StarNews April 2021

StarNews

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

NEWS REPORTING / NEWS RECAP / NEWS ANALYSIS

StarNews monthly traditional print publication / StarNews Online daily local news

APRIL 11, 2021 • VOLUME 27 NUMBER 4

Carroll County Mental Health Advocates ask the public to help be their “missing link”

by Janice Daniel The Carroll County Mental Health Advocates will be hosting their 2nd annual community event “Miles for Mental Health - Running Over the Hurdles Together” 5K and 1-mile Fun Run on Saturday, May 15th, 2021, at the Greenbelt at Hobbs Farm, 1147 Rome Street, Carrollton, Georgia.

Registration begins at 2:00 pm, Fun Run begins at 3:00 pm, and 5K Run begins at 4:00 pm. Proceeds will benefit the Carroll County Mental Health Advocate programs. Additional information can be obtained at the Carroll County Mental Health Advocates office at 306A Bradley Street, Carrollton, Georgia 30117, phone 770830-2048.

The story of the CCMHA is one of true commitment to their mission. In 2008, then Carroll County Probate Court Judge, Betty Cason (now Mayor of Carrollton) brought together a group of concerned citizens for a con-

WGTC announces new president

LOFCR: Local Option Face Covering Requirement Governor removes mask mandate, eliminates ban on large gatherings, reduces social distancing to 42 inches in some cases, moves mask wearing decision to the local levels

Dr. Julie Post will begin job April 16th Effective for time frame of April 1st through April 30th from press release eliminated (but “strongly encouraged” by the

by Sue Horn Dr. Julie Post, Vice President of Student Affairs On Thursday, April 1, 2021, Governor Brian governor) and replaced with a Local Option Face at Gwinnett Technical College, has been selected Kemp signed three executive orders, of which Covering Requirement (LOFCR) giving a city, at the next president of West Georgia Technical one (temporarily) eliminates the year long CoVid county, or other government entity the authority College (WGTC), as announced by Technical large gatherings ban and any remaining to continue to impose the requirement of wearing College System of Georgia Commissioner Greg sheltering-in-place for the time period April 8th a mask “when not able to maintain Social Dozier. She will begin her duties at West Georgia though April 30th. And although the mask wear- Distancing from non-cohabitating persons”.

Tech April 16, 2021. Pat Hannon has been interim ing requirement has been (temporarily) elimiSocial distancing has been reduced from 6 feet president of West Georgia Tech since Dr. Scott nated at the state level, it was moved to a local to 3.5 feet (42 inches) of separation between Rule retired as President December 31, 2020. level decision. Specifically, for the time period seating/parties at restaurants, bars, and movie See WGTC NEW PRESIDENT page 8 April 1-30, 2021, the mask mandate has been See LOCAL OPTION FACE COVERING page 5

A scant 0.039% of Carroll County voters participated in SPLOST Referendum

by Sue Horn The March 16, 2021 Carroll County SPLOST (Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax) passed by an 81% margin with only 3,368 citizens participating. Of those, See 0.039% VOTED page 19

Georgia Labor Department issued more in unemployment payments in last 12 months than prior 82 years

by Sue Horn At the 3:00 p.m. Thursday, April 1, 2021 Special Called Meeting of the Carroll County Board of Commissioners, an amendment was passed 6-0 (one commissioner was

1911-2019: $20.024 Billion paid 2020 alone: $20.218 Billion paid

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3,368

Number of Carroll County citizens who voted in the March 2021 SPLOST Referendum

absent) to increase the budget by $191,433 to match increased revenues. Three categories received the bulk of the cash: $53,000 has been assigned to increased “salaries”; See $191,433 page 11

CoVID-19 statistics for Georgia and Carroll County one year: March 23, 2020- April 5, 2021 GEORGIA

Life going forward, and out of the pandemic As pandemic restrictions have eased (3.5 feet now for some social distancing/mask use encouraged but not mandated), civic clubs are returning to more normal functioning, including the Carrollton Kiwanis Club who recently hosted Carroll County’s fire chief Tim Padgett. See story page 6. Photo by Sue Horn

CARROLL COUNTY As of APRIL 5, 2021: 7,271 total confirmed cases 129 total deaths Estimated county population: 122,000 Death total represents Death total represents 0.00158% of population 0.001% of population Source: Georgia Department of Public Health dph.georgia.gov/covid-19 As of APRIL 5, 2021: 856,340 total confirmed cases 16,749 total deaths Estimated state population: 10.6M

See $20.218 BILLION page 27 DON’T MISS AN ISSUE! READ DIGITAL MONTHLY

85,888

Number of Carroll County citizens voted in the Nov. 2020 Election

County commission approves amendment increasing spending by $191,433 to match extra revenue

See FUNDRAISER page 7

from press release The Georgia Department of Labor (GDOL) recently surpassed a major milestone in the organization paying claimants more in the past 12 months than in all of the combined years that GDOL has been in existence.

Georgians have received $20.218 billion in unemployment insurance (UI)

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Combining Massage Therapy and Chiropractic Care Dr Ralph Templeton with Rachael Templeton Truett LMT

“My clinics in Villa Rica and Bremen are notorious for assisting sick people in their quest to get better getting their body to function like it did naturally,” claims Dr. Ralph Templeton of Axiom Chiropractic in Villa Rica and Bremen Family Health and Wellness Center. “My patient base of 35 years include young and old, those injured by trauma and those with no trauma in their history, and those with chronic illnesses such as diabetes, cancer and cardiovascular afflictions, Lyme, fibromyalgia, and other autoimmune diseases. I have developed method to treat patients suffering with post surgical pain problems safely and very efficaciously. Thirty percent or more of my practice consists of those who have already had spine surgery. What is truly unique about my approach is we’re using a broad range of treatment options, some of which remain undiscovered by the general public. Most who come to me for pain relief find out they have diseases and pain stemming from the same origins. If there is one thing all sick and diseased people have in common it is chronic aches and pains. Most often we find that those who are very ill will have low grade infectious microplasmic organisms (infectious bacteria like Lyme disease, and/ or viruses mostly, even amoebic parasites).

Simply put, we are now addressing the microbe factors when planning our treatment plans for the very ill and run-down patients as inflammation and fatigue is intricately linked to poorly functioning immune responses with applications that reduce infections and pain.”

AVOID THE USE OF NARCOTIC PRESCRIPTION MEDICATIONS WHEN POSSIBLE! “Furthermore, in the wake of the national opioid crisis in the United States, primary care clinics are beginning to recognize the importance of nonpharmacologic care for patients with common musculoskeletal conditions such as low back pain. Integrating chiropractic care into healthcare clinics is an important step toward offering these more holistic approaches to pain management.

“So many patients come to us as a last resort out of frustration with their health

StarNews April 11, 2021 Page 3

ARE YOU BATTLING: CHRONIC BACK PAIN? TMJ? ACID REFLUX? ASTHMA? WE KNOW HOW TO HELP WITHOUT THE USE OF DRUGS OR SURGERY! Call THE OFFICES OF DR. RALPH TEMPLETON OF VILLA RICA’S AXIOM CHIROPRACTIC

OR BREMEN FAMILY HEALTH AND WELLNESS CENTER problems--not getting any better after numerous visits and multiple doctors!”

“We’re different because we have a variety of diagnostic tools and work along with multiple scientific disciplines to work for you. But I have found that your voice and my ears are also vitally important, so that is why in the beginning I take all the time necessary with our patients to understand all their health problems, including your lifestyle and your attitude toward making changes. I recognize that not every individual wants to, or is readily able to make changes in their lives, but for those who are willing and open to use alternative medical treatment plans and/or in many cases lifestyle changes, we are remarkably successful.”

“Dr Templeton adjusted my spine and put me on a special diet that was easy to follow,and recommended taking minerals…and other supplements along with my treatments.Now I am off nearly all medications including the insulin and pain medications. By the way, health doesn’t come in a bottle as I found out.

I have lost over 50 pounds. And now walk without a walker…without assistance, on my own! Whatever he tells me to do,I do it. he hasn’t been wrong yet!” P. Stone Villa Rica Dr Templeton and his staff are uniquely qualified to deliver a variety of alternative and traditional medical approaches including family and physical medicine, chiropractic, nutritional, and massage therapy. The latest upgrade in the realm of laser and frequency (light and resonance) therapy, nutrition, non-steroidal supplements, and therapeutic massage. For head, neck and back pain problems, Dr Templeton identifies the impinged areas and releases fixated and misaligned vertebrae by gentle hands or often may use the Pro Adjuster, which is an instrument that uses a sophisticated computer analysis and mechanical stimulation to pinpoint problem areas and release pressure on nerves so they can function properly. For a disc problem, for example, he may use FDAapproved Spinal Decompression Therapy, which is fast, effective and safe and all of these ailments are indicative of malnutrition, which will require our patient’s to choose a more appropriate dietary.

“HEALING! It’s always about finding the root cause of your problem BUT also getting to the contributing factors as well if long-

term relief is to be achieved.

For over 35 years Dr Templeton has trained all over the country, seeking the most effective, noninvasive treatments possible. “I believe that the patient must be involved in the treatment plan and setting the goals they wish to obtain. A patient’s attitude and commitment will usually bring the results they desired. Come find out why people drive so far to see us,” Dr Templeton comments.

“If your current treatment is not working, if you are being kept in the dark about your problem, and you are willing to change what you do, you should call us today!”

“I am really impressed with Dr.Templeton’s broad knowledge of health including nutrition.

I have always done my own research to find healthier ways of living but Dr Templeton always has new and more extensive information to share with me. I simply enjoy sitting down with him and discussing health and new ways of improving it. At 82, I am feeling great and thanks to Dr Templeton, I have my get up and go again! I recommend him to everyone!” J Harrell “Whatever your health concern, call and see if our unique team approach can help return you to health,” Dr Templeton continues. “Whether acute or chronic pain syndromes, Migraines, TMJ, Asthma, Acid Reflux, Pinched Nerve, even post surgical pain, or whatever stubborn health problem you may have, give us a call today and let’s see what we can accomplish together. We don’t treat symptoms, we find solutions! Let’s spend the time necessary to set a plan and goals to get you to better health!”

Visit drtempleton.com for more information and where you can also schedule your appointment. His healthcare facilities participate in over 80 different health plans as well as Medicare. Call 770-459-8782 to schedule an appointment at Axiom Chiropractic, 941 S. Carroll Road Suite C, Villa Rica and is located just off Highway 61 in the shopping center next to O’Charley’s or Bremen Family Health and Wellness Center at 507 Alabama Avenue in Bremen (770-537-5555). Healthcare With NO SIDE EFECTS!!!”

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U.S. Census Bureau scheduled to release Census 2020 data to all states by Sept. 30, 2021 from press release The U.S. Census Bureau announced that it will deliver the Public Law 94-171 redistricting data to all states by Sept. 30, 2021. COVID-19related delays and prioritizing the delivery of the apportionment results delayed the Census Bureau’s original plan to deliver the redistricting data to the states by March 31, 2021.

Also, on February 12, 2021, the Census Bureau completed the release of all states’ 2020 Census geographic products needed for redistricting. This will enable states to redistrict promptly upon receipt of their 2020 Census tabulation data.

Different from previous censuses, the Census Bureau will deliver the data for all states at once, instead of on a flow basis. This change has been made because of COVID-19-related shifts in data collection and in the data processing schedule and it enables the Census

Bureau to deliver complete and accurate redistricting data in a more timely fashion overall for the states.

The redistricting data includes counts of population by race, ethnicity (Hispanic or Latino origin), voting age, housing occupancy status, and group quarters population, all at the census block level. This is the information that states need to redraw or “redistrict” their legislative boundaries.

In preparation for the delivery of redistricting data products, the Census Bureau has been in close coordination with each states’ official nonpartisan liaisons to understand the impacts of the delayed delivery on individual states.

Since 2019, states have had access to prototype geographic support products and data tabulations from the 2018 Census Test to help them begin to design their redistricting systems.

This is one tool states can use to help minimize the impact of schedule delays.

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Georgia’s Farm Bureau “Farm Dog of the Year” contest: winner gets $5,000/year of dogfood from press release Farmers are invited to submit nominations for the 2022 Farm Bureau Farm Dog of the Year contest, supported by Purina. This is the fourth year of the contest, which celebrates farm dogs and the many ways they support farmers and ranchers in producing nutritious food for families and their pets across America.

The grand prize winner – Farm Bureau Farm Dog of the Year – will win a year’s worth of Purina dog food and $5,000 in prize money.

The winner will be recognized at a Farm Dog of the Year award ceremony at the American Farm Bureau Federation Convention in January 2022. Up to four regional runners-up will each win $1,000 in prize money.

Desired attributes for the Farm Dog of the

Year include helpfulness to the farmer and his/her family, playfulness and obedience. The 2022 Farm Dog of the Year will also be featured in a professionally produced video. The profile of 2021 Farm Dog of the Year Bindi can be viewed at https://www.fb.org/land/fdoty.

Farm dog owners must be Farm Bureau members to enter their dogs in the competition.

Prospective applicants who are not Farm Bureau members can visit fb.org/join to learn about becoming a member. Eligibility guidelines and submission requirements are available at https://www.fb.org/land/fdoty.

Farm Dog of the Year nominations, which include written responses to questions, still photos and a video clip (optional), must be received by July 2nd for consideration.

from press release Georgia Farm Bureau is accepting entries for its 2021 GFB “Picture Agriculture in Georgia” photo contest, which offers GFB member amateur photographers the chance to explore the many activities, seasons, triumphs, disappointments and faces of agriculture, our state’s key industry. The photos that win this competition will capture the image and spirit of agriculture and Farm Bureau in Georgia.

The contest is open to any amateur photographer (one who receives no income from photography) who is a member of Georgia Farm Bureau. The deadline to enter is June 1st.

All photos must highlight Georgia agriculture and have been taken in 2020 or 2021. Each entrant may enter three (3) photos.

All digital photos must be in a jpeg format and should be 1 MB in size or larger.

Photos entered in the GFB photo contest may not have been entered in any other contest.

Photos will be judged on the use of angle, lighting, balance, color, contrast, viewpoint and technical ability.

Photos altered in any way will not be judged.

All photos become the property of GFB and may be used for any purpose, such as publishing in Farm Bureau Neighbors and/or Farm Bureau News, posting it on GFB’s Web site, reproducing it for Farm Bureau use or selling it. Georgia Farm Bureau has the final decision on any and all questions or concerns regarding rules, judging, eligibility, prizes awarded or anything else that may arise pertaining to the Photo Contest.

The grand prize is $150. Eleven Honorable Mentions will be awarded $75 each. The grand prize winner will be featured on the front of the 2022 Young Farmer and Rancher Calendar.

The 11 Honorable Mention winners will be featured inside the calendar.

If you use children or people in your photo, you must complete a Model Release Entry Form. Found in the registration form. The entry form, model release and complete rules are available at www.gfb.ag/yfrphoto.

For more information, contact Haley Darby at hadarby@gfb.org

Georgia’s Farm Bureau’s “Picture Agriculture in Georgia” photo contest open to amateurs

Villa Rica Historical Preservation Commission seeks public input

The City of Villa Rica Historical Preservation Commission is hosting a workshop on Tuesday, April 20th at Powell Park, 6:00 pm. The goal is to obtain feedback from the public regarding the proposed expansion of an historical area for the local, state and national registry, which includes businesses as well as homes located within the proposed area.

The commission usually meets in the HoltBishop Justice Center, Municipal Court Room, 101 Main Street, Villa Rica, Georgia. Chair is Nancy Mims; Vice Chair Alan White; and Commissioners are David Rogers and Sarah Pitts; and two vacant commissioner seats.

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

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

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

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

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

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UWG: 489 vaccines given to students, employees

submitted by Colton Campbell, University of West Georgia (dated March 26, 2021) UWG began distributing the vaccine to students and employees who were eligible according to standards from the Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH). Earlier in the week, Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp announced that DPH would expand its eligibility requirements to include all individuals ages 16 and older effective yesterday.

An exact delivery date for future doses is not

yet known, but planning has been underway at UWG for months for acceptance and distribution as the vaccine becomes available.

The team identified existing ultra-cold storage equipment in the Biology Building, eliminating any potential barriers for accepting the delivery of the university’s allotted doses. Staff from UWG Health Services and faculty, staff, and students from the Tanner Health System School of Nursing were involved in the event and will be involved in future events, as well.

Students, faculty, and staff who receive the vaccine are still encouraged to follow the methods that have been proven to be effective in slowing the spread of COVID-19: wearing masks, staying physically distant, and washing their hands thoroughly and often.

For more information on the university’s vacfrom press release In anticipation of the expanded availability cine distribution, visit the COVID-19 of the COVID-19 vaccine, the University of Vaccination Program page.

West Georgia is preparing for a return to full operations for the Fall 2021 semester.

Cases of COVID-19 among the students, faculty and staff of the university have remained relatively low for the entirety of the Spring 2021 semester. Dr. Brendan Kelly, UWG’s president said, “Given the availability of vaccines and the success we have had in preventing the spread of COVID-19 on our campus, we intend to open in the fall with a full complement of in-person classes and an enhanced suite of student services, activities and events.”

