: Bojangles 102 West Perennial Drive Temple 77 previous 83

Violations: Observed chicken cooler holding ambient temperature of 62 degrees. Chicken and batter mix holding 57 degrees. Employee determined breaker was popped off. Manager reset breaker. Observed employee food in reach-in cooler.

9/13/2023: Jerry’s Country Kitchen 328 Bankhead Hwy Carrollton 72 previous 82

Violations: Observed raw meats pork and steaks stored over ready to eat coleslaw and raw onions. Observed chemical spray bottles next to bread/repeat violation. Observed employee plate raw tomato with bare hands. Observed raw wood present newar food prep areas. Observed rusted shelving throughout facility. Observed floors in disrepair, walls and ceiling tiles with heavy grease accumulation.

public swimming pool health inspections scores

9/25/2023: The Foundry 316 Columbia Drive Carrollton 98 SATISFACTORY

9/28/2023: Club Fitness Spa 830 maple Street Carrollton 97 SATISFACTORY

9/28/2023: Club Fitness Pool 830 maple Street Carrollton 93 SATISFACTORY

Following received a score of 100 during a SEPTEMBER inspection:

Tallapoosa (Carroll County) Park1930 Hwy 113 Carrollton 100

Start moving toward retirement security

RED O’NEAL

FINANCIAL ADVISOR

It’s not as well-known as Halloween, but National Retirement Security week happens every October, the third week, to be precise \\, and while it doesn’t involve ghosts and goblins, it does deal with something even more frightening: the risk of not being able to enjoy a comfortable retirement.

Through various events, this occasion highlights ideas about building retirement security. What steps can you take? Here are some suggestions:

Don’t underestimate your longevity. Consider this: 65-year-old men can expect to live another 20 years, while 65-year-old

the street from the 302 address, objected to the Site Plan Amendment. He said he did not purchase a home in this subdivision where “the house across the street is a trailer” and that a non-standard house is detrimental to property values now and longterm.

Florres of Haviland Drive in Tanyard Creek said that she and others in her family bought properties there, they are paying the taxes, and that manufactured homes will bring property values down. She said, “We are not trying to be mean, but we’re just trying to look out for our own families.”

Council Member Brett Ledbetter said that the construction of manufactured homes has changed over the last ten years. This company builds over 70,000 homes per year, buying a high volume of materials at a lower cost than individual builders; standards are the same as houses built in the normal fashion; that there is too much ‘old mentality’ about trailers; these houses have hurricane rafters as well as highly-

women can anticipate almost 22 more years, according to the Society of Actuaries. And these figures are just averages, meaning you could well exceed these ages, perhaps by many years. So, in thinking about how much money you’ll need as a retiree, be aware that you could spend two, or even three, decades in retirement.

Don’t underestimate health care costs. When you retire, some of your expenses, such as transportation, wardrobe and other costs associated with your career, will drop. Others will not and may even increase. Health care is a prime example: Many people assume that Medicare or their Medicare Advantage plan will take care of virtually all their health care costs in retirement, but that’s not the case.

Generally speaking, you could plan on spending $4,500 to $6,500 per year on health care costs during retirement, excluding the

rated windows, doors and insulation values. Ledbetter said he understands the concerns of the people in the subdivision, and he thinks the

large expenses connected with long-term care. Your actual costs could be higher or lower, depending on your health, prescription drugs and supplemental insurance coverage, but make sure you plan for sizable health care costs in your projected retirement budget.

Contribute as much as you can afford to your retirement plans. Try to put in as much as you can afford to your 401(k) or other employer-sponsored retirement plan and try to increase your contributions whenever your salary goes up. You may also be eligible to contribute to a traditional or Roth IRA, which offers tax benefits and a wide variety of investment options. (Contributions to a Roth IRA may be limited based on your income.)

Once you reach retirement, you can still make some moves that could help boost your financial security:

Maintain an appropriate investment mix. When you retire, you might be tempted to

within the city. Item was approved by council unanimously.

