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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Don’t jettison landmark
While we respect the request to relocate the F-86 aircraft from outside Mathis City Auditorium to the new Moody Air Force Base Airpark, we would hope the city and MAFB would reconsider moving it.
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Shame in Berrien County
Unfortunately for Sherrie Williams of the Berrien County school-based health clinic, she talked to The Times and praised the program that she oversees. This pride in her work led to the loss of her job.
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Grading policy: A second chance?
In clarifying the Lowndes County Schools’ controversial grading policy, Superintendent Dr. Steve Smith spoke of second chances.
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Be up to any weather challenge
Georgia’s Severe Weather Awareness Week starts today and runs through Friday. The idea behind the week is to prepare Georgians for weather emergencies and how to keep these situations from becoming tragedies.
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Parents and schools
There is a lot of talk lately about school systems and grading policies, and how all of a child's problems come back to a lack of parenting. But is it really that simple? Can it be a case where the school systems are so focused on the problem few that the majority of students are ignored?
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Thumbs up, thumbs down
THUMBS UP: To Brooks County High School engineering and technology teacher Don Morgan and his students. They recently received national attention for their work with biodiesel fuel. They collect used cooking oil from area fast-food restaurants then process this oil into biodiesel. Morgan hopes to next interest the Brooks County school buses into running on the fuel created in his class. This classroom not only prepares students for the future but may prepare all of us for an alternative energy source.
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Take me out to the ball park
The Valdosta State baseball season begins today. The Blazers host Lindenwood at 2:30 p.m. Nothing beats quality baseball played in warm weather with a great venue like Billy Grant Field.
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What We Think: Signing Day
Wednesday was National Signing Day, the day when high school athletes across the country make official announcements about what school they’ve chosen to sign with.
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School policy fails expectations
Lowndes County Schools recently implemented new grading guidelines for students. These guidelines have left many parents upset ...
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Just the facts, please
The Times has taken some hits this weekend following the reporting of the Rev. Floyd Rose’ rally on Saturday concerning the car which drove into a home, killing an infant on New Year’s, and an incident at Pinevale Learning Center. Some police officers think the VDT is not being fair, and Rose accused the VDT of not printing the facts, but the facts are as follows:
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Don’t jettison landmark