Since moving to exclusively online instruction in mid-spring 2020, the university has continuously monitored the COVID-19 pandemic and has developed and implemented plans based on the latest information and guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Georgia Department of Public Health and the University System of Georgia.

The university has also recently been approved to serve as a distribution site to provide COVID-19 vaccinations directly for all students, faculty, and staff during the spring and summer semesters of 2021. UWG is currently awaiting the requested allotment of vaccination doses from the state of Georgia and will administer vaccines to students, faculty and staff when they are deemed eligible by DPH. LOCAL OPTION FACE COVERING REQUIREMENT (LOFCR) from front page theaters, and between patrons of group fitness classes.

This order also “eliminates the ability of law enforcement to close an organization for failure to comply with the Executive Order provisions.”

A myriad of other entities are affected by this executive order, including: • HOPE scholarhip qualification has been extended a full year for 2020 graduates (have until June 2021) and 2021 graduates (have until June 2022) • tanning salons employess must still wear a mask • state agency employees may receive a COVID-19 vaccine without using sick leave or annual leave This order also addresses nuring homes, child care facilities, public schools, dentists, etc.

To read the full 34 page Executive Order Order 03.31.21.0 3 go to: gov.georgia.gov/press-releases. It is expected that the governor will revisit these Covid restriction liftings as April 30th nears and evaluate as to whether or not to extend Executive Order 03.31.21.03 or issue a revised order based on CoVID statistics at that time.

UWG plans for full, open operations for Fall 2021 semester

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April 11, 2021 Page 5

Where:

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Grace Lutheran Church 101 Somerset Place Carrollton, Ga. When:

Saturday, April 17, 2021 from 8:00am-2:00pm

Face Masks are required and social distancing will be followed. Hand sanitizer will be available.

Proceeds go to Women and Men Shelters of Carrollton. Come by and shop through the many treasures!

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Carroll County’s Fire Chief/Emergency Management Director Tim Padgett talks about hazards

by Sue Horn The Carrollton Kiwanis Club hosted Carroll County Fire Chief and Emergency Management Director Tim Padgett for a presentation Friday noon, March 19, 2021, at an inperson still somewhat socially distanced luncheon at the Courtyard Marriott hotel located downtown Carrollton. Padgett’s topic was simply “hazards”. Padgett’s long time employment with Carroll County in both fire rescue and emergency management, has presented him with experience in now 17 disasters in the county.

Club vice president Johnny Tanner - the position in the club responsible for arranging speakers - introduced Chief Padgett, a well known and well respected public figure in the county.

Padgett began his career in Carroll County as a volunteer firefighter in 1981. He later became a full time employed firefighter, and was promoted over the years to Deputy Fire Chief and then to Fire Chief. He undertook training in Civil Defense and Emergency Managment in the late 1980s. In 1993, he was moved from fire chief to become the county’s Emergency Management Director.

In September 2018, Padgett’s duties to the county expanded, taking on the duties as Interim Fire Chief with the sudden resignation of Scott Blue who had been chief for five years. After handling both positions for about a year, Padgett took on the title, once again, as fire chief.

Speaking comfortably to the assembled 30 or so Kiwanians, Padgett spoke on “all hazards”, listing the top/number one hazard for Carroll County, Georgia, was “the weather”. This would include tornadoes, flooding from rains,

fires from heat or drought.

The most recent federally declated disaster in the county was Hurricane Zeta. Padgett said the costliest hazards are floods, and reminded the audience of the deadly September 21, 2009 flood in Carroll County that took the life of a toddler Padgett who drowned after historic rains.

The number two hazard for Carroll County is violence. Padgett said the high incidents of “shootings and stabbings” put violence second, and that the incidents are “happening more here.” He said there were zero murders in 2019 in the county, and in 2020 there were four murders. 911 receives about 850 calls a day, with the sheriff’s department being dispatched to about 70,000 calls a year. (There are approximately 43,000 households in the county.)

Also grouped with that category, Padgett puts accidents, particularly vehicular accidents caused by distracted driving. In the last year, there were 151 accidents on I-20 between the cities of Villa Rica and Temple. A Kiwanian asked if the long, ongoing construction on that stretch of interstate was a factor, and Padgett agreed it could be.

And speaking of accidents, he reminded the audience of the August 21, 1995 Atlantic Southest Airlines Flight 529 that crashed in a field in the Burwell Community.

Padgett also spoke on the pandemic, saying that last year (March 3, 2020) when he oversaw the “Coronavirus Disease 2019 COVID-19 Summary” meeting held at the Carroll County Emergency Operations Center, Newnan Road, Carrollton, they went back and “dusted off their pandemic plan”. They were ready.

Padgett listed other hazards the county has faced over the decades, including the meningitis outbreak of November 1992 - January 1993, when seven Carroll Countians contracted the

illness with one 5 year old dying from it. And he mentioned the 1987 cryptosporidium outbreak occured when bacteria entered the public water system sickening around 13,000 of the then 65,000 residents.

Other potential hazards include hazardous materials and waste, including nuclear, that is transported through the county via trucks and trains, he said, twenty-six times a day - he gets the reports daily.

The chief complimented the various departments and government entities in the county and its cities, noting that they all work well together because they don’t just assemble to work a disaster situation, most know each other as friends, neighbors, or from church or civic clubs.

“Carroll County is the best place to live,” Padgett said, ”because the main thing is that we work together as a team”.

Padgett received the Governor’s Public Safety Award for Outstanding Contribution to the Profession in 2001.

from press release The Community Foundation of West Georgia has opened application periods for six types of grants from its funds: Community Impact and Innovation Fund, Church Improvement Fund, Power of the Purse Fund, Katherine “Trinka” Davis Rynne Fund and The Alice Huffard Richards Arts Enrichment for Our Children Fund.

Grants from the Community Impact and Innovation Fund are distributed through an annual competitive grant process as six panels

of local citizens consider requests, assist the Foundation in the review and analysis of the applications and make recommendations to the Foundation Board of Directors. Local nonprofit organizations, faith-based and government agencies in Carroll, Haralson and Heard counties are eligible to apply for grants.

The Innovation Grants program is designed to inspire and support problem solving in the community. The selected grantees receive funds, renewable up to three years, to implement their project ideas, creating models of

innovation for the entire community.

The Church Improvement Fund provides grants for capital improvements to churches that primarily serve African American communities in Carroll County. Funding priorities are primarily for brick-and-mortar projects that will improve the physical condition of churches and help them better serve their congregations and the community. A match of 25% is required, with the applicant church responsible for 25% of the project costs and the See GRANTS page 11

Community Foundation of West Georgia grants now available with application process now open: church improvement, children arts enrichment, more

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FUNDRAISER from front page helping to provide Crisis Intervention Training In-Patient Facility. be the missing link for Carroll County citizens When asked what she would most desire to living with mental illness and addiction, versation about the mental health crisis in (CIT), training programs for volunteers and Carroll County. As a probate court judge, staff, providing materials and refreshments at communicate about the CCMHA, Jodie between crisis and on-going successful Cason saw the ever-growing burden that men- peer support meetings and family support Goodman’s response was, “The main goal is to treatment.” tal health cases were placing on the judicial meetings, in addition to the previously mensystem, and that the judicial system was simply tioned basic client support costs. The CCMHA not equipped to provide adequate mental health diversion programs currently operate in Carroll treatment and on-going out-patient care for County Courts to provide opportunities for individuals with a serious mental health diagindividuals in our community.

From that meeting was born the Carroll nosis, charged with a qualifying misdemeanor Heard Co. Covered Arena County Mental Health Advocates, a group of (such as criminal trespass or public nuisance) 12080 GA Hwy 100 Heard Co. Covered Arena Franklin, Georgia 12080 GA Hwy 100 to choose a 12-month intensive mental health people willing to be the “missing link” Georgia FRIDAY &Franklin, SATURDAY FRIDAY & SATURDAY treatment program in lieu of APRIL 16 & 17, 2021 between those living with FRIDAY & SATURDAY Heard Co. Covered Arena 16 & 17,162021 APRIL & 17, 2021 Johnathan East Concert Gates Open at 6:00April pm mental illness and substance At present, there are at sentencing by the court.

Rodeo 8:00 pm Gates Open at 6:00 pm 12080 GA Hwy 100 And they help these individu6:00pm 7:30pm Rodeo 8:00 pm least 70 participants use disorders who were in criGates TICKETS Open at 6:00pm Franklin, Georgia TICKETS sis, and the tools they needed stable in this treatment als by providing on-going case Rodeo 8:00pm (Cash or Debit/Credit) Johnathan East management services which to achieve successful on-going Concert Johnathan East program that kept 6:00pm-7:30pm ensures they are complying Concert treatment of their illness.

Bull Riding • Team Roping • Barrel Racing • Steer Wresting • Bareback Bronc Riding 6:00pm-7:30pm Adults (12 & Over) $15 with treatment programs, 4-11 years: $10 them out of the These tools are simple TICKETS 3 and under: Free including adhering to medicathings that many take for judicial system.

Cash or Debit/Credit tion requirements, attending granted, such as costs to obtain Eagle102.3 Adults (12 & over) $15 Eagle102.3 federal IDs, copies of birth certificates and appointments, providing support groups where 4-11 years: $10 other documents needed, transportation to and they can talk with trained people (certified by Carrollton 3 and under: Free Carrollton from counselling, special clothing needed for the State of Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Development Disabilities) who job interviews, emergency prescriptions when needs arise, accessing services through internet have experiences similar to their own, and to and phone, and even a mailing address for others in the program with them, for support those who don’t have a permanent residence. A and basic human connection. At present, there centralized place was formed to offer help for are at least 70 participants stable in this treatthese basic needs, staffed with people able and ment program that kept them out of the judicial system. willing to assist.

During the CCMHA office hours, there is Their services are best described by CCMHA Director, Jodie Goodman, as a “vi- always coffee ready and a listening ear to help llage” to help these adults learn to ‘adult in all their clients through their day-to-day diffiVoted Best Salon! life’, and a determination to erase the stigma culties. Because their office is not open 24 associated with mental illness. Per Goodman, hours daily, potential suicide cases are referred “mental illness is just like any other illness.” to the National Suicide Support hotline, as well Proms•Mother’sDay•Graduation...

Some people need medicine for diabetes, but as other 24-hour support networks. make your appointments today!

Family peer support groups are crucial to the they also need a support group to help them success of those who have a family member with lifestyle changes to achieve their best level of health and ability to live with that ill- affected by mental illness and/or addiction. But this type of illness has so long been stigmaness. The same is true for mental illness.

227 South Carroll Road Villa Rica Various medications are available and quite tized, hidden away, a source of embarrassment because of lack of understanding, families Tues & Wed: 9am-6pm•Thurs: 9am-8pm Fri. 9am-5pm•Sat: 9am-3pm successful for those with mental illness, but without a support group to help with the little sometimes have no idea how to handle their things that “link” them to the ability to live loved-one’s mental illness/addiction. Even Pastor John Lemmings invites to be our... their best life, it is no wonder that so many cli- though they love them very much, and someents end up back in the judicial system, or times spend everything they have trying to get homeless and abandoned by families who are help, they sometimes just give up and disassonot equipped to deal with the impacts of severe ciate with that one who really needs them so much. Trained family peer support help is also mental illness and addiction.

CCMHA members have spent almost 13 available at CCMHA. Sometimes just a listenyears learning, training, and working to fill that ing ear is desperately needed, but someone gap, to be their “missing link”. As a non-profit who has been there and knows what you’re organization, they have a 17-member voting going through, and has been trained to give Board of Directors, as well as four paid staff guidance to families who have given up hope, members, and a number of programs available is one of the most valuable services to our to help clients living with mental illness and community.

CCMHA is quite proud of their Crisis substance use disorders, providing practical and essential services to, not only the clients Response Team. With the appreciated donation they serve, but also their families, as well as of a fully-outfitted 2020 Ford Explorer by Worship Service 9 a.m.

770-537-2300 those who have lost loved ones due to suicide. Steve Adams, West Georgia Ambulance Longest-serving members are Mayor Cason, Services, a team consisting of Chiquita 409 Center Point Rd. Bremen Worship Service 11 a.m.

Jodie Goodman, and Gyla Gonzalez, Director Thomasson, City of Carrollton police officer www.journeyfbc.com Children's Church 9 a.m. only of Carroll County Family Connections. Also and licensed paramedic, along with a professerving are Michelle Morgan, Chairman of the sional licensed counselor contracted through Carrollton Board of Commissioners, Edie Sunrise Consulting of Georgia, this Mobile APPOINTMENTS Haney, current Probate Court Judge, represen- Crisis Unit began operation in the City of DEADLINE AVAILABLE tatives from law enforcement from Villa Rica, Carrollton on April 1, 2021, and will in Carroll MAY 17 CALL FOR City of Carrollton, and Carroll County, people County as a whole on May 1, 2021, to help law SATURDAY from the school systems, and Carroll County enforcement and first responders respond to calls dispatched through Carroll County 911 APPOINTMENTS Child Advocacy program.

In addition to Federal grants obtained in being identified as mental health crisis calls 2018, CCMHA is also funded by donations and/or psychiatric in nature. The Crisis and fundraisers throughout the year, the main Response Team aims for a better result for the one being their masquerade ball “Unmasking individual and their family, as well as freeing Mental Illness” held in October of each year up law enforcement to deal with more serious Donna, Gerald and Chuck (the 2020 event was postponed due to CoVid- crimes. The goal of this Mobile Crisis Unit is 19). The Board of Directors, through prepara- for better on-scene treatment of individuals in a NO UP FRONT FEES•OPEN ALL YEAR AROUND tion of an annual budget, decides how the mental health crisis. If absolutely necessary the funds will be distributed to best fulfill the mis- Professional Licensed Counselor is able to (between Verizon and Waffle House) sion of their organization. Funds are used for a write an Involuntary Commitment Order multitude of services they offer, such as Law (1013) and can transport patients immediately Enforcement and First Responder training in to Willowbrook or the Pathways of Newnan

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StarNews

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WGTC NEW PRESIDENT from front page Post holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Education from Northern Kentucky University, a Master of Arts in the Art of Teaching from Marygrove College and a Doctor of Education from the University of Georgia. After serving as a high school teacher and then an adjunct instructor, she joined Gwinnett Technical College in 2005.

During her 16 years at GTC, Post held multiple positions in Institutional Research and Effectiveness, where she worked to directly support college-wide planning, research, accreditation, and organizational support.

In 2012, she was selected as Vice President of Student Affairs where she led all College student services: enrollment management (recruitment, assessment, admissions, financial

aid, registrar/records, retention, and enrollment advisement support), Banner services, all support services (special populations, graduation, veterans’ affairs, student life, counseling, the behavioral intervention team, and WIOA), and the office of institutional research and effectiveness. Post served on the Learn4Life Post-secondary Enrollment Network Team, Lawrenceville Housing Authority Community Transformation Quarterback Board, Atlanta Regional Workforce Development Board, WIOA One Stop Local Negotiator, SACSCOC Accreditation Liaison and Peer Evaluator, Southern Association of Community College Research Officer and in numerous roles for Leadership Gwinnett’s Education and Economic Development Day committees.

In addition, she is a 2014 graduate of

WGTC’s new campus construction continues: steel structure completed on first building

New campus, located in Buffalo Creek Technology Park, Carrollton, to be comprised of three buildings totaling 150,000 square feet from press release including diesel equipment, welding, industrial The steel structure for the first building of the systems, precision manufacturing and new West Georgia Technical College Carroll construction trades. A pedestrian bridge will Campus was completed March 19, 2021, with connect the two buildings. the placement of the last beam - a signed steel A third smaller building will provide space girder hoisted into place high atop the three- for maintenance equipment and staff. Large story edifice. Officials and guests from West parking areas surround the buildings, with 693 Georgia Tech, the Technical College System of spots proposed. A new driver training range Georgia and local organizations joined general will be constructed to support the commercial contractor McCarthy Construction and others truck driving program. for a brief signing ceremony prior to the lift.

The campus sits on about 40 acres of the The new campus, scheduled to open in 2022, Technology Park donated by the Carroll is located in the Buffalo Creek Technology County Development Authority. The campus Park on the Carrollton Bypass and will replace site will fill the left side of the Technology West Georgia Tech’s 52-year old campus on Park, if facing it from the Highway 166 Newnan Road in three buildings totaling almost Bypass.

150,000 square feet.

The Carroll County Development Authority “I’d like to thank everyone who has joined us retains the right side of the Park and continues today for your work in getting us to this point,” to market it for possible development. Buffalo Interim WGTC President Pat Hannon said. Creek marks the extreme left of the Park, “We have a great group of employees, the behind the campus site. people working at the system office, our A portion of the Park there is in a floodplain contractors, our architect, our legislators – and preserved as wetlands. thank you for each one for all the hard work.

We would not be where we are today without your support.”