Erica Studdard, Community Development director, stated that the 2023 Comprehensive Plan for the City of Carrollton has now been approved by the Georgia Department of Community Affairs for the next five years. Plan was approved by council unanimously.

shift most of your portfolio into highly conservative investments to “lock in” gains and avoid being over-exposed to market volatility that could cause short-term losses. Yet, even in retirement, you should still own some growth-oriented investments that can potentially help keep you ahead of inflation.

In fact, it’s important to periodically rebalance your investments back to your preferred mix to avoid taking too much or too little risk, so you may want to consult with a financial advisor.

Identify a suitable withdrawal rate. You don’t want to take out so much from your portfolio each year that you run the risk of outliving your money. So, you’ll want to determine an annual withdrawal rate that can reduce this danger. A common withdrawal rate to start retirement is 4%, but your own rate should be based on several factors: your age, size of portfolio, other sources of income and so on.It can be challenging to make all the moves necessary to help achieve retirement security, but it’s worth the effort.

Fred O’Neal, financial advisor, 410 College Street, Carrollton, GA 770-832-2141. Article was written by Edward Jones for use by local Edward Jones Financial Advisor.

Carroll County pistol permits

council needs a little more time to evaluate the manufactured homes.

Ledbetter made a motion to table the decision for 30 days. His motion was seconded and approved unanimously by council.

Another item of business was approval of an award to Kimley Horn to create a comprehensive safety action plan for road safety for the amount of $71,500. City was awarded a grant for $60,000 by the Safe Streets for All to develop a holistic, well-defined strategy to prevent roadway fatalities and serious injuries

Carroll County marriage licenses

City Manager, David Brooks, presented a Declaration of Conservation Easements and Related Covenants and Restrictions to the Hays Mill Road POA, giving them the right to overlook 0.86 acres of substantially undeveloped land owned by the city, effectively giving them the right to maintain that property and prevent the construction of any buildings there. Council approved this item unanimously.

Hayley Beaver was officially appointed city clerk, a position for which she is already certified. The job of City Clerk and Finance Director was held by Jim Triplett who has retired. New finance director is Kevin Bush. Meeting was adjourned.

SEPTEMBER 1- 30, 2023

Number of Weapons Carry Permits applied for: SEPT. 1-30, 2023: 129

Concerning Weapons Carry Permits:

On April 12, 2022, Governor Brian Kemp signed into law the Georgia Constitutional Carry Senate Bill 319 and the License Reciprocity Measure House Bill 218 which now allows a lawful weapons carrier to carry a concealed weapon without a gun permit requirement. A background check is still required in order to purchase weapon - and the applicant must pass the background check - but a permit to carry is now longer required. Georgia is one of 24 states that now has Constitutional Carry which follows the intent of the Second Amendment of the Constitution allowing the right to bear arms.

Carroll County births

SEPTEMBER 1-30, 2023:

Tanner Medical Center, Carrollton: Females: 59 Males: 57

Tanner Medical Center, Villa Rica:�

Females: 31 Males: 28

Carroll County cattle receipts

Carroll County Sales Barn

225 Sales Barn Road, Carrollton

Sept. 11, 2023: 777

Sept. 18, 2023: 736

Sept. 25, 2023: 631

October 2, 2023: 876

Carroll County jail population

(The Jack T. Bell Detention Center, 1000 Newnan Road,Carrollton)

Total population as of OCTOBER 1, 2023: 444

Males: 366 Females: 78

Carroll County prison population

Total population as of OCTOBER 1, 2023: 242

Capacity: 246 Males: 100%

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

TWO MOBILE HOMES from page 14

. . . said that she and others . . . are paying the taxes, and that manufactured homes will bring property values down. She said, “We are not trying to be mean, but we’re just trying to look out for our own families.” . . that a non-standard house is detrimental to property values now and long-term.

feels that the timing is right to do it now.

There are 850+ farms in Carroll County and they need a voice to approach topics in AG. Perry says this committee is a way to unify voices in the AG community into one group that will have an impact on decisions that are made. She said they would like to hear from young voices, new voices, a true cross-section to give feedback from the AG sector.

