THUMBS DOWN: To those Valdosta residents who celebrated the Independence Day holiday with lots of illegal fireworks. Chief J.D. Rice of the Valdosta Fire Department said recently, “... if a firework can project into the air, you cannot buy it in Georgia.” Or at least you cannot buy it legally in Georgia, as there are still roadside stands that sell them. These fireworks are not safe in untrained hands and are especially unsafe in the hands of someone who has had a little too much alcohol to drink. Valdostans would be wise to remember what it was like when all fireworks were illegal in Georgia because those days are likely to return if such careless behavior continues.
THUMBS UP: To everyone who participated in the American Cancer Society golf tournament at Stone Creek on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. Ashley Paulk, chairman of the annual tournament for 28 years, said recently, “It’s hard to find a family that hasn’t been touched in some way by cancer.” The American Cancer Society uses funds raised to help prevent and treat cancer. Because of its efforts, 11 million-plus cancer survivors across the nation will celebrate a birthday this year.
THUMBS UP: To investigators with the Valdosta Police Department and Lowndes County Sheriff’s Office for their efforts to work together to solve a string of recent robberies in the area. Teamwork led authorities to a Greenville, Fla., man, who was arrested Tuesday.
THUMBS UP: To Tommy T. Thomas for having the opportunity to serve as deputy under secretary of defense for military community and family policy at the Pentagon. The Hahira native credited those who were active in his life as a youth for teaching him the importance of having a strong work ethic and spiritual values, as well as serving his country. Thomas has been at the Pentagon since May.
THUMBS UP: To Captain Guy Nickum and Captain Monica Nickum of The Salvation Army. The couple recently transferred in to the Valdosta location on the heels of outgoing Salvation Army commanders Warren and Cindy Jones, who were transferred to Sapulpa, Okla. The Nickums met each other as kids at Salvation Army camp. They both have parents who were officers in The Salvation Army. The duo looks forward to serving the needs of the Valdosta community.
What We Think
What We Think: Thumbs up, thumbs down
- What We Think
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Elections: Creating a two-party region?
Twenty years ago, most area elections were decided during the primaries. Then, almost every candidate qualified as a Democrat. While there may be plenty of challengers on the ballot, many seats were decided in July or a few weeks later during the primary run-off.
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Thumbs up, thumbs down
THUMBS UP: To South Georgians making fine impressions on television singing competitions. Phillip Phillips of Leesburg won “American Idol” this week. Meanwhile, Lowndes High School graduate Stacia Watkins participated in the new ABC show “Duets.” Well done!
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Farewell to the vanishing ace
Donald S. “Bush” Bryan was not only a rare individual. He was part of a vanishing breed.
An Adel resident for the past 30 years, Bryan was a World War II flying ace. Not just an ace but a double ace. A pilot must down five enemy aircraft to become an ace; Bryan downed 13.3 enemy planes in Europe. The fractions represent planes downed with other pilots. -
A widespread mosquito alert
In announcing the discovery of a mosquito carrying the West Nile Virus strain, city and health officials did not include the specific location of the discovery.
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Of Guantanamo Bay and a Founding Father
Some readers may wonder how a Valdosta High School graduate could bring himself as an attorney to represent a Guantanamo Bay prisoner charged in connection to the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.
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Congratulations, VSU Softball!
This weekend, Valdosta State University Blazers Softball became the latest team to add to Valdosta’s TitleTown legacy.
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School’s out so watch out!
Summer is a time of rest, vacations and trips. It is a time when school is out, when people take time off from work, when people may stay out a little later. It is a time of swimming, trying new things, and seeking adventure.
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Qualifiers are next leaders
While the national media focuses attention on the presidential election, it should be remembered that we will also choose our local leaders this year.
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Thumbs up
THUMBS UP: To the 2011-12 arts season. Theatre Guild Valdosta’s rollicking comedy, “Caught in the Net,” officially brings to a close a magnificent schedule of shows ranging from theatre to opera to concerts to art exhibits and more from a variety of area venues. Theatre Guild will also open the 2012-13 season this summer with the musical “Into the Woods.” Until then, arts lovers can soon enjoy a new series of exhibits from the year-round Annette Howell Turner Center for the Arts and three musicals starting in two weeks from Peach State Summer Theatre.
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Events that get things done
Finding something that repeatedly attracts the public is difficult enough, but finding an event that accomplishes that feat while also promoting your organization and helping others … well, in many places, that’s a rarity.
Not so for the Valdosta area. - More What We Think Headlines
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Elections: Creating a two-party region?