Guests at the event included Technical College System of Georgia Commissioner Greg Dozier, State Property Officer Marty Smith, local county commissioners and representatives the boards of WGTC and the WGTC Foundation.

The first building is the main classroom building, a three-story brick and steel structure which will house the enrollment center including offices for admissions and financial aid personnel, along with labs for paramedicine and certified nursing assistant programs on the first floor. Also on the first floor will be Adult Education.

The student center, bookstore and library will occupy a large portion of the second floor, with classrooms, computer labs and faculty offices filling the rest.

The top floor will include a large cosmetology salon and labs for chemistry, criminal justice, engineering and early childhood development. General classrooms will be scattered on all floors.

This building will be prominent to technology park visitors, facing a large roundabout already present on site. A two-story glass façade will welcome guests to the gray brick facility. The steel structure is visible already from the Highway 166 Bypass.

Foundation work is continuing on the large, single-story technical and industrial building of almost 62,000 square feet located behind the main building. This second building will house labs for trades and industrial programs

Leadership Gwinnett and a 2008 graduate of the TCSG Executive Leadership Academy.

Post was awarded Outstanding Dissertation of the Year by University Council on Workforce

and Human Resource Education for her work: “The Role of Dual Enrollment in the Educational Achievement of Technical College Students.”

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THAT SIREN YOU HEAR? IT'S YOUR CAREER CALLING. In two years or less, you'll be prepared for one of many in-demand careers. West Georgia Technical College offers more than 120 programs, surprisingly affordable tuition, and a 99% career placement rate. This is how you succeed sooner.

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Page 10 April 11, 2021

StarNews

www.starnewsgaonline.com

First “Liberty Forum” held Monday, March 30, 2021 with 60+ in attendance: “not affiliated with any political party” The first “Liberty Forum” was held at Uncorked on Main, downtown Villa Rica, on Monday, March 30, 2021, 7:30 p.m. with more than 60 citizens in attendance for the approximate hour and a half meeting. The event was co-hosted by Carroll County District 2 Commissioner Clint Chance and Villa Rica City Ward 3 Council Member Leslie McPherson. Forum assistants/greeters were Jody Mattox and Lori Leo. The forum was open to all interested persons and was billed as an event to make “a difference in our Nation’s future by engaging through local involvement”. Both Chance and McPherson stressed there was no affiliation with any political party.

After an invocation by Jim Stevenson and the Pledge of Alliance of the American Flag led by Lyndon Smith, McPherson took to the mic first. Her opening statement made a distinct point: “Principles should ‘trump’ politics”. She continued with,”Are we not desperate for leadership? We need to be people of principles above party and politics! We have to speak up and speak boldly! I believe God’s law reigns over man’s law. The calvary isn’t coming... we are the calvary.” She spoke on what she sees as hypocrisy from politicians, “We can’t change them, but we can change the United States. Einstein’s definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over while expecting a different result. I don’t plan on going down without a fight. We do what we need to do, and leave the rest to our Creator.”

McPherson cited some reasons for her discontent as infringements on personal liberty, including the mass shutdowns on churches in the past year with CoVID as a reason, while other establishments remained open; the push that she sees for “Social Credit” scores;

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how government is working with big companies to the detriment of average citizens; and “name calling to silence us”. On CoVID she spoke on the “hypocrisy of those in charge dictating CoVID behavior but then they violated their own CoVID rules.. . . we are not immune here in Carroll County, or Haralson or Paulding. . . CoVID was a dangerous illness, but it wasn’t handle right by our government.”

McPherson said, “How are we going to ‘war game’ this?” and then offered these suggestions: if your church is still closed, then do a home Bible study; educate yourself on who your sheriff is, who your local council and commission members are; and find a candidate you like and support that candidate. She stressed what not to do and that was, “Do not start a new political party - it will be crushed before it can get anywhere.” She concluded with, “Make God great again!”

Chance spoke on the importance of “educating ourselves locally first, to find out who your representatives are”, and to organize. He said, “Key is communication as a group.”

He advocated becoming strong first locally, and then “working our way up - move forward as a group to make positive change.” Chance wrapped up the forum with questions and comments from the audience.

The next (second) Liberty Forum will be held Tuesday, April 27th at Uncorked on Main, downtown Villa Rica. Meet and greet will begin at 7:00 p.m. Guest speaker will be Michael Thomas who will present on “Understanding Your Relationship with the Government”. To reach McPherson: 770-668-4942. To reach Chance: 404-313-4990 Photo and information by Sue Horn

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www.starnewsgaonline.com GRANTS from page 6 fund providing 75%. Priority is given to churches that have limited ability to raise funds above normal operating costs.

Power of the Purse, a women’s giving circle of the Foundation, issues grants to nonprofit organizations supporting women’s and children’s initiatives in Carroll, Haralson and Heard counties.

The Katherine “Trinka” Davis Rynne Fund is a legacy both to honor the life work of Ms. Davis and to provide a permanent fund to assist Carroll County veterans and their families

indefinitely. The funds cannot be used for memorials or other similar uses.

Alice H. Richards Arts Enrichment for Our Children Fund distributes up to $1,000 each to art, music and drama teachers at public schools in Carroll, Haralson and Heard counties to purchase supplies and supplemental teaching materials or to secure the services of an outside artist.

Applications and detailed information about each fund can be found on the Community Foundation’s website, cfwg.net. For more information: kim@cfwg.net or 770-832-1462.

$191,433 from front page $63,900 to “repairs and maintenance”; and $50,000 to “contractual services”. The remaining $24,000 went to the board of commissioners, probate court, and animal shelter.

The extra revenue comes from the Local Insurance Premium Tax. The amount of $4,770,000 was allotted last June for the July 1, 2020- June 30, 2021 budget in anticipation of that expected tax revenue. With the April 1st amendment cash addition of $191,433, the county’s 2020-2021 fiscal year anticipated spending will be $55,760,933.

The county’s cash reserve (“Fund Balance”) as of February 28, 2021 (last numbers available) is at $34,489,172. This represents 62.015% of the total budget of $55,569,500.

Specifically, the $191,433 will be spent: Board of Commissioners Salaries: $32,000 Board of Commissioners Health Insurance: $8,000 Board of Commissioners Social Security: $2,433 Contractual Services: $50,000 Probate Court Salaries: $10,000 Animal Shelter Salaries: $11,000 Animal Shelter Health Insurance: $3,150 Animal Shelter Social Security: $850 Animal Shelter Building Repairs/Maint. $63,900 Animal Shelter Office Expense $2,100

Animal Shelter Computers $8,000 Prior to calling for the vote, Commission Chairman Michelle Morgan asked if there were any questions or comments. District 2 Commissioner Clint Chance responded saying that he had made a few “pop in” visits to the county’s animal shelter (after calling in and receiving an okay to visit/CoVID). He toured the shelter and said he observed, “Lots of improvement - things are a lot cleaner. . . I do feel confident these [new] positions [due to amendment monies] are warranted.”

Morgan called for a motion to approve the budget amendment. District 3 Commissioner Tommy Lee made the motion and District 6 Commissioner George Chambers seconded the motion. The vote was 6 to approve, zero against.

Also in attendance were District 4 Commissioner Steve Fuller and District 5 Commissioner Ernie Reynolds. District 1 Commissioner Montrell McLendon was absent.

The Carroll County Board of Commissioners’ usual schedule is to meet once a month for a work session and once a month for a regular meeting. Agendas, documents, past minutes, and more may be viewed at: www.carrollcountyga.com

StarNews

April 11, 2021 Page 11

The Pregnancy Resource Center receives grant for purchase of ultrasound machine from press release The Pregnancy Resource Center (PRC) of Carroll, Haralson and Heard counties, Carrollton, Georgia received a grant from the Community Foundation of West Georgia to go towards purchasing a new ultrasound machine.

In conjunction with the Georgia Baptist Ministry Healthcare Foundation, this project was partially funded by a grant from the Community Foundation of West Georgia.

The Community Foundation of West Georgia partners with local nonprofit organizations, individuals and companies, to increase opportunities to serve those in need, to beautify and to enhance the quality of life for the people of Carroll, Haralson and Heard Counties.

This new ultrasound machine is an updated

version of the outdated one they had. The new ultrasound machine will allow the sonographers to generate clearer picture imaging and make it a lot easier and accessible to efficiently complete ultrasound appointments.

Karmen Stamps, PRC executive director, said, “We saw the urgency of our clients needing answers for their pregnancies. An updated ultrasound machine was the answer in aiding towards meeting these needs. We are beyond grateful to Georgia Baptist Ministry Healthcare Foundation and the Community Foundation of West Georgia for granting us these funds to allow us to meet these needs.”

For more information about PRC and their services, please contact them at 770-832-0256 or visit their website at www.pregnancyrc.com

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Page 12 April 11, 2021

StarNews

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The Carroll County Baord of Education members and superintendent are shown above as they Pledge Allegiance to the Flag at the onset of the board’s work session held Monday, March 15, 2021 at the board office, Independence Drive, Carrollton. This work session was in preparation of the Thursday, March 18th, regular board meeting. Left to right are Clayton Kierbow, District 4; Bryant Turner, District 7; Scott Cowart, school system superintendent; Sandra Morris, District 2 and current board chair; Donald Nixon, District 5; Bart Cater, District 6; Bernice Brooks, District 1; and Kerry Miller, District 3. Photo by Sue Horn

Carroll County Board of Education to put CARES funds towards summer learning for those students adversely affected from sheltering-in-place/virtual classes due to CoVID

by Sue Horn In an acknowledgment of the extreme difficulty that was placed on those county students to keep pace with classwork while living in the unserviced broadband areas during shelteringin-place and Distance Learning, the Carroll County Board of Education will be utilizing CoVID cash for summer classes.

“Summer Learning Salaries, Supplies and Software” in the amount of $675,000 and “Summer Learning Transportation” in the amount of $25,000 will be funded from the CoVID stimulus funds commonly referred to as CARES (Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Act of 2021). Also a Virtual

Learning Mobile has been funded for $30,000.

School Bottle Fillers for $50,000 will replace water fountains.

The countywide school system has 23 schools and two career academies populated with 14,877 students. The 2019-2020 demographics of the student population are: 66% white; 17% black; 10% hispanic: and 7% other.

Four of the schools are Nationally STEM Certified, with Whitesburg Elementary also being Internationally STEM Certified. Four of the schools are ranked in the top 5% of Title I schools in the state.

School System Superintendent Scott Cowart stated that CARES funds would also include a

one time supplemental pay of $1750 for employee ($1000 approved by state; plus $750 for hazard pay). This amount totals $1,590,000 ($1.59M). CARES will fund other school needs including: $820,000 for “Instructional Technology & Virtual Learning Equipment”; $456,675 for other salaries; and $100,000 for school nutrition equipment.

The BOA’s FY2020-2021 budget is $137,780,111 ($137.7M).

The Carroll County Board of Education meets regularly once a month for a work session on a Monday and once a month for a regular meeting on a Thursday in the J.M. Gammon Board Room in the administrative building,

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164 Independence Drive, Carrollton.

The next work session is scheduled for 5:30 p.m., Monday, April 12th; next regular meeting is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Thursday, April 15th. There were no citizens present for the Monday, March 15th work session; the audience was comprised of school media personnel; one StarNews newspaper reporter; and two local radio employees.

School board members are: Bernice Brooks, District 1; Sandra Morris, District 2 and current board chair; Kerry Miller, District 3; Clayton Kierbow, District 4; Donald Nixon, District 5 and current vice chair; Bart Cater, District 6; and Bryant Turner, District 7.

www.starnewsgaonline.com

StarNews

April 11, 2021 Page 13

Carroll EMC/SyncGlobal’s Phase I of broadband construction will serve up to 10,000 homes from press release Bremen-based SyncGlobal Telecom and local power cooperative, Carroll EMC, have begun that Phase I of their broadband construction project that will deliver fiber-to-the-home services affecting three counties in the region.

The initial footprint for Phase I includes most of Heard County and parts of Haralson and Carroll counties. During June of 2020, SyncGlobal and Carroll EMC received confirmation from USDA that areas of Heard County and lower Carroll County qualified for grant funds through the ReConnect program of RUS (Rural Utility Services). Since then, the firms have been working with the federal agency to meet engineering and environmental qualifications while simultaneously identifying expansion areas around the grant area and in eastern Haralson County. Phase I of the broadband project will serve up to 10,000 homes and roughly 30,000 rural Georgians.

“Bringing true broadband services to this region where I grew up has been a dream of mine for more than 20 years,” said Kyle Williamson, CEO of SyncGlobal. “We’ve designed and installed networks for the largest providers all over the country but being able to partner with another local company that shares our values and serving those in need is a blessing only God could deliver.”

To support the rollout of the broadband project and keep the public informed, the companies have developed a CrowdFiber website.

The public site will allow users to view the construction status, sign up for service, or see what areas of the fiber network have been connected. The site is expected to be available late March 2021. Future information may be found on the SyncGlobal or Carroll EMC websites or

social media pages.

“We’re hoping people will take advantage of the CrowdFiber site,” said Jim Clotfelter, VP of Sales & Business Development for SyncGlobal. “Not only will it help set expectations for the construction period, but it allows us to see where the most need is when we begin Phase II. People can sign up and request service in areas before construction starts there.” Initial field work for Phase I began in early February as SyncGlobal deployed teams of staking and mapping engineers into the region. The firm states that hiring contractors and full-time employees for the broadband project has been a priority. A timeframe of 24-36 months to build Phase I has been estimated, but it could take more or less time to complete depending on weather conditions or other hurdles that might be encountered along the way.

Regardless of the completion date, customers will be connected along the way as sections are constructed. According to SyncGlobal engineers, fiber-to-the-home broadband is the best method available for enhanced speeds and reliability of bandwidth. Independent fiber-optic lines to each home assure no crowding or slowing due to peak usage times. The telecom also stated there will be various packages available for customers ranging from 150Mbs to 1Gb and is future-proof with expansion options far exceeding 1Gb. “This project not only brings true broadband to rural Georgians, but enhances our power grid,” said Tim Martin, CEO of Carroll EMC. “Next-generation technology for a smarter grid will benefit from fiber connectivity to the meter. This will help us provide a more reliable system and eventually help control peak demand.”

HARALSON COUNTY

CARROLL COUNTY

HEARD COUNTY

The map above shows the proposed areas for Phase I of the Carroll EMC and SyncGlobal project to deliver fiber-to-the-home broadband services.

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StarNews

www.starnewsgaonline.com

Spring Home Lawn & Garden 2021

Window safety tips for families with children (StatePoint) Windows let in light and fresh air and can provide breathtaking views, but it’s vital to observe window safety, especially when young children are in the home, say experts.

National Safety Council’s Window Safety Week, April 4-10, 2021 coincides with the arrival of spring, when homeowners naturally want to open windows and bask in the warmer weather.

Unfortunately, without appropriate precautions, open windows can bring potential hazards.

The LookOut for Kids program, brought to you by Renewal by Andersen the full-service replacement division of Andersen Corporation - is geared toward teaching families key points of window and door safety in a fun, engaging way.

Jane is sharing the program’s top tips to help families prevent window and doorrelated injuries: 1. Be mindful of furniture placement in a child’s room. Avoid blocking windows with dressers or similar items, as furniture could impede a swift exit in an emergency. Don’t place beds, chairs or toy chests under windows in children’s bedrooms, as it could entice curious kids to climb and potentially fall through an open window.

2. When young children are in the home, keep their play in the center of the room and away from open windows, doors and balconies.

3. Don’t allow children to jump on beds to help reduce potential falls.

4. For greater safety, keep windows closed and locked when not in use for ventilation.

5. When opening a window for ventilation, use only those located out of a child’s reach. For example, if you have double-hung windows with two moveable sashes, close the bottom sash and open the upper sash when ventilation is desired. Or, use upper windows, like clerestory windows, to allow ventilation without the risk of accidental falls.

6. Remember that insect screens are meant to keep insects out, not to prevent falls from windows.

7. Install ASTM F2090-compliant devices designed to limit how far a window will open, or window guards (with quick-release mechanisms in case of fire or other emergency) to help prevent a fall. This means, for any windows that are 6 feet or higher from the ground, install window stops or guards that meet ASTM standards – limiting windows to opening less than 4 inches. For a double-hung window on an upper floor, install a window guard or stop that keeps children from pushing the bottom window open.

8. Lessen the potential impact of injury from a fall through landscaping: wood chips, grass, or shrubs beneath windows.

9. Teach your child how to safely use a window to escape To learn more to download the LookOut for Kids activity book to color with your family, visit: RenewalWindowSafety.com

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StarNews

April 11, 2021 Page 15

Spring Home Lawn & Garden 2021

How to stop birds attacking your windows (StatePoint) If you’ve ever noticed a bird attack your windows, you may wonder why this strange behavior is occurring.

Beyond the potential disruption it might cause your family, repeated attacks can be harmful to birds.