Commissioner Clint Chance suggested the committee should consist of seven members rather than five. Perry agreed. Committee will consist of a member from each commission district plus an at-large member appointed by commission chair; staggered terms will be

Leaving a Legacy of Faith: In a culture that often underappreciates the wisdom of age, grandparents have a tremendous opportunity to leave a legacy of faith to grandchildren by:

Praying. Ask the Lord to guide, direct and order our steps as we raise or interact with our grandchildren and impact their parents.

Extending your faith. Use every opportunity, especially in difficult family situations, to demonstrate that we are leaning on the Lord and trusting in His guidance, strength, and wisdom in all circumstances.

Sharing insightful, helpful information about the family. Let the grandchildren know about their legacy, especially about faith in Christ alone; courage to trust the Lord to provide everything they need in life and the strength to serve Him and others in a way that brings Him glory; persistence in prayer and Bible study with a tender heart which yields to the Lord as He makes them more Christ-like; humility in acknowledging that they can do nothing apart from Christ; selflessness in having a loving heart towards others; and perseverance through any trial, being thankful in all circumstances.

Leveraging opportunities to talk about God’s power. Talking about and experiencing God’s creation with your grandchildren can be teaching moments of God’s power. Look at the moon together, count the stars, walk through a garden and pick flowers. These moments don’t cost anything except time.

Keeping in close touch with your grandchildren. Write letters, send cards, call and text. Share Bible verses. We do live in a

biliteracy fields of study. The successful competition of this journey provides colleges with a method to recognize and give academic credit to applicants seeking admission and to recognize a rigorous foreign language immersion experience for OMA graduates. Students participating in the journey have an opportunity to earn a World Language Scholar Seal (Biliteracy) which serves as a signal to colleges that a student is prepared to participate in an international-related field of study requiring bilingual skills and is awarded to seniors at graduation who have completed a series of accomplishments.

The Customized Academic Scholar Journey is individually designed in collaboration with the student, parent, and administration to provide students with a personalized, clearly defined, academic track that may or may not earn the student a series of distinctions upon graduation. The Customized Academic Scholar Journey enables academically driven students to pursue a focused, rigorous course of study that includes the following: dual enrollment, virtual offerings, and/or onsite course options.

These Personalized Academic Journeys are a signature at Oak Mountain Academy. If you are interested in learning more, please visit our website www.oakmountain.us or 770-834-6651.

worked in as time progresses.

5.Public Works Director Danny Yates stated that GDOT has awarded Carroll County $190,000 from LMIG Safety Action Program to be used for striping roads. He recommended accepting bid from Tidwell Traffic Solutions for a total of $251,139.80, with the $61,139.80 coming from SPLOST. Yates said they can stripe 28 miles of roads for this amount.

6Resolution to purchase 429.15 acres of land to expand McIntosh Reserve Park using $1,950,000 Grant money from the Trust for Public Lands, and an approved match in funding of $300,000 by the Board of Commissioners on October 4, 2022. Meeting was adjourned.

frantic-time-restraining society, but it’s imperative we figure out the best way to interact and listen to the needs of our grandchildren!

Even under difficult circumstances, caring for a grandchild is often one of the most fulfilling and important relationships in a grandparent’s life. Handing down a legacy of faith is one of the most important aspects of your time together, and yet it can be the most difficult. For Grandparents Day and every day beyond, let’s celebrate the joys and pray about the pains of being a grandparent-with God as the source of all support now and in the days to come.

Some simple wisdom I’ve gathered from the past and tried to incorporate into my daily living, personal relationships, business dealings, past child-rearing years and current mentoring years: “ God has blessed us with two ears and one mouth. Reason being, we are to listen twice as much as we are to speak!”

Another lighter side of being a grandparent “If I knew they were this much fun, I would have had them first!” I think all us grands can appreciate the thought! Selah.

from press release

Visitors to Carroll County generated $161.8 million in direct, domestic traveler expenditures in 2022, an increase of almost eight percent over 2021, the Carrollton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau announced.

According to an annual study commissioned by the Georgia Department of Economic Development, visitors to Carroll County and its cities were also responsible for $12.1 million in state and local tax revenues in 2022. Each household in the county would need to be taxed an additional $283 per year to replace taxes generated by tourism activity. The tourism industry supported more than 1484 jobs in the county in 2022.