The Problem: Many birds will stake out a territory, perhaps by your home, and vigorously defend it. If a territorial bird discovers its reflection in your window, it may perceive this reflection to be another bird competing for its territory and mate, compelling the bird to attack. This attack of its own reflection can take the form of pecking or scratching at your window, as well as flying up and banging into your window. When repeated, these actions deplete a bird’s energy and put its health and the health of its nesting young at risk.

Though this can occur at any time of year, it happens most often in spring, with males.

A Solution: You can help stop this problem from occurring. One good solution designed to do so is Stop Bird Attack, a removable, white coating that

may be sprayed on any window. It eliminates the bird’s window reflection, calms the bird and stops the attack. Effective for Northern Cardinals, American Robins, California Towhees and other territorial birds, Stop Bird Attack is made by WindowAlert, a brand that also makes bird window decals and UV Liquid products that help prevent bird strikes (another common hazard to birds). More information: windowalert.com.

Take it a Step Further: While you are at it, consider other dangers to birds that you can eliminate on your property. For example, by swapping out conventional pesticides with essential oils, you can ward off pests in your garden without putting birds at risk. You might also try keeping pet cats indoors or in an enclosure to prevent them from attacking birds.

“While your home’s windows can be an unexpected hazard to birds, it’s important to be aware of the easy solutions that can help keep them safe this spring nesting season and beyond,” says Spencer Schock, founder of WindowAlert.

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UGA Extension program offers green landscape certifications

by Maria M. Lameiras for CAES News A new program from University of Georgia Cooperative Extension encourages creating a more natural landscape that reduces chemical use and incorporates native plants to promote biodiversity and protect the environment.The Georgia Green Landscape Steward certification program provides educational resources to teach Georgians about protecting natural resources, increasing plant and animal biodiversity, conserving soil and water, providing wildlife and pollinator habitat, and improving public and environmental health.

The program was developed by Camden County Agriculture and Natural Resources agent Jessica Warren and Martin Wunderly, area water agent for UGA Extension’s Northeast District. Both agents had heard of similar programs in neighboring states and saw a statewide need for the program in Georgia. The program website hosts educational videos and other self-guided resources for property owners that will guide them on how to implement sustainable green practices in their landscapes, including composting and mulching, creating pollinator- and wildlife-friendly spaces, water conservation and quality, stormwater, controlling invasive species, incorporating native plants and promoting biodiversity.

“The goal is to improve landscape practices to make them more sustainable and to reduce nonpoint source (NPS) pollution and water waste while encouraging habitats for wildlife and pollinators,” said Warren.

“NPS pollution is the main type of water pollution we have and it is becoming harder and harder to control,” said Warren.

Wunderly - who developed the materials on water conservation, water quality and stormwater - wants residents to know that what they do can make a difference.

“It is all about being mindful of what is on your property and seeing what you can potentially change in your behaviors

and practices that will reduce nonpoint source contamination from your property,” Wunderly said. “I like the aspect that this an education program, but at the same time it is getting people to make a difference in their surroundings on their own piece of land. As a whole it adds up.

There is this huge force of people who could potentially really help to reduce pollution, improve landscapes and air quality and increase wildlife habitat through these actions.”

Warren said the program is modifiable for all regions of the state, and Extension agents throughout the state have access to resources to help property owners with the steps to complete the certification.

Because people have been spending more time at home due to the COVID-19 crisis, Warren said she has seen an increase in the requests from homeowners on actions they can take to become more sustainable and environmentally friendly, including supporting wildlife and pollinators that have been negatively impacted by human development.

Once participants have reviewed the program materials, they can document the practices they have implemented on their property through the Green Landscape Metrics Scorecard, which provides a checklist for each of the 10 topic areas covered by the program. Each task on the list is worth a certain number of points.

Once they have completed the checklist and earned a minimum of 70 points, businesses and residents can submit the form to request Georgia Green Landscape certification. Certification comes with an electronic or mailed paper certificate.

Those who successfully receive certification can purchase a weather-resistant Georgia Green Landscape Steward yard sign to acknowledge their accomplishment and spread awareness in their communities.

Full information on the program is available at: site.extension.uga.edu/georgiagreen.

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StarNews www.starnewsgaonline.com Spring Home Lawn & Garden 2021

Page 16 April 11, 2021

Spring Cleaning...

Ways to prepare your home for bug season

(StatePoint) Spring is the official start to bug season, making it important to prepare your home. Here are four steps you can take you keep bugs at bay: 1. Do a spot check: Check window and door screens for tears to prevent flying bugs from getting in the home and make repairs where necessary. Also, take a quick look around for areas with standing water and try to eliminate them. Standing water creates a breeding ground for mosquitos.

Lastly, even the sturdiest garbage bags can’t entirely prevent leaks and spills, and over time, your trash bins can begin to accumulate residue inside and around the rim. Bugs, especially flies, love leftovers, so give your garbage cans a thorough rinse.

2. Be ready: Put an effective pest control product in your shopping cart early in the season so you’re ready when you see the first sign of bugs in your home. If you see one cockroach, chances are there are more hiding in nooks and crannies. It’s hard to put a pin on how many, but an old saying is that for every one you do

see, there are 10 more you don’t. Striking at the first sign of ants or roaches can help you avoid big problems down the line, as these insects can multiply very quickly. One solid choice is Zevo Instant Action Bug Killer Spray. Zevo’s BioSelective Technology targets and shuts down biological pathways found in bugs, not in people or pets. Easy to use, just spray on pests, then wipe up the dead bugs, as well as any excess product. Zevo is now available nationwide at The Home Depot and online at zevoinsect.com.

3. Protect your trees: Prepare for the upcoming visit of the 17-year cicadas. In many parts of the country, billions of cicadas will swarm and the females will scrape small twigs to lay their eggs under bark.

Protect small and vulnerable trees (ones that are under 4 or 5 feet tall) with cheesecloth to spare them from attack.

4. Keep an eye on pets. Pets are liable to gobble up large helpings of dead cicadas. While not toxic, too many cicadas could cause some digestive issues for furry friends. Help keep them healthy by watching what they eat.

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Butterfly increase and decrease related to climate

by Josh Paine for CAES News Climate is likely the biggest driver of butterfly abundance change, according to a new study by University of Georgia entomologists. Researchers in the UGA College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences found notable increases in butterfly populations centered around the Southeastern and Pacific Northwest parts of the U.S., while the Southwestern and Mountain States show a decline, a finding consistent with another recent study focused on Western butterfly trends.

The team of scientists examined abundance and biodiversity trends for North American butterflies over a period of 25 years using a unique citizen-science dataset that has recorded observations of over 8 million butterflies across 456 species, 503 sites and nine ecoregions. They compared these observations with precipitation, temperature, and urban and agricultural land use.

Butterflies are ecologically important because they are pollinators, herbivores and prey, making them useful indicators of changes in the environment.

“They have a really important role,” said entomology professor Bill Snyder, who tracks ecological and species trends and has been following reports of insect declines in recent years.

“The whole idea of the ‘insect apocalypse’ is interesting to talk about, but there’s a whole lot of complexity. It really is region-specific,” he said.

Overall, the data showed a very slight decline of less than 1% per year.

However, drops in two invasive butterflies, the Essex skipper and small cabbage white, disproportionately contributed to overall abundance declines. The mix of butterfly populations showed decreasing, stable or increasing populations depending on location and species.

Michael Crossley, a postdoctoral researcher in the department and lead author of the paper, sought to uncover the drivers of the changes. “There are all sorts of human-caused issues, and we sought to determine which might be causing the increases and decreases,” he said.

Average precipitation and temperature during the sampling period appeared to be the strongest drivers of this complex mosaic of abundance responses.

Butterflies that are increasing in abundance might be benefiting from locally improved food resources or reduced stress in areas that have become wetter, according to the study.

“Even this complex mosaic in the changes of butterflies doesn’t mean it’s unpredictable. In this case, we’re finding this single driver. Where places that are hotter and drier there are decreases, and increases in places that are wetter and cooler,” Crossley said.

The data used in the study was compiled by the North American Butterfly Association from citizen-scientist monitoring effort over the past 26 years. Counts are made within a 15-mile area during the summer and are open to participation from the public.

“There are only so many entomologists in the world, and having citizen scientists going out doing these counts has provided a totally unique data set that people have never done,” Snyder said.

Even so, the data still has some limitations. The analysis reaches back only to 1993. “We can’t say anything about what happened before then,” Crossley said.

“For example, extensive clearing of land for agriculture had already happened a century or more ago, and our study is blind to these historical changes.”

In addition, only sites from the contiguous 48 U.S. states, Southern Canada and Alaska were analyzed, limiting the ability to predict changes in some regions, notably Mexico and Northern Canada. “Even though it’s an amazing data set, there’s not a lot of data in Canada — so if species are moving north, we wouldn’t be able to see it in the data set,” Snyder said.

The study is published along with coauthors at Hendrix College and Rice University in Global Change Biology.

Partial funding for the research came from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture.

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StarNews

April 11, 2021 Page 17

Spring Home Lawn & Garden 2021

Should you buy or sell a house in 2021?

(StatePoint) While the roll-out of the COVID-19 vaccine has left a lot of question marks about the future of the U.S. economy at-large, analysts expect the housing market to remain strong and stable in the coming year. Here are some of the biggest takeaways of Freddie Mac’s Quarterly Forecast: • Interest rates are likely to remain low. The average 30-year fixed-rate mortgage (FRM) hit a record low over a dozen times in 2020. The low interest rate environment is projected to continue through 2021, with the 30-year FRM expected to average below 3 percent.

Low rates are good news for buyers looking to purchase a home, and homeowners looking to reduce their mortgage payment through refinancing.

• Home sales to remain high. The demand for housing is expected to remain strong in 2021, creating a favorable market for sellers. Last year, low mortgage rates and the ability to work remotely drove up home sales (the measure of the number of homes sold every month). This year, home sales are expected to ride that wave, averaging 6.5 million for the year.

• House prices to grow moder-

ately. In the second half of 2020, the high volume of home sales and low supply of housing drove up house prices. In 2021, house price growth is expected to moderate for the full year.

• Refinances to start declining. Low mortgage rates spurred refinance activity in 2020, boosting mortgage originations (the process in which borrowers apply for a home loan) to historic highs. As mortgage rates rise modestly in 2021, refinance activity should start to slow. “While many homeowners took advantage of these low rates in last year, evidence suggests that many lower income homeowners still have the opportunity to strengthen their financial position by refinancing,” says Khater.

For more insights on housing, visit freddiemac.com/research. For homebuying and homeownership resources, visit My Home by Freddie Mac. Many of the trends that shaped the market last year, especially historically low mortgage rates, will continue to drive housing activity in 2021. As you embark on your journey towards your home goals, be sure to have a firm understanding of today’s market conditions.

(StatePoint) Here are a few tips for reducing your plastic footprint at home: Start a Garden: From cartons of berries and tomatoes to individually-wrapped cucumbers, it can be difficult to avoid plastic in the produce aisle of your supermarket. By growing your favorite fruits, vegetables and herbs at home, you may avoid some of this waste and reduce your carbon footprint, as foods in the store are often shipped from distant places.

Keep Your Produce Green: When you do have to grab a staple that’s not in your garden, bring some reusable produce bags with you. Check out a cute set from Food52’s shop: food52.com. Then, stick to the loose fruits and veggies not already wrapped in plastic.

Green Your Hydration: In the pursuit of having a constant source of great-tasting, healthy water at home, you may be

stocking your fridge with bottled water.

However, bottled water contains microplastics and is a significant part of the global plastic waste problem. To stay hydrated healthfully and sustainably, use a water filter pitcher. One great option is the LifeStraw Home Glass Water Filter Pitcher, which protects against over 30 contaminants, including bacteria, parasites, microplastics, lead, mercury and chemicals, including PFAS and chlorine.

To learn more, visit LifeStraw.com, Target.com, or CrateandBarrel.com.

Rethink Garbage Collection: Plastic garbage bags may seem necessary, but there are reusable alternatives available today that can help to drastically reduce your plastic waste. For example, Bagito makes durable, washable, water-resistant garbage can liners from 100 percent post-consumer recycled plastics.

Tips for reducing your plastic footprint at home

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Get your garage organized - and keep it that way (StatePoint) Follow these tips to tame your garage mess and keep it tamed: 1. Invest in shelving that accommodates clear storage bins. When it comes to organizing and storing, nothing does the job better than clear storage bins. Not only can you categorize items by project or activity type, you can also easily stack them to save space without sacrificing the ability to easily find what you need, when you need it. Invest in taller, wider shelving for the perimeter of the garage to accommodate your chosen bins.

2. Fix or dispose of anything broken or past its prime. As you organize, pay attention to textures, consistencies and expiration dates. Toss and replace any items that have seen better days. For broken tools that seem salvageable, like cracked hoses or broken handles, reach for a professional grade, heavy-duty duct tape like T-Rex Tape.

3. Utilize ceiling and wall space with hanging storage. From bicycles and skis to rakes and shovels, some equipment is

better off stored up and out of your way.

Install hanging racks or shelving above the area where you park your vehicles to store larger, heavier equipment, and use a double-sided mounting tape to attach hooks along the sides of your garage for lighter-weight items.

4. Stock up on the essentials so you can make repairs on the fly. While it’s great to have a wide assortment of tools and supplies, for many projects and repairs you really just need the basics – max-strength waterproof tape, bungee cords, a hammer, nails and similar essentials. Use these items as the foundation of your garage workstation and stock up on extras to keep on-hand for emergencies, camping and other on-the-go uses.

5. Give everything a home. Aim to group supplies for similar activities, tasks and repairs together, giving each category a “home.” Use your mounting tape to safely and securely create a space to store and display all your go-to items. trextape.com

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April 11, 2021 Page 18

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age 71, Tiffanee Tiffanee Dawne “Tiff” Cook, Master Danny Joe Jones, Jr., Jerry Scott Shedd, age 53, Shirley F. “Tiff” Alexander, age 71, Tiffanee Dawne “Tiff” Cook, Danny Joe Jones, Jr., 71, 71, Dawne Cook, Jerry Scott Shedd, ageage 53,53,age age Tiffanee Dawne “Tiff” Cook, Master Danny Joe Jones, Jr., Master Danny Joe Jones, Jr., Shirley F. Baldwin, Alexander, age 71, Tiffanee Dawne “Tiff” Cook, Jerry Scott Shedd, age 53, Jerry Scott Shedd, age 53, Sandra “Diann” Wilder age 73, born January James Edward Duffey, Sr., age Master 89,Master born April 3, 1931, Danny Joe Jones, Jr., Jerry Scott Shedd, Celia Leigh Garrett Gentry Leatherwood Miller, 947, died age 45, born October 12, 1973, age 245, months, born May 16, 2019, died Monday, July 8, 2019 born November 27, 1947, died age born October 12,16, 1973, ageage 2 months, born May 16, 2019, dieddied age age 45, born October 12, 1973, died Monday, July 8, 2019 47, 45, born October 12, 1973, age 2 months, born May 16, 2019, age 2 months, born May 2019, born November 27, 1947, died age 45, born October 12, 1973, died Monday, July 8, 2019 July 8, 16, 2019 2 Monday, months, born May 2019, died15, Monday, July 8, 2019 24, 1948, died Friday, March 12, 2021 died Saturday, March 20, 2021 died 65, born on April 1955, died Saturday, March 13, 2021 died Friday, July 12, 2019 died Thursday, July 4, 2019 David Ronald Simpson, age Sunday, July 14,2019 2019 died Friday, July 12, 2019 died Thursday, July 4, Simpson, 2019 dieddied Friday, July 12, 2019 David Ronald Simpson, ageage Friday, July 12, died Thursday, July 4,12, 2019 died Thursday, July 4, 2019 Sunday, July 14, 2019 died Friday, July 2019 David Ronald age David Ronald age died Thursday, July 4,Simpson, 2019 David Ronald Simpson, Corene Elizabeth Dyer, age 92, born September 9, 1928, Edward Garland “Eddie” Bell, age 67, born March 1, age 62, James B. Dean, age 92, “Marjorie” Nell Lovvorn, age 70, born July 21, 1948, died July Robert Aaron Montgomery, age 78,1948, born September Dwight Bishop, Jr.,Jr., age 62,62, James B. Nell ageage 92,age Nell Lovvorn, age 62, 62, James B. Dean, ageage 92, 70, born July 21, 1948, died July age James B. Dean, 92, “Marjorie” Nell Lovvorn, age “Marjorie” Lovvorn, Dwight Bishop, age James B.Dean, Dean, 92,70,“Marjorie” born July 21, 1948, died July 70, born July 21, 1948, died July “Marjorie” Nell Lovvorn, age 70, born July 21, died July8, 956, died born September 02, 1926, died 86, born August 3, 1932, died 09, 2019 born September 28, 1956, died born September 1926, died 1954, died Monday, March 29, 2021 died Thursday, March 18, 2021 86,86, born August 3, 3, 1932, died dieddied bornborn September 02, 1926, died 09, 2019 56, September 02, 1926, died 86, born August 3,02, 1932, died 1942, died Thursday, April 1, 2021 86, born August 3, 1932, died born September 28, 1956, died born September 02, 1926, died 09, 2019 09, 2019 born August 1932, died 09, 2019 Wednesday, July 3, 2019 Wednesday, July 10, 2019 Zellie Fred Sprewell, age 94, Tuesday, July 9, 2019 Wednesday, July 3,10, 2019 July 10, 2019 Wednesday, JulyJuly 3, 2019 Zellie Fred ageage 94,94, Wednesday, 3, 2019 Wednesday, July 10, 2019 Wednesday, July Tuesday, July 9, 2019 Wednesday, July 3, 2019 2019 Zellie Fred Sprewell, age 94, Arthur Michel Bower Jr., age 80, born Sept.

19, 1940, Audrey Faye Gammon, ageWednesday, 82,Wednesday, born October 16, 1938, Zellie Fred Sprewell, age 94, July 10, 2019 Zellie Fred Sprewell, Diane Ovie Pope age, ageSprewell, 77, born December 31, 1943, ”Bonner, Bonner, Barry Barry Bushon Dickerson, age Andra Dixon McGill, age 76, born February 28,age 1925, died Donald Brasseal “Don” Bonner, Barry Bushon Dickerson, age Andra Dixon McGill, 76, nner, Bushon Dickerson, age born February 28, 1925, died Barry Bushon Dickerson, age Andra Dixon McGill, age 76, Andra Dixon McGill, age 76, Donald Brasseal “Don” Bonner, Barry Bushon Dickerson, age born February 28, 1925, died born February 28, 1925, died Andra Dixon McGill, age 76, born February 28, 1925, died died Friday, March 19, 2021 died born Saturday, March 13, 2021 died Tuesday, March 2, 2021 Carol Carol Gilley Ratliff, age 943, died 68, September 7, 1950, died born October 18, 1941, died Saturday, July 27, 2019 age 76,76, born 05,05, 1943, died 68,October born September 7, 1950, died born October 18, 1941, dieddied 68, born September 7,June 1950, died July 27,27, 2019 943, 68, born September 7, 1950, died born 18,18, 1941, died born October 1941, died age born June 1943, died 68, born September 7, 1950, died Saturday, July 27, 2019 Saturday, July 27, 2019 born October 18, 1941,died diedSaturday, Saturday, July 2019 Candace LeShae Chrzan, age 17, born August 26, 2003, David Hightower, age 73, born June 3, 1947, died 19 Friday, July 19, 2019 Wednesday, July 17, 2019 Daniel Lance Walker, age 40, 79, born May 4, 1941, died Tuesday, March 2,40, 2021 Wednesday, July 10,10, 2019 Friday, July 19, 2019 Wednesday, July 17,Walker, 2019 Friday, July 19, 2019 Daniel Lance Walker, ageage 9 Friday, July 19, 2019 July 17, 2019 Wednesday, July 17, 2019 Wednesday, July 2019 Wednesday, Friday, July 19, 2019 Daniel Lance age 40, Daniel Lance Walker, age 40, Wednesday, July 17, 2019 Daniel Lance Walker, 40, age 53, Bobbie Bobbie Jean Dodderer, age 84,53, Eugene Parker Mullis, Jr., age born September 18, 1978, died died Tuesday, March 30, 2021 Sunday, March 21, 2021 John D. Brown, Jr., age Bobbie Jean Dodderer, age 84, Eugene Parker Mullis, Jr., age 53, 53, Jean Dodderer, age 84, born September 18, 1978, died age Bobbie Jean Dodderer, age 84, Gilley Ratliff, age 79, born May 4, 1941, died Tuesday, Eugene Parker Mullis, Jr.,Jr., age Eugene Parker Mullis, age John D. Brown, Jr., age 53, Bobbie Jean Dodderer, age 84,born September 18, died born September 18,1978, 1978, died Eugene Parker Mullis, Jr., age born September 18, 1978, died died July born July 9, 1935, died Monday, 70, born December 31, 1948, died Sunday, July 21, 2019 born August 18, 1965, died July born July 9, 1935, died Monday, 70, born December 31, 1948, died JulyJuly bornborn July 9, 1935, died Monday, Sunday, July 21, 2019 died July 9, 1935, died Monday, Charles Daniel “Danny” Collins, age 68, born February Jossie Jean Otwell Hite, age 86, born November 8, 1934, 70, born December 31,31, 1948, died 70, born December 1948, diedSunday, born August 18, 1965, died July born July 9, 1935, died Monday, 21, 2019 Sunday, July 21, 2019 70, bornJuly December 31, 1948, Marchdied 2, 2021Sunday, July 21, 2019 July 22, 2019 Monday, July 8, 2019 2019 Deborah “Debbie” Ann West, 22, 2019 July 22, 2019 Monday, July 8,“Debbie” 2019 JulyJuly 22, 2019 Deborah “Debbie” Ann West, 22, 2019 Monday, July 8, 2019 Monday, July 8, 22, 2019 March 1, 2021 July 22, 2019 Deborah Ann West, Deborah “Debbie” Ann West, Monday, July 8, 2019 “Debbie” Ann West, 6, 1953, died Monday, died Saturday, March 27, 2021 Angela DavisDeborah Reeves, age 82, born January 22, 1939, ps Bryce, Anna Marsella Fazio, age Randy Lee Nichols, age 66, age 58, died July 22, 2019 Marie Elizabeth Phillips Bryce, Anna Marsella Fazio, age Randy Lee Nichols, age 66, yce, Marsella Fazio, ageage age 58, died July 22, 2019 s Bryce, Anna Anna Marsella Fazio, Randy Lee Nichols, age 66, Randy Lee Nichols, age 66, Marie Elizabeth Phillips Bryce, Anna Marsella Fazio, age age 58, died July 22, 2019 age 58, died July 22, 2019 Randy Lee Nichols, age 66, age 58, died July 22, 2019 Mary Helen Holloway, age 90, born March 21, 1930, Joan Denney Collins, age 69, born on January 24, 1952, 14, 1929, 85, born on Jan 1, 1934, died born June 24, 1953, died Friday, Wallace Allen Worthan, age died Tuesday, February 23, 2021 ageage 89, born September 14, 1929, 85, born Jan 1,died 1934, died June 24,24, 1953, died Friday, 929, 85, 85, bornborn on Jan 1, 1934, died Wallace Allen Worthan, ageage 14, 1929, on Jan 1,September 1934, died born June 24,on 1953, Friday, born June 24, 1953, died Friday, 89, born 14, 1929, 85, born on Jan 1, 1934, diedborn Wallace Allen Worthan, age Wallace Allen Worthan, age born June 1953, died Friday, Wallace Allen Worthan, 2019 Monday, July 8,2021 2019 July 26, 2019 56, died Monday, July 15, 2019 died Monday, March 15, 2021 56, died Friday, April 2, died Saturday, July 20,20, 2019 Monday, July 8, 2019 July 26,died 2019 Dorothy Smith, age 89, born June 4, 1931, Monday, July 8, 2019 56,“Louise” died Monday, July 15, 2019 019 Monday, July 8, 2019 JulyJuly 26, 2019 26, 2019 died Saturday, July 2019 Monday, July 8, 2019 died Monday, July 15, 2019 56, Monday, July 15, 2019 July 26, 2019 56, died Monday, July 15, 2019 age 80, Harris Harris Nell Griffin Jennings, Ara Bell D. Griffin Sanders, age 79, age Carol Judith Chapman, age 55, Earl Wayne Carden, age 80, Harris Jennings, Ara Bell D. Sanders, age 79, 80, 80, Nell Griffin Jennings, Carol Judith Chapman, ageage 55,55, age Evelyn Estelle Spence Cook, age 85, born October 28,Harris Robert “Bobby” Elvin Lovin, 85, born September Harris Nell Griffin Jennings, AraAra Bell D.Nell Sanders, age 79, Bell D. Sanders, age 79, Earl Wayne Carden, age 80, Nell Griffin Jennings, Carol Judith Chapman, age 55, Carol Judith Chapman, age 55, Ara Bell D. Sanders, age 79, died Saturday, March 20, 2021 Carol Judith Chapman, 38, died age 83, died Tuesday, July 2, born August 06, 1939, died July born June 24, 1964, died Sunday, born October 29, died age 83,83, died Tuesday, July 2, born August 06, 1939, died July dieddied age age 83, 83, died Tuesday, July 2, 2, June 24,24, 1964, died Sunday, 38, died Tuesday, July born August 06, 1939, died July born August 06, 1939, died July born October 29,1938, 1938, died age died Tuesday, July 2,born June 24, 1964, died Sunday, born June 24, 1964, died Sunday, born August 06, 1939, died Julyborn 1935, died Sunday, March 28, 2021 20, 1935, died Wednesday, March 3, 2021 June died Sunday, Bridget L.born Yearta, age 72, 1964, born March 6, 1949, died 2019 24, 2019 July 7, 2019 Friday, June 28, 2019 2019 24, 2019 2019 July 7, 2019 2019 24, 2019 24, 2019 Friday, June 28, 2019 2019 July 7, 2019 July 7, 2019 24, 2019 July 7, 2019 Charles Robert McCray, age 77, born on June 13, 1943, Wednesday, March 31, 2021 Laura Catherine Morrell Crowder, age 53, born January 25, 1968, died Sunday, March 28, 2021 died Sunday, April 4, 2021

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www.starnewsgaonline.com 0.039% VOTED from front page to cast a ballot, with 54 voting absentee by mail.

This represents 0.039% of those Carroll County citizens who voted in the Nov. 2020 presidential election: 85,888. The county’s population is estimated at over 121,000 (Census 2020 numbers not reported yet.)

Historically, SPLOST, E-SPLOST (Educational Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax), and T-SPLOST (Transporation Special Local Option Sales Tax) questions are not put before the voting public during popular election times. Rather, these tax referendums are scheduled, usually, as a singular item on a ballot, and, usually, in the month of March, a time of year that, for whatever reason, sees fewer citizens turn out to vote. Proponents to the now twentyseven year tax here in Carroll County, Georgia, cite lower property taxes as to the reason to the continuing approval of renewing the one cent tax that is incurred by anyone making purchases within the county. The newest voter approved SPLOST will collect $119M over a period of six years. These extra funds will go to projects issued by: the Carroll County commission; each of the county’s seven municipalities; and the portion of the City of Bremen that lies within Carroll County limits.

As to what happens to any monies collected within the six year time limit over $199M, the original House Bill from January 14, 1998 states: “(2) Excess proceeds... reducing any indebtedness... If there is no such other indebtedness... then the excess proceeds shall next be used... for the purpose of reducing its millage rate, for ad valorem tax purposes, in an amount equal to the amount of such excess proceeds.

In fact, the first SPLOST in Carroll County, approved by voters in 1993, was for $34M was overcollected by approximately $10M for a $35M total. From The Carroll Star News (predecessor to StarNews) July, 2001, story: “Round Five in the fight for $10,000,000+ in excess sales tax collections, the requirement that records be maintained, and for the right of discovery is underway as the first written documents in this round were filed on Thursday, July 12, 2001 by attorney Gary Bunch. The Georgia Supreme Court will hear oral arguments in September, 2001, from Bunch, representing Lawrence Shadix and the Carroll County Taxpayers Association (CCTA), as well as attorneys representing the Carroll County Board of Commissioners. Bunch’s ‘Petitioners’ Brief”. . . are the prelude to the oral arguments that the Supreme Court will use in ultimately deciding whether the $10 million+ will be used for reducing ad valorem tax or be spent by the county government. . .”

The Georgia Supreme Court heard oral arguments on Monday, September 10, 2001, with The Carroll Star News publisher and editor in attendance. The next morning, the United States suffered the 9/11 attack. Some opined this national tragedy skewed the Court’s October ruling. From The Carroll Star News story October, 2001, headlined “Supreme Court ends long running SPLOST case with convoluted logic”: “After three years of legal battles, the lawsuit concerning the 1993 SPLOST is at an end. The Georgia Supreme Court issued a ruling this past week (October 22, 2001) that effectively agreed that the county could ignore the $34 million collection limit that voters approved in the ballot language of the 1993 election. The Supreme Court decision also allows the county to ignore the state law that requires that any excess funds be applied to general obligation debt and then to use excess for reduction of ad valorem (property) taxes if no debt existed.

“By ignoring both the ballot and the state law, the Supreme Court in effect gave the county commission leeway to spend the excess funds

2020 NOVEMBER General (Presidential) Election Carroll County TOTAL VOTES: 85, 888

in any way desired without maintaining records as required by law.

“The Court of Appeals decision ruled that ballot language did constitute a contract with the voters and that $34 million was the limit.

“The county appealed that decision to the Supreme Court which agreed to hear only one point. . . That single point was ‘when does the tax end.’ In that part of the legal battle, the Supreme Court did not hear or consider arguments about the use of excess funds, the right of taxpayers to inspect records. . .

“The Supreme Court ruled that the tax could be collected for five years, regardless of the ballot language limiting collections to $34 million. The tax eventually collected approximately $45 million, including interest and DOT reimbursements. . .

“The convoluted logic of the Supreme Court effectively told voters and taxpayers that ballot language and state law are irrelevant in case of local governments over collecting SPLOST sales tax. The Supreme Court’s ruling also apparently relieved the county of record keeping as required in the governing state law.

“When the suit was filed in 1998, the Carroll County commission and their staff did not have records of how funds were spent and on which projects. Those records had been requested separately by The Carroll Star News and by Lawrence Shadix under the Georgia Open Records Act. The county was not able to produce any information at that time.”

Due to the efforts of Lawrence Shadix, Gary Bunch, and Bill Chappell of The Carroll Star News, the county began keeping records of SPLOST spending and in addition, posting these records on the county’s website.

Today, SPLOST spending can be (not easily) found on the county’s website by clicking on the monthly FINANCIAL PDFs under the commission agendas.

StarNews

April 11, 2021 Page 19

2021 MARCH SPLOST Election Carroll County TOTAL VOTES: 3,368

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Page 20 April 11, 2021

StarNews www.starnewsgaonline.com

COMMENTARY

Page 21 April 11, 2021

StarNews / StarNews Online www.starnewsgaonline.com

“Not just what happened, but what matters”

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Thank you, Governor Brian Kemp for a breath of fresh air - literally - as we emerge slowly from this year long nightmare called CoVID-19 For the time period April 8-30, 2021, we Georgians have the option of literally breathing freely as our governor has issued a Local Option Face Covering Requirement (LOFCR), removing the statewide mask mandate while allowing local entities the authority to continue EDITOR/ their own mask use, with no fines higher PUBLISHER than $50. Governor Brian Kemp’s Executive Order 03.31.21.3 is a welcome step. It is a temporary, prudent first step. I will stress here that the order does clearly state, “That all residents and visitors of the State of Georgia are strongly encouraged to wear face coverings as practible while outside their homes or place of residence, except when eating, drinking, or exercising outdoors.”

As we approach April 31st, I pray that Georgia CoVID cases continue to decline. Go to dph.georgia.gov/covid-19-daily-stauts-report. You will see that we have been in a steady and steep decline of cases since January 9th. (Don’t listen to the “We Need To Keep You Scared So You Will Keep Watching Us Media” with their “oh no! cases on the rise! another surge!” clips.)

Hopefully, by April 30th, this temporary step will be extended for another month, and then another, until we are completely out of the CoVID state of emergency that began here in Georgia on March 14, 2020.

One year ago mid-March as the completely unknown new illness CoVID19 (a coronavirus variant) continued its worldwide spread into the State of Georgia, I was a willing shelter-in-place citizen. I wore a mask while in the presence of others and kept my distance. What we were repeatedly told by medical experts was chilling, that, out there in other parts of the world, the illness was highly fatal, running rampant, and with no way to stop it except by staying way from others, and, it was headed our way. It was an unknown killing entity. It was sensible to follow the CoVID restrictions.

As the months went by, I began collecting and publishing CoVID statistics for Carroll County, Georgia, and the State of Georgia (see current box front page) from the Georgia Department of Health website (I was advised those numbers were the “most reliable”.) It became clear that, although CoVID-19 does kill and does make people very sick, the total number of us becoming sick, very sick, or dying was very low. CoVID-19 did not run rampant here in Carroll County or in the State of Georgia. For those affected, it was terrible, horrible. (My friend died from it, a lingering month long tragedy.)

But for the vast majority of us, we have remained free of the illness. We now have medications to help treat it, and several vaccines to prevent it.

Georgia was on top of the game by implementing a CoVID-19 vaccine distribution program back in December 2020. We were ready for the first vaccines that arrived here March 15, 2021- exactly at the one year mark.

Kemp’s Executive Order 03.31.21.3 is a 34 page document. A tiresome read, it does have many ‘common sense, let’s get out of the deep dark woods’ parts: • Any state, county, or municipal law, order, ordinance, rule or regulation that requires persons to wear face coverings, masks, face shields. . . while in places of public accommodation or on public property are suspended • The Local Option Face Covering Requirement shall ot be applied to individuals who are eating or drinking, those who have difficulty donning or removing a face covering without assistance, those who have a bona fide religious objection to waring a face covering, or those who have a bona fide medical reason not to wear a face covering • That in instance where persons are working outdoors without regular contact with other persons. . . shall only be required to practice Social Distancing And the most common sense part of all: “If the person has been fully vaccinated or recovered, the person shall not be required to quarantine.”