“These 2022 numbers are a record high

point,” said Jonathan Dorsey, the visitors bureau’s director. “Tourism spending continues to grow substantially each year thanks to countless individuals here that work hard to offer world-class hospitality to visitors from all over Georgia, from out-of-state and other countries.”

Dorsey credited the county’s success attracting visitors to the cooperative efforts of city and county governments, local tourism bureaus, attractions, lodging, parks and recreation departments, food service, schools, the Chamber of Commerce and others.

According to the report, visitors to the county spent the most on food service, followed in order by local and air transportation, lodging, retail and recreation.

PATRICK YURAN from page 25

DUANE HACK from page 25

State Department of Economic Development: tourism brought $161.8 million to Carroll County in 2022

completed, will be the first of this type of park in the state, and we are proud to be able to donate the land.”

She is working to make the Maple Street Corridor a reality. “This will connect West Georgia Technical College and the University of West Georgia in a very positive way with downtown.”

Mayor Cason wants to continue walkability as well as the retail and neighborhood experience. “I want to meet the needs of local small businesses as well as industry. We need to continue to revitalize and bring new life to Carrollton. I am proud of the new industry and business that come here but our greatest asset is our citizens - their giving and loving attitude! But growth will come. And we must control it. We must have the infrastructure to support it, we must be cautious about fast growth.”

“I think Carrollton is a hidden gem! With the amenities that sometimes we don’t think about - the Greenbelt, the AMP, the Arts Center, - it goes on and on. This all contributes to our wonderful quality of life. And we have such a great relationship and partnership with Dr. Julie Post at the college and Dr. Brendan Kelley at the university.”

Mayor Cason shared, “One of my goals is to

JIMWATTERS from page 23

Marathon, our July 4th parade and fireworks, Christmas Parade, etc., you will always find something fun for the entire family going on in Carrollton!

Prosperous: People want to live in Carrollton not only because it is a safe and vibrant community, but also because the local economy is thriving! We are blessed to have large private employers like Southwire and Tanner Health System based here as well as public institutions like the University of West Georgia and West Georgia Technical College that provide careers for people in Carrollton and surrounding areas. The demand to live in Carrollton is strong and this is one of several factors in recent home value increases. However, because you have elected fiscally conservative representatives over the years, our millage rate is consistently the lowest in the West Georgia area.

In summary, I am proud of my twelve-year voting record that reflects the three core conservative tenants of limited government, free markets, and low taxes. The result is the safe, vibrant, and prosperous community that we all enjoy.

Citizens of Ward 3, thank you for the trust you’ve placed in me over the last twelve years as your councilman. Elections matter, and I ask for your vote on November 7th.

D.A. KING from page 24

Dugan wrote in June, SB 264 is quite alive and viable in the state Capitol for next year.

There has been no correction or explanation from Senator Dugan in the editions of this newspaper that were published after his June rebuttal column. I checked with Ms. Horn to be sure I had not missed something. I also contacted Senator Dugan asking for any input he wanted to offer for this article, but as I write on deadline on October 3rd, I have not received a reply.

So, I’ll end where I began: Did any other readers think they were owed a correction or explanation of any of this from Senator Dugan? I would like to hear from you either way.

It would be a shame if voters were not paying attention or are somehow timid enough to ignore the unapologetic, outrageously erroneous statements on Democrat legislation from a Republican state senator in their community newspaper.

try to keep our young professionals here with competitive salaries and affordable housing. We have had some apartment complexes converting from student housing to family housing, which bring some more affordable housing options. And we do offer the lowest millage rates of any of the surrounding communities.

“Our finances are in good shape, and our departments and employees are sensitive about expenses. We want our citizens to know we are diligent in looking for grants to fund local needs wherever possible. We try to be good stewards. Like you, I don’t like property taxes either!”

You may contact Mayor Cason at: bbcason728@gmail.com or on Facebook at bettycason for mayor.

Early Voting starts October 16th and the election is November 7th.

Danny’s Pressure Wash

CARROLLTON MAYOR RACE from page 6