SUE

HORN

Revenues, taxes, employees. assessor office improvement The Carroll County Board of Commissioners’ overall budget for this current fiscal year (7/1/2020 6/30/2021) is around $53 million.

Our revenues look good, in spite of Covid concerns, and thanks to the frugality of both our budgeting approach and of our county departments’ operations. The amounts I will highlight below are of the county’s General Fund, which includes the budgets of all county departments, but does not include SPLOST funds that pay for specific projects outside of the General Fund day-to-day operating budget.

Our county’s fund balance (General Fund) as of the last month-end data available now (February 28, 2021) is approximately $34.5 million.

This compares to last year’s fund balance at this time, which was approximately $26 million. So we are up about $8.5 million, or roughly 32%, over last year, which is a nice

ERNIE

REYNOLDS District 5 Carroll County Commissioner

ereynolds@carrollcounty ga.com 770-851-6215 increase when you especially consider the dubious economy and turmoil of this budget year period. When you consider that our annual budget of about $53 million equates to monthly expenditures of roughly $4.5 million, this fund balance reflects that we have between 7 to 8 months of operating expenses as a cushion. This amount of operating expense cushion is within acceptable standards as recommended by the Association of County Commissioners of Georgia.

Most of our county’s revenue, of course, comes from Property Taxes and, to a lesser extent, Sales Taxes.

As of the same period (February 28, 2021), our county’s Property Tax revenues totaled roughly $26.5 million, up from the same period last year of $24.7 million. Our county Sales Tax revenues totaled roughly $9 million, up from the same period last year of $7.7 million. So it appears that overall sales are consistently strong, in spite of the dubious situations of this period. It is good to see the county in this positive revenue situation, especially with all of the turmoil during this 2020/2021 budgeting year.

Given the above financial situation, my continued stance regarding your Property Taxes is that I am NOT for any increase in the county’s millage rate. Let me be clear - I will NOT vote for an increase in the county’s See ERNIE REYNOLDS page 25

Technology-driven curriculum in Independent Schools The landscape of this current academic year looks much different for students than previous academic years due largely to the global pandemic.

With the infusion of both synchronous and asynchronous learning options in many of our schools, technology has taken on a more important role than in previous years. Although keeping our school communities connected during this global pandemic was the driving force behind the investment in new technologies, a technology-driven curriculum has become a successful byproduct of the investment.

Technology today has evolved at such a higher speed due to the global pandemic providing independent schools with the opportunity to forge ahead and blaze a pathway as digital innovators with instructional technology. According to Lesley Monette, Director of the Conference of Independent Schools eLearning Consortium, “With the financial

PATRICK

YURAN

Headmaster OAK MOUNTAIN ACADEMY

resources in place, private schools are equipped to move ahead with the adoption and implementation of new technologies to prepare students for university and beyond. Technology promotes creative ways of teaching and caters to all types of learners all types co-operation and collaboration of learners.

The skills acquired are invaluable and include time management, selfdirected learning, co-operation and collaboration.”

Due to the global pandemic many independent schools have invested in additional technologies to accommo-

date both in-person and online learning options. This investment has afforded independent schools the ability to infuse technology into our curriculum in new and exciting ways.

A technology-driven curriculum in independent schools provides students with interactive devices and programming in all contents.

These may include the following: traditional board work conducted via interactive digital smartboards, utilizing social media, blogs, and wikis to conduct group work and promote collaboration, and embrace smartphones by integrating them into daily learning. Virtual reality, gaming, and robotics have also become common tools for instructional opportunities.

As independent schools evolve and move on from the current academic year, we will have to explore technology-driven, innovative opportunities in a post-pandemic world.

See PATRICK YURAN page 25

Time to review what happened in the Pandemic of 2020-2021 It is time to review what happened in The Pandemic of 2020-2021.

Though far from the worst disease we have faced, it certainly is one of the worst managed. There are people in positions of power whose actions killed people and did significant harm to our country. But, let us start with the true hero who magnificently did all that was humanly possible to protect this nation and its people President Donald Trump.

President Trump saw COVID-19 for what it was: a contagious and deadly virus arising in China. With little support from anywhere or anyone, he initiated travel restrictions, which clearly slowed the transmission of the virus. He then quickly reacted to what needed to be done to stop the virus and that was to develop a vaccine. Operation Warp Speed became a medical and political miracle.

Trump understood how amazing our capacity for innovation is, if the

DR.

GORDON AUSTIN gtadmd@gmail.com government gets out of the way, so he fought the “red tape” bureaucracy. He also understood the power of financial incentives to drive business action.

By guaranteeing a profit for pharmaceutical innovation by pre-purchasing unproven vaccines, President Trump’s policies were directly responsible for getting not one, but three vaccines developed in less than a year. This process at best normally takes 3-5 years. By the end of his

term as president, 50 million vaccine doses were administered, and 600 million doses were in the pipeline.

In the short-term, President Trump understood other actions were needed as a stop gap. He appointed a team of medical and logistic experts headed

by Vice President Pence. Hospitals were built from scratch, business space was converted to hospital space, hospital ships were rapidly staffed, supplied and deployed. A potential shortage of medical equipment such as ventilators and personal protective equipment was averted using personal persuasion and government power.

Despite the potential for abuse of federal power, the President put the individual state Governors in control and then supplied them every possible need requested. The medical advisory group met almost around the clock and held daily press conferences to See GORDON AUSTIN page 24

Page 22 April 11, 2021

StarNews

COMMENTARY

www.starnewsgaonline.com

Letter to the Editor: Dear Editor, RESULTS OF THE SPLOST ELECTION: Carroll County has 87,836 registered voters 2746 voted for the extension of SPLOST 618 voted against 3364 voted [3.8% of the electorate] Nearly 4% of the registered voters decided that we would extend a 1% special purpose sales tax on most purchases in Carroll County for the next 6 years.

Note that Republicans are terrified that too many Georgians are

voting in our elections and that government elected offices might be “stolen” by Democrats.

Democrats outnumbered Republicans in the November 6 Presidential Election by nearly 12,000 votes, pledging our state to Joe Biden.

As if that were not bad enough, Democrats turned out on January 6, 2021, in record numbers and replaced both David Perdue and Kelly Loeffler with Jon Ossoff and Rafael Warnock in the US Senate. The horror!

Obviously, too many Democrats are voting. Hundreds of bills

are pending in state legislatures in Georgia and other Red States across the country to restrict voting. This is in addition to gerrymandering to tilt the scales to favor Republican rule in the House of Representatives.

There must be some way for Republicans to make it harder for likely Democratic voters to vote. The alternative would be for Republicans to be more inclusive and less archaic in their policies—and we know they don’t want to do that. The horror!

RAY HARRIS Carrollton, Georgia

The larger picture behind the tragedy

DAN

PAK

vunc61@gmail.com

Tragedy struck in the Atlanta area on March 16. A gunman shot and killed eight people, including six Asian women. The media reported the senseless killings as the top news: The murder was committed at point blank range and in cold blood.

The reaction to the tragedy was imminent and forceful: President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris altered their scheduled visit to Georgia on March 19 from a vaccine promotion tour to the meeting of the victim’s bereaved family and Asian Community leaders. At the direction of President Biden, the US flag was lowered to half-mast in honor of the victims throughout the country. Vice President Harris’ Asian bloodline was noted in the news to highlight the connection of the tragedy to Asian people.

I lived in the Atlanta area for 38 years. I

recall that Woodstock, Georgia, where the Those were strong words, calling for action. accused young man is reported to be from, was By the way, two out of my three children are a small quiet town about 30 miles northwest of Emory graduates. My late wife, June had Atlanta. Acworth, where the lone shooter undergone cancer surgery at Winship Cancer started his killing spree, is another small town Center of Emory University Hospital in 2002. nearby. Piedmont Avenue in Meantime, Speaker Out of the six Asian women the city of Atlanta where Nancy Pelosi issued a victims, I noticed two of them statement on March 17 Robert Aaron Long, the having the same family gunman, kept on killing which read in part: name as myself. Although people is also familiar to “These shootings are a me. In fact, I used to shop at their names were spelled as vicious and vile act that the Lenox Square Mall compound the fear and Park, not Pak as I spell my nearby. pain that Asianlast name, they are from the Americans face each President Biden and Vice same family (clan) as myself. day...The nearly 3,800 President Harris met the grieving families and Asian reports of incidents tar. .all of these strange leaders at the Emory geting the AAPI (Asian coincidences created eerie University, Atlanta. Mr. feelings within me. It was as Americans - Pacific Biden said that hate crimes Islanders) community if a dark shadowy figure is against Asian Americans over the past year are a trailing behind me. have been “skyrocketing” challenge to the consince the coronavirus panscience of the country.” demic began more than a year ago. He further Speaker Pelosi emphasized that “Our entire stated that “Our silence is complicity. We can- nation must come together to speak out to stop not be complicit. We have to speak out. We Asian hate.” have to act.” The President pointed out that Out of the six Asian women victims, I Asian Americans have been “attacked, blamed, noticed two of them having the same family scapegoated and harassed. They’ve been ver- name as myself. Although their names were bally assaulted, physically assaulted, killed.” spelled as Park, not Pak as I spell my last

name, they are from the same family (clan) as myself: Soon Chung Park and Julie Park. Both women were 74 years old.

The familiarity of the town and city street where the crime was committed, the name of the school where President and Vice President met the victims’ family, and the names of the victims from the same family (clan) as mine all of these strange coincidences created eerie feelings within me. It was as if a dark shadowy figure is trailing behind me.

The full weight of legal and judiciary system of the United States would most likely bear down on the criminal in time to come. The punishment matching to the crime would be the least tribute we can pay to the unfortunate victims. It would serve as a clear warning to misogynous and/or xenophobic potential anachronistic misfit.

Meanwhile, I believe that our Pledge of Allegiance to the United States of America should never be compromised by this tragic incident.It is because, in my own personal experience of living in the United States for nearly 50 years, I found that the overwhelming majority of the people in this country are fairminded, compassionate, and caring good people. This is the larger picture I see looming behind the tragedy.

LovEvolution or Revolution?

MARY

SAXON WILBURN marywilburn1@aol.com During the years when my mind was most fertile and hungry for knowledge and understanding, I learned something that has stayed with me throughout my life thus far and taught me that “There is nothing as constant as change.” I don’t remember who said it in this generation, or the last. Sounds a bit like Churchill to me, and it still holds true. In these days we might compare the influx of changes to something like a spring shower after it comes, and a blasting hurricane in the present day.

Today’s changes bring in a political upheaval like most of us have never seen. Political incantations, news offered by women and men who state their opinions as if they are already proven facts, trashing anyone who opposes them. This trashing falls in with so many other things we do not enjoy along life’s journey.

“Nothing is as constant as change.” It is something we in America should be well acquainted with by now. Don’t ever forget it.

Every change in the way we think and act has an effect on us and our communities.

Ripples spread across the sands of time and the sea of life. Soon, the outcome proves that

dreams do become reality - along with its due while we regret that it is true. consequences.

As we age, we are mortified the first time we The greatest influence these bits of knowl- have to admit, even if only to ourselves, that edge or wisdom brings, depending on how we we might be wrong, or at least not totally and apply them, is that they become part of our completely right. By the time our children are mental monologue. They also become part of at an age where they can speak their own us. In this way, they change our way of think- minds, we see new ideas put to use in reality, ing a little bit or a lot. The replacing the idealism Today’s changes bring in a situations in which they of our youth. Should political upheaval like most of us we change our minds? appear can make us smile in serenity or frown in In view of that, it have never seen. Political frustration. As we in turn behooves us to read incantations, news offered by make these changes part above and below the women and men who state their level at which we can of our expression, others opinions as if they are already may absorb them and they, easily understand what too, may become influwe are reading, or disproven facts, trashing anyone enced by a new meaning who opposes them. . . it behooves cerning from those they find in the way we us to read above and below the who talk and talk and express the thought, and talk on television. level at which we can easily unwittingly generate When that latter refunderstand what we are reading, erenced group doesn’t changes in themselves.

In our youth, we find it or discerning from those who talk in any way reflect our more difficult in one way comfortable philosoand talk and talk on television. to accept change. We phies the time has know wherefrom our interpretations and origi- come to expand our vistas a bit. Or a lot. nal thoughts come and often defend them with That being said, whatever has happened that intelligent, creative enlightenment, knowing created changes in the government of this beyond doubt that our audience needs this country has brought back that old saw, but it enlightenment. Some others are not so caring has not prepared me to accept very many of the about their history, their genealogy, our coun- changes - my loyalty to my country, for try’s history, our forefathers’ passion in making instance. If I embraced certain current ideas, our country so successful. Some from other my standards would slap me cockeyed. places may be rabid enough to breach all laws Those errant ideas pertain to sharing all our and tenets so as to become bastardized (as in defenses with every country in the world; buyillegitimate) citizens of this, our native land. ing oil and other natural resources from other We must remember that change is constant, countries rather than using those immediately

available to us. So many of our able and willing workers are now on the dole. Our accessible supplies are diminishing and disappearing.

Weather, our climate, is and has ever been so precarious we can hardly keep ourselves and our neighbors comfortable. Those whose livelihoods depend on making available fuel to sustain us now struggle to find employment of any kind. The carbon footprint grows and grows.

Fossil fuels contaminate the very air we breathe, but it isn’t likely we’ll go back to horse-back travel. Neither will we give up our automobiles until there is no other way to live our lives.

Historians have long kept us informed about the climate changes that, over the millennia, have set the powers of nature in motion that brought balance back to Earth. Remember Ayn Rand’s “Atlas Shrugged”? In looking for a cause to support, the leaders of our country are making plans for us to change the climate ourselves and spare the people from deaths due to nature’s interventions.

The Earth can and will provide that balance in spite of our machinations. Earth is even now purging herself. Consider Covid-19. What percentage of Earth’s population has already been reduced by those tiny little organisms that rose into the air and by Earth’s rotation were able to drop down on every continent and most countries? Well, she did until it became necessary to cleanse, to purge, herself. The fewer humans on the planet, the less pollution there is, and the nearer the Earth is to balance. On the other hand, the loss of family members and other See MARY SAXON WILBURN page 25

COMMENTARY

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April 11, 2021 Page 23

Life is ridiculous, so why not be a good guy?

BILL

BOURIS digi@mindspring.com A friend from Huntsville sent me a book to read, because, as he said, it reminded him of me. I was about a third of the way through before I could guess why it reminded him of me. This is a book of interviews with stand-up comics.

Forty years ago, one of my closest friends opened a comedy club in N.Y.C.’s Greenwich Village. It is called the Comedy Cellar, and is currently run by my friend’s son. Almost 20 years ago, my dear friend Manny died. We were like brothers. For several years, we shared an apartment in the Columbia University neighborhood. Great times. ...back to the book.

The interviews that make up the book started to be made in the mid-1980s, when the author was in high school. (They continue to this day, often with “return visits”.) The comedians have been very generous with their time and quite honest with the expression of their feelings.

During that same time, Manny had fallen in why my friend in Huntsville, name of Steve love with the idea of stand-up comedy, espe- Anthony, thought of me and sent us a copy of cially the way it was being defined by the new- the book....back to the book. comers of the day. You had The interviewer, as well as people like Jerry Seinfeld, and Manny had fallen in love many of the interviewees, has later, Chris Roc, dozens and with the idea of stand-up gone on with his life and dozens of them. What Manny comedy, especially the career, which has taken him grew to love in them was not beyond stand-up performjust their avowed honesty, but way it was being defined ance and into writing, movie by the new-comers of production, directing, TV their sheer gutsiness. They the day. You had people production, acting - you were not afraid to bomb on a given night, for there was the like Jerry Seinfeld, and name it. There is constant more important issue, more later, Chris Roc, dozens reference to these profesimportant than a successful sional activities, and by and dozens of them. evening, which was to have implication, the multi-million been more personally in touch dollar budgets they deal with. with the audience. If such a comedian bombed Some of these jokers are bankers! because their audience refused to buy what was In one interview, Apatow is talking with being peddled, then the night’s work had not Harold Ramis. Ramis came out of Second City. been lost. Manny had a table that was reserved In various key jobs, as author, director, actor, only for the Cellar’s comedians. There, you he has brought us “Animal House”, “Ghostbuswould find a Jerry Seinfeld arguing for always ters”, “Stripes”, “Meatballs”, and especially trying your best, no matter the audience size or “Groundhog Day”. Ramis was very important its affability. to his generation, as well as to his professions.

Topics such as these are covered in the book Incidentally, his generation is the same as mine, that I’m reading: Judd Apatow’s “Sick in the the Silent Generation. It comes right after the Head” (Conversations about Life and Comedy, G.I. Generation and just before the Boomers.

2015). Manny would often call me in Now, here’s something that grabbed my Whitesburg: “Bill, you won’t believe who’s at interest, during that interview: Ramis became the table tonight!...” So, you can begin to see very interested in Buddhism. Accordingly, he

had taken everything he liked about that religion and condensed down to one folded page of paper. In fact Apotow still had his copy.

Apotow says that Ramis once told him “Life is ridiculous, so why not be a good guy?” This makes me wonder, is that a variation of the more familiar Golden Rule? Then Apotow goes on to inform us, “That may be the only religion I have to this day.”

The next interview is with Harry Anderson.

I barely remembered his name, but Anderson played the NYC night-judge in the TV comedy of the 80s, “Night Court”. Though one can hardly describe me as a fan of TV, I was briefly, a fan of that show, and particularly liked Harry Anderson. At the time, I felt it was some kind of “Je ne sais quoi” quality that made me into a fan of his. Turns out, the real Harry had some hidden bona fides: his life experience.

His father deserted the family. His mother was a hooker. He was into magic, and at age 15 was working the Avenues of Manhattan as a card-sharp. Once a client punched him for letting the pea turn up under the wrong shell.

Broke his jaw.

As a night-court judge, Harry Anderson brought a je ne sais quoi quality to the character, and Harry was just learning the art of acting. Gotta get back to my book!

I was that person who was always seeing someone for what I thought they should be to fit my view, what I saw in them…only to be left disappointed. I was always looking at someone else, wishing that I could speak like them or be liked by certain people. That caused so much stress, because it’s not normal to look to others to find out who we are.

The only way to truly know who we are is for God to reveal it to us. Jeremiah 1:5 states that “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.” At a young age, our youth should be taught that God knows us, and has a plan for us before we were even born.

No matter what our circumstances were when we came into this world, God has a plan for us. Jeremiah 29:11 states, “’For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the LORD, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.’” Our

hope and our future is set, all we need to do is give our lives to Christ, and listen to the leading and guiding of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit speaks to all of us and reveals who God is to us and what His plans are for us.

Because of His love for us, He has provided everything that’s needed to prosper. In I John 4:19 we read, “We love Him, because He first loved us.” So, we can’t say that we aren’t loved. Even if we don’t get love from the people we think we should get it from, we have it from God, and He will send someone in our lives to represent His love to us. People who don’t know the love of God can never give it to someone else.

We were created to know the gift of God’s love and give it to others. When we understand that we should love people enough to sacrifice our time, and resources to help others, the love of God shown through us will encourage others. This love that He has for us looks past our faults and mistakes and builds us up to accom-

plish that which He created us to fulfil. Many times we feel that our mistakes should be forgiven, but at the same time fail to extend this same mercy to others. Ephesians 4:32TPT: “But instead be kind and affectionate toward one another. Has God graciously forgiven you?

Then graciously forgive one another in the depths of Christ’s love.”

We should forgive even if the person doesn’t ask for forgiveness. God wants us to understand that forgiveness is more for us than the one that hurt us. Why? Because God loves us so much that He provided forgiveness through Christ. With forgiveness there is overwhelming peace that comes from being at one with God. There is joy and hope that is found in His love for us. Through His love for us, we must discover our purpose, for it is there where we can live a purposeful life that is filled with continued discovery of His grace and mercy. Once we receive His love and allow Him to display See RICHARD DOZIER page 25

has been a traditional spawning spot for these fish, for how many years or centuries I could not begin to guess. This dry spring (I write mid-March) changed an habitual pattern and this misguided guy fell victim to that change. I know I’m not alone in noticing Georgia’s weather patterns are in flux. We are seeing artic winter nights, hurricanes coming earlier, and out-of-season droughts. How do these disruptions mess with the instinctual behavior of sensitive creatures responding to old cues amid new conditions?

Like everything else, the river exists in relation to everything else. Admittedly a powerful force, she is nonetheless interdependent with and influenced by - air and Earth, the weather and the beings living in and beside her, and that of course means us humans too. Vulnerable to shifting circumstances, when there is no rain the river cannot grow in season to provide the necessary settings for, in this case, Spotted Gar survival.

My mind leaps easily to other potential human-caused stresses on the river and the life

she harbors. The proposed rock quarry, for instance, just miles upstream from here.

Spotted Gar are shore-oriented; they prefer to linger in shallow waters with overhanging brush. Mining operations on the river will affect these fish who have learned to make their living in the particularities of their home current. And then there are the humans who also enjoy that current, the kayakers and canoeists who float down the river eight months of the year. They too have waited for the warming temperatures of spring.

Will they stop coming, as Bill Bouris suggested in his column last month here in the StarNews, when birdsong is drowned out by blasting rock? The loss of a human presence on the river would be the county’s loss as well and the river’s too, whose currency is to soothe and delight us. I hope I am wrong. I pray that as spring warms up and the river rises, the Gar Field will once more be brimming with lovelorn fish. Then I can say that only one Spotted Gar miscalculated. But until then he will continue to haunt me.

You can’t give what you don’t know you have

RICHARD

DOZIER

Millennials Christian Ministry (MCM) rdozier@mcm empowered.org Have you ever seen something in someone that they didn’t see in themselves? Or has anyone ever told you that you were gifted in an area that you never thought that you were? Just think for a moment about the time that’s been spent trying to get people to believe in their gifts. Many times we’re left with lives that could have been much more fulfilling, not only for us, but for others, too; so many lives which we should have touched. Lives changed, businesses started, proud parents, degrees attained, and much more.

The late Gar field blues

SYBIL

THOMAS

River Rambles syllabil@aol.com The lone dead Spotted Gar in the floodplain’s inlet stream has haunted me for several days. Gar are an ancient, toothy family of mostly-freshwater fish. They are distinguished by armored yet svelte cylindrical bodies and elongated barracuda-like snouts lined with lots of needle-sharp teeth for spearing crustaceans, especially crayfish. They have a prehistoric look in tandem with a postmodern hydrodynamic stealth.

The nocturnal Spotted Gar sport dark brown and sienna circles on their head, fins and tail, and can grow to be up to three feet long, especially the females, weighing as much as ten

pounds. Apparently they are the filet mignon of freshwater fish, though their roe are highly toxic to humans and crayfish.

I first noticed Spotted Gar in the flooded creek three Februaries ago, when a sudden movement below the surface reflection of sky and trees alerted me to an underwater presence.

The camouflage of spots seemed to disappear the fish into the turbid water beneath. What I imagined to be one fish turned out to be ten and then twenty - until I realized I was looking at a collection of possibly hundreds! I had stumbled onto a springtime phenomen, a mating pool of Spotted Gar in my backyard, which I affectionately dubbed the Gar Field.

The following spring I watched for the Gar Field again and was not disappointed. This year, cold temperatures and a lack of rain to raise the water level in the inlet have so far prevented the Gar from venturing into the offriver stream to spawn. Except for this one hopeful fellow who apparently came anyway and got trapped in receding waters.

With no way of knowing, I suspect the inlet

Page 24 April 11, 2021

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COMMENTARY

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God gave us the great freedom of choice, not give us the freedom from the consequences of that choice

JASON

SWINDLE SWINDLE LAW GROUP, P.C. God gave us the great freedom of choice.

But, He did not give us the freedom from the consequences of our choice. - author unknown The criminal justice system is primarily based on laws that punish betrayal and dishonesty. Sometimes, poor choices present the consequence of a prison term. Sometimes, people temporarily avoid any consequences.

However, based on my experience and observations, consequences always present themselves at some point.

There was a time when Stephen was a good, hard working, and pleasant man. He was respected by everyone in his hometown in Mississippi. His young children looked up to him as if he hung the moon.

But, Stephen had a character flaw that devastated his life and the lives of those he loved.

Because Stephen was friendly and seemed to enjoy helping others, he had an abundance of friends. When he was about 35 years old, he saw a financial opportunity that he wanted to

take advantage of. There was nothing unusual about this except one thing; he had four business partners who he did not want to know about this opportunity.

Stephen and his partners owned a small catfish farm that was successful from Day 1. But, Stephen was unhappy. He disliked two of his partners, cared little for how his actions affected others, and struggled with his intense need for more money and other material things.

After four financially successful years, a competitor approached him with a plan that could make Stephen a millionaire. The plan was for Stephen to take the company’s confidential files and new technological advances, that one of his partners created and patented, and pass them on to this competitor while continuing being a partner at his company.

The plan worked. The trade secrets and other sensitive information that he stole propelled the other company so far that it became an industry leader. Meanwhile, his own company, along with his partners, suffered losses year after year. Yet, Stephen did not care at the time. He was a millionaire. Stephen only began to care when an agent from the Mississippi Bureau of Investigation (MBI) entered his office on a Monday morning with three search warrants and 25 arrest warrants.

Stephen was charged with a number of serious offenses including invasion of privacy, theft by taking, and extortion. He ended up

going to prison for seven years, losing the of Jesus for money, to Brutus’ betrayal of Julius respect of everyone, including his own chil- Caesar under the delusion of saving the Roman dren, and lived the rest of his days alone. He Republic, the act of betrayal has continually was found dead at his apartment at the age of been considered the darkest aspect of human 42. The only items found in his apartment were behavior. The human psyche has always multiple empty halfAn act of dishonesty is a lie to cringed at the mere mengallons of inexpensive tion of an act of betrayal. scotch. Even after suf- one’s own soul. It’s a deception of That is why so many self more than anything else, fering these consecriminal laws are based quences, he blamed on this character defect. because one cannot help but others for his circumAn act of dishonesty is stances until he took actually know the truth in her or his a lie to one’s own soul. own heart. Thus, an act of his last breath.

It’s a deception of self Most criminal dishonesty is a conscious thing. more than anything else, offenses are commitThe person knows what he or she because one cannot help ted when someone is but actually know the is doing. Yet, the need to be addicted to drugs truth in her or his own and/or alcohol, engage dishonest is so overpowering. . . heart. in dishonest acts, or Thus, an act of dishonbetray the trust of someone coupled with a esty is a conscious thing. The person knows theft. what he or she is doing. Yet, the need to be disAddiction is a medical and genetic condition honest is so overpowering that she or he cannot that oftentimes leads to crime. Dishonesty, summon any inner goodness needed to do the which is really just a component of betrayal, is right thing. a defect in one’s character.

While Stephen’s life provides an example of In the case of betrayal, one consciously and how the justice system metes out consedeliberately sets out to harm another person or quences, many people walk out of a courtroom another person’s project or idea, in order to without any consequences. This is actually profit in some manner from its destruction. common.

History has always judged betrayal, and the But, in 18 years of practicing law, I have yet crimes associated with it, to be the most hei- to see a person escape the consequences that nous of human offenses. From Judas’ betrayal eventually become due down the road.

Where domestic policy seems headed

LEE

PROFESSOR Indiana University Center on Representative Government There’s not much question where the Biden administration’s domestic priorities lie. Getting the pandemic health crisis under control and moving past its attendant economic crisis were always going to be the first order of business for the new White House. It’s what comes afterward - where the administration wants to head, how the American people respond, and what Capitol Hill does with it all - that will give us a sense of whether the country is ready for the kind of change Biden is signaling he wants to bring.

To be sure, some of that change has just been enacted into law. The stimulus package that made it through Congress a few weeks ago was an abrupt shift in tone from Washington.

Beginning with Ronald Reagan and lasting to some extent even through Democratic administrations, the prevailing view valued limited government action on the economy, tax breaks for businesses and wealthy Americans on the theory that their investments would ultimately help everyone else - and at best a wary

view of the public sector. The stimulus bill heads the opposite direction, taking the attitude that forceful government action is needed in this moment and that the way to prosperity lies in helping poor, working-class, and middleclass Americans.

I suspect that a lot of Americans won’t care much about the ideology behind the stimulus bill. They’ll just judge it on whether it works, and in particular on whether the economy recovers and produces jobs, especially jobs that pay decently. Right on the heels of the stimulus bill, though, will come a host of issues that test both the administration and Congress.

One of them has already begun making headlines, as young migrants and migrant families show up in rising numbers at the southern border and federal officials scramble to shelter and process them, and in many cases, expel them under a Trump administration public health order that Biden is under pressure to drop.

This all comes after a flurry of early executive actions aimed at developing a more generous immigration stance and talking up a “path to citizenship” for people in the country illegally and is a reminder that shifts in policy can produce results that overwhelm the best intentions. My sense is that many Americans would welcome a reasoned and humane approach to immigration, but not if it produces chaos.

And just as Republicans on Capitol Hill are

seizing on events at the border to raise the heat issues around racial equity, and any number of on immigration reform efforts, so the other big hot-button cultural issues that the wings of both item on the administration’s agenda -infrastruc- political parties would like to push but the ture - may also fall prey to intense partisanship. administration so far has shown little interest in If ever there was an issue on which addressing.

But what may be the biggest test of all has Democrats and Republicans ought to be able to carve out agreement, it’s spending money to less to do with policy priorities and the specifbring roads, highways, bridges, public water ics of legislation than with whether Washington systems, and other basics necessary to modern can move forward on challenges that matter to the American peolife up to snuff.

But as Democrats push for an ple. We have had So far, the two many years now of expansive view of infrastructure parties continue to Washington, collecinsist they intend to including cyber-security, public transit, tively, struggling to work together, and and shifting spending priorities toward advance on issues of the Biden adminicleaner energy and Republicans insist importance to the stration says that day-to-day lives of bipartisanship is a that they will not back any move to Americans. Our priority. raise taxes to fund infrastructure political leaders But as Democrats improvements, the stage is set for a have a chance to push for an expanreset our expectaclassic Washington face-off. sive view of infrations of what they structure - including cyber-security, public transit, and shifting can accomplish. Here’s hoping they take the spending priorities toward cleaner energy - and opportunity to do so.

Lee Hamilton is a Senior Advisor for the Republicans insist that they will not back any Indiana University Center on Representative move to raise taxes to fund infrastructure improvements, the stage is set for a classic Government; a Distinguished Scholar at the IU Hamilton Lugar School of Global and Washington face-off.

Beyond that, of course, any number of International Studies; and a Professor of exceedingly complex issues await action. Practice at the IU O’Neill School of Public There’s the pressure to raise the minimum and Environmental Affairs; was a member of wage, policing reform, climate change, a set of the U.S. House of Representatives for 34 years.

GORDON AUSTIN from page 21 answer every question with the best data available in real time.

As there were heroes, there were also real villains. Starting with the mainstream media, instead of patriotically rallying to inform a nation with useful information, the media used this medical crisis as an opportunity to attack and undermine a president they hated. Dr. Fauci complained that the only question he got from every media outlet was, “Where do you disagree with President Trump?” Democrat

Governors initially praised the President for his availability to them and his willingness to provide any Federal assistance they needed. But with time, the mainstream media beat them into submission to their agenda’s focus and that was to be negative about Trump rather than to help him manage this crisis and protect this nation.

Governors made good and bad decisions; one of the worst mistakes was moving sick elderly patients out of hospitals and into nursing homes. But the mainstream media stuck to their agenda to be negative about the President and

be supportive of his opponents. Even when it was clear that mistakes were being made by Democrat Governors that killed people, the media only cared about their anti-Trump narrative.

Another real disaster was the overblown and ill advised shut down of our economy and closure of schools. Even as the hard scientific data failed to support these actions, the real agenda became clear. One of the great accomplishments of the Trump Administration was a booming economy and this economy must be

HAMILTON

destroyed for political expediency. The School Teachers Union is another villain. As always, the Union hides behind their excuse for any maleficence on their part, “It’s for the Children”. The best interest of the children is served by being back in school full time.

There are other players who performed well or poorly during this pandemic but the successful Trump record in putting the best interest of the country first, contrasts sharply with those who let their political agenda do real harm to our nation.

COMMENTARY ERNIE REYNOLDS from page 21

millage rate for this upcoming budgeting cycle of fiscal year 2021-2022 (July 2021 through June 2022).

As a fellow property owner, I am with you on keeping our property taxes as low as possible, so as not to place an undue burden on the back of property owners to fund county operations. This concept - of not putting the tax burden on the back of property owners - is the primary reason I so like the SPLOST tax that you all voted to continue recently. SPLOST is a Sales Tax that everyone who buys something pays, not just the people who own property!

And, from what I’ve seen, roughly 30% of the

PATRICK YURAN from page 21 Blending synchronous and asynchronous learning environments with a technologydriven curriculum will provide opportunities for students in independent schools to make a difference in today’s ever-evolving world. A world that continues to present both challenges and opportunities for independent schools, will help shape the future of the independent school model.

RICHARD DOZIER from page 23 it through our lives, we can love others. There is no greater joy than to know the love of God: His love surpasses our understanding, and in it is a depth that is meant for each individual to discover.

You cannot sink too low that God’s love is not available to rescue you. He is not looking for you to get it together before He helps you.

His desire is that you know Him through an ongoing personal relationship. That you recognize that He is good and only does good. His plan for you is beyond your wildest dreams.

Ephesians 2:10, “For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.” We’re His masterpiece, and yes, the Creator of the end of this earth doesn’t make junk. So arise and discover your God-given purpose and talents.What are the desires that God has placed in your heart? Let God fulfill His desires in you. Think big, dream big because you serve a big God Who wants to display His love through you.

MARY SAXON WILBURN from page 22 loved ones is a terribly painful and horrific thing to have to face. Every loss to that disease or any other deadly force causes tons of tears to fall, hearts to break, lives to be destroyed. A high price to pay.

The fuel crises of the past are being invited back. Our children are being deprived of the education they need so crucially. The polar ice caps are melting and causing our beaches to disappear. The pandemic is taking from us the weaker or the less protected. The government is obsessed with finding a cure and preventative, wanting to save every life while depriving people of what they so badly need because humanity’s needs are destroying our gracious “mother” Earth’s bounty.

Is there a computer out there somewhere that can tell us how to correct these problems, to bring balance back to Earth? Or, can we look back to the ways Nature has always brought balance when humanity reached the point we now face? It isn’t painless to take that view but it is one of those built-in laws of Nature that man, cannot change. Not even the California kids. Not a revolution. Not even The House of Representatives or the Senate. Not even Trump or Obama.

The best we who are not in control of things can do is to do what we love, what we were born to do, know that everything we say and do sends sparks of creativity all around, and let the changes come.

www.starnewsgaonline.com county’s SPLOST revenue comes from people outside of Carroll County who come to this county and buy things and pay the sales tax.

Thanks very much for voting to continue the SPLOST. Having said that, I do feel that we need to get benchmark, comparative data - against which to evaluate the amounts we pay our county employees. We need to know where we stand in our pay scales and need to ensure we are paying commensurate pay for work performed.

We need to know how much other nearby counties and municipalities are paying for similar employee positions. I have found that we, typically, lack this information and tend to just base our decisions on our own internal county historical pay information.

That is operating blindly, in my opinion, and puts us and our employees at a significant disadvantage as far as knowing what is equitable and fair pay for similar jobs being performed. It

should not be difficult to get such information there are counties and cities all over the map doing relatively the same type of work!

Lastly, I would like to give a “shout out” to improvements that have been made in our county Tax Assessor Office. As you know, I was quite critical last year of the operations and attitude of this office. It was operating quite deficiently and lacked any appropriate positive attitude of customer service. I am glad to report that this situation has been addressed and improvements have been made.

A couple things that have taken place to improve the Tax Assessor Office operations and attitude include the following: 1) I nominated, and my fellow Board of Commissioners approved, a new member to the County Board of Tax Assessors. This new board member is Jim Swinson, who takes his role seriously and is a guru of property tax regulations, including having previously served

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April 11, 2021 Page 25

on the County Board of Equalization, which hears property tax complaints from residents and business/commercial entities.

2) Subsequently, the Board of Tax Assessors hired and placed a new person as the Chief Appraiser and director of the Tax Assessor Office. This new Chief Appraiser is Hubert Sparks, who is an accomplished and experienced appraiser from Haralson County. I have had several conversations and interactions with Hubert and I can say I very much appreciate his customer-centric approach. He knows the value of placing customer service at the core of his department’s operations. I have found that he puts this into practice and I am glad for his positive impact on our Tax Assessor Office.

All for now! Please contact me anytime. As always, I like working for you - as your District 5 County Commissioner. See my Facebook Page and my cell number is 770-851-6215.

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Help protect your family’s inheritance

CHARLES

SHIVER

FINANCIAL ADVISOR

You might contribute to your IRA for decades to help pay for your retirement. But if you don’t need all the money, you may want to leave what’s left to your children or grandchildren. However, if you want to ensure they get the most from this inheritance, you’ll need to do some planning.

Here’s a little background: Up until a couple of years ago, when you left the proceeds of your IRA to your beneficiaries, they could choose to “stretch” required withdrawals over a long period, based on their life expectancies.

These required withdrawals were generally taxable, so this “stretch IRA” allowed your beneficiaries to greatly reduce the annual taxes due, while benefiting from longer tax-deferred growth potential. And the younger the beneficiary, the longer the life expectancy and the lower the withdrawals, so this technique would have been especially valuable for your grandchildren or even great-grandchildren.

Changes in laws affecting retirement accounts have significantly limited the stretch IRA strategy. Now, most non-spouse beneficiaries must withdraw all assets from the IRA within 10 years of the IRA owner’s death.

The beneficiary generally does not have to take out any money during that 10-year period, but at the end of it, the entire balance must be withdrawn – and that could result in a pretty big tax bill.

Carroll County marriage licenses March 1-31, 2021

marriages

The stretch IRA strategy can still be used for surviving spouses, beneficiaries who are no more than 10 years younger than the deceased IRA owner, and beneficiaries who are chronically ill or disabled. Minor children of the original account owner are also eligible for a stretch IRA – but only until they reach the age of majority, at which time the 10-year rule applies.

So, if you want to leave your IRA to family members who don’t meet any of the above exceptions, what can you do?

One possibility is a Roth IRA conversion.

You could convert a traditional IRA to a Roth IRA over your lifetime, so your heirs would receive the Roth IRA. They would still be required to withdraw the assets within 10 years, but unlike with a traditional IRA, Roth IRA withdrawals are generally tax-free. These

conversions are taxable, so you’ll want to consult your tax professional in addition to your financial advisor, to determine if this strategy can help you achieve your legacy goals.

Another option is to purchase life insurance, which can provide a specific dollar amount to your heirs or be used to help cover additional taxes. This may be especially advantageous if you are 72 or older, in good health, and taking withdrawals – technically called required minimum distributions – from your retirement accounts, such as your traditional IRA and your 401(k). If you don’t really need the money, you can use these withdrawals to pay for some or all of the insurance premiums. Life insurance can’t replace an IRA as a means to save for retirement, though, so you should consult with your financial advisor to make sure you are working toward all your goals.

In any case, if you have a sizable IRA or you don’t need the funds that you’re required to take from your retirement accounts, you may want to start thinking about what you want to do with the money. The more thorough your legacy planning, the better your chances of meeting your legacy goals.

Charles Shiver is a financial advisor, Edward Jones, 102 Trojan Drive, Suite B, Carrollton GA 30117 770-834-4311

Carroll County pistol carry permits

Number of Firearm Carry Permits applied for: March 1-31, 2021: 634

Carroll County prison population Total population as of April 5, 2021: 191 Capacity: 246 Males: 100%

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

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

Total population as of April 5, 2021: 447 Males: 392 Females: 55

Carroll County births March 1-31, 2021:

Tanner Medical Center, Carrollton: Girls: 48 Boys: 61 Tanner Medical Center, Villa Rica:� Girls: 19 Boys: 27

Carroll County cattle receipts Carroll County Sale Barn 225 Sale Barn Road, Carrollton March 29, 2021: 396 March 22, 2021: 542 March 15, 2021: 623 March 8, 2021: 737 March 1, 2021: 863

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A place to care...

April 11, 2021 Page 27

Carroll County Department of Public Health

strength to reach out and call for help or visit an area that is part of who you have always been can be next to impossible. The simple act of bravery and courage to acknowledge that you might need extra guidance and/or support is oftentimes a very difficult step, but it doesn’t mean that you are weak. Rather, it means that you are stronger than you know. As is the case with any large construction project or term JONES-WYNN paper, the first dig or the opening paragraph FUNERAL HOME seems to be the hardest, but the most important Do you have a special place that helps you as well.

Find the courage and bravery to take that process the grief that comes with losing a loved one? We all need a place to care and an oppor- leap of faith or that tiny baby step at your own tunity to find ourselves surrounded by the pace and in your own time. Remember, we can memories of a loved one as we travel on our only live one moment at a time, so take the necessary time to live out each individual grief journeys. It Remember, we can minute and each decision of may be a special memorial only live one moment at your own grief story. garden, a farm pond, the And remember, when you’ve longtime garden in the backa time, so take the gone as far as you think you yard, or the beach at sunset. necessary time to live can go, stop and look back at People handle the waves of out each minute and how far you’ve already come. grief they face in their own each decision of your For free online grief support unique ways. Some may find please visit www.jonescomfort in returning to that own grief story. wynn.com or GriefPlan.com memorable place, while others won’t ever be able to return or take them- (apply the coupon code “joneswynn” to receive selves back to those familiar sights and sounds this service for free. Please remember we are because of the overwhelming absence of their here for you. Our mission in life is to serve, and we are dedicated to you. Between our loved one.

What happens when you can’t go back? One funeral/cremation service licenses we collechealthy approach would be to search out a new tively have over 83 years of experience walkplace and location that allows us to channel the ing with families during some of the hardest grief we feel in a healthy way. Maybe you days of their lives. Remember, we are only a decide to memorialize the loved one with a but- moment or all away. Our contact information terfly release, a special note or love letter that to call us is 770-459-3694, 770-942-2311, or only you read, or a special stone memorial we can be reached on our social media outlets (Facebook, Instagram, and or LinkedIn). bench or marker.

As always please remember to ask for your Perhaps you decide it’s time to start a new chapter of memories by meeting weekly or friends Ellen, Scott, Kelli, and Dana for guidmonthly with a small group of close friends. ance, clarity, and/or just to talk.

We remain “A Family Serving Families®. . .

You may find yourself searching online to connect with your own personalized grief support, Since 1950” Jones-Wynn Funeral Homes & Crematory; such as the free grief materials that we offer online, or many other trusted grief support www.jones-wynn.com www.facebook.com 306 Westview Drive, Villa Rica, GA 30180; options online. We all need to allow ourselves permission to grieve and the chance to provide 770-459-3694 2189 Midway Road, Douglasville, GA healthy answers and alternatives to the ongoing 30136; 770-942-2311 pain of a loss.

Meadowbrook Memory Gardens, 1100 NE Places and comfortable surroundings in safe company can all lead to healing after the death Hickory Level Road, Villa Rica, Ga 30180; of a family member or friend. Finding the 770-459-6494

ELLEN & SCOTT

McBRAYER

$20.218 BILLION from front page payments since March 21 of 2020, more than the past 82 years prior to the pandemic combined. GDOL disperses UI benefits including regular UI, Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation (PEUC), Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA), Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation (FPUC), State Extended Benefits (SEB), and Lost Wages Assistance (LWA) supplements.

The Georgia Department of Labor (GDOL) was established in 1911. Known then as the Department of Commerce and Labor, it had broad authority over industrial and occupational safety and administration of labor laws.

The Wagner-Peyser Act, passed by the U.S. Congress in 1935, mandated a federal-state partnership for operation of employment service agencies. As a result, the Georgia General Assembly enacted the Employment Security Law of 1937, officially creating a Georgia Department of Labor.

“We have paid over $20 billion in UI benefits working daily for over a year to make sure eligible individuals are receiving weekly payments,” said Labor Commissioner Mark Butler.

“We have issued payments to over 1.5 million Georgians during this pandemic while also continuing to support reemployment services

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looking to get many of these individuals back into the workplace.”

Claimants who filed an individual claim and have reached the end of their benefit year should file a new claim. A benefit year is the 52-week period beginning on the Sunday of the week a new claim is filed. Once this time period expires, claimants must reapply for benefits reporting any additional work history, including temporary, part-time, self-employment, or W-2 work. Information on benefit year ending dates can be found on the GDOL website at https://dol.georgia.gov/blog-post/benefityear-end-bye-dates.

Since the beginning of the pandemic in March of last year, the GDOL has processed 4,586,970 regular UI initial claims, more than the combined last nine years prior to the pandemic (4.0 million). Additionally, the agency currently has 296,402 active PUA claims. The sectors with the most weekly regular UI initial claims processed included Accommodation and Food Services, 16,315, Administrative and Support Services, 4,064, Manufacturing, 2,336, Health Care, 2,143, and Retail Trade, 2,004.

The number of initial claims filed throughout the United States for the week ending March 27 was 719,000, an increase of 61,000 from the previous week’s revised level of 658,000.

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

tourist accomodation inspections scores

03/12/2021: John Tanner Park (campground) 354 Tanner Beach Rd Carrollton 100 03/08/2021: John Tanner Lodge 354 Tanner Beach Rd Carrollton 98 3/12/2021: Little Tallapoosa Park 1930 Hwy 113 N Carrollton 98 3/29/2021: Western Inn 180 Centennial Rd Carrollton 87 Western Inn Violation: stained sheets and mattress/clean or replace

previous N/A previous N/A previous N/A previous N/A

3/31/2021: Red Roof Inn 111 Bankhead Hwy Carrollton

86 previous N/A

3/24/2021: Budget Inn 405 Columbia Dr Carrollton

81 previous N/A

Red Roof Inn Violation of Code 511-6-2-14(6): stained linens

Budget Inn Violations: mildew on shower ceilings, showers need to have anti-slip coating or mats, daylight can be seen around edges of most A/C units, stained bed linens and mattress, holes in walls

restaurant health inspections scores 100 100 03/03/2021: Oak Mountain Championship Golf 400 Birkdale Carrollton 100 03/26/2021: Stewart House 102 South St Carrollton 100 100 03/24/2021: Cottage Landing 150 Cottage Ln Carrollton 03/12/2021: Irma’s Tex Mex 68 Fairfiled Rd Villa Rica 100 03/22/2021: Mustard Seed Cafe 2115 Maple St Carrollton 100 03/29/2021: Brookdale 530 Northside Dr Carrollton 100 03/31/2021: The Perfect Cup 21910 Main St Ranburne ALA 100 03/24/2021: IHOP 1615 Hwy 27 S Carrollton 99 03/24/2021: Lazy Donkey 334 Bankhead Hwy Carrollton 99 03/29/2021: Pine Knoll Nursing Home 156 Pine Knoll Dr Carrollton 99 03/29/2021: The Oaks 921 Old Newnan Rd Carrollton 99 03/25/2021: Bojangle 102 W Perrenial Dr Temple 99 98 03/26/2021: Big Chic 910 S Oak St Carrollton 03/17/2021: La Finca Mexican 727 Bankhead Hwy Carrollton 97 03/24/2021: Shane’s Rib Shack 1141 Bankhead Hwy Carrollton 97 03/24/2021: Arby’s 1322 S Park St Carrollton 96 03/25/2021: Wendy’s 625 Carrollton St Temple 95 95 03/17/2021: Waffle House 821 S Park St Carrollton 03/08/2021: Hacienda 1004 Bankhead Hwy Carrollton 95 94 03/29/2021: Carrollton Nursing 2327 Hwy 28 N Carrollton 03/19/2021: G Town Wings 1302 Maple St Carrollton 94 03/25/2021: McDonald’s 593 Carrollton St Temple 94 94 03/15/2021: Hardee’s 1375 S Park St Carrollton 03/22/2021: Sol Sisters 139 City Hall Ste B Bowdon 94 03/18/2021: Samba Loca 104 Adamson Sq Carrollton 94 03/08/2021: City Tavern 109 Newan St Carrollton 94 03/01/2021: Olive Garden 1379 S Park St Carrollton 94 03/08/2021: Carroll County Sales Barn 225 Sales Barn Rd Carrollton 91 03/17/2021: Pita Mediterranean 1435 Hwy 27 Carrollton 91 03/17/2021: Lee’s Kitchen 819 S Park St Carrollton 91 03/17/2021: 1202 Bankhead Grill 1202 Bankhead Hwy Carrollton 90 03/11/2021: Winggers 4720 E Hwy 166 Ste A Carrollton 90 03/24/2021: Applebee’s 1105 S Park St Carrollton 83 03/31/2021: Ashbrook Village 75 Herrell Rd Villa Rica 03/24/2021: Carrollton Manor 2455 Oak Grove Rd Carrollton

previous 100 previous 100 previous 100 previous 100 previous 99 previous 96 previous 96 previous 95 previous N/A previous 99 previous 99 previous 99 previous 95 previous 75 previous 97 previous 98 previous 95 previous 97 previous 97 previous 95 previous 93 previous 98 previous 98 previous 95 previous 94 previous 93 previous 90 previous 90 previous 88 previous 96 previous 94 previous 90 previous 97

previous 96 previous 94 Violations: food items uncovered in reach in coolers; observed clean ladles with old food debris present; walk-in cooler holding TCS foods between 46F-49F due to broken door; observed rusted racks in walk-in cooler; grout beginning to deteriorate in various areas especially near dishwashing area/grill/fryer areas; gaps showing light under back door 03/15/2021: Little Donkey 1561 S Park St Carrollton 80 previous 90 Violations: several foods in freezer uncovered; prep cooler holding food temp at 47F50F; paint cans laying on food boxes in dry storage; food stored on floor of dry storage 03/19/2021: The Border 1210 Maple St Carrollton 80 previous 89 Violations: Observed expired Food Manager Certificate; beer cooler holding opened cans of pineapple juice at 65F; heavily rusted shelves in walk-in cooler; venthood with grease build up; walls with holes, cracks and peeled spots; fllow tiles chipped and broken; exit and entry doors downstairs with cracks present at bottom

Page 28 April 11, 2021

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