THUMBS UP: To the organizers, participants and supporters who made this year’s Ham & Egg show possible. The show, in its 56th year, keeps alive practices and traditions that are native to South Georgia. The show is also made possible by the individuals and businesses whose bids at Wednesday’s auction provide the incentive for participants.
THUMBS UP: To everyone who participates in today’s Seventh Annual Sporting Clay Shoot held as a fund-raiser for the Children’s Advocacy Center of Lowndes County Inc. The event is the organization’s primary fund-raiser for the year. Money raised benefits the CAC’s mission of assisting children who have suffered physical and sexual abuse.
THUMBS UP: To the organizers and donors who made the Blazin’ Blazer Blood Drive at Valdosta State University a success. The Blazers set a goal of raising 400 units for the American Red Cross. The subsequent 429 units collected surpassed the goal and broke this region’s record of 397. Special thanks go to VSU football coach Chris Hatcher, who sponsored Tuesday’s blood drive.
THUMBS DOWN:To members of the Georgia House this week, who snuck in a crucial change in language on House Bill 833, which passed with NO dissenting votes, including from our local delegation.
The bill changed the wording as it relates to public notices of bid projects, which would allow government agencies the option of whether or not they want to advertise those bids in their local newspapers.
By changing the wording from “must appear” to “may appear,” that pretty much eliminates any chance that a government agency will actually do so, which also eliminates any chance of the public being notified about major projects in their communities.
Reportedly, House Speaker Barry Fleming and others were joyously happy over “getting” the newspapers in this manner. As the Georgia Press Association points out, the income from these notices is minimal, and this seems to be a personal vendetta on the part of some lawmakers who have an ongoing beef with the Atlanta media.
The Senate will review the bill, and we urge Sen. Tim Golden to help change the language back. A government that persistently tries to operate in secret is not what Georgians deserve.
What We Think
OUR OPINION: Thumbs up, thumbs down
- What We Think
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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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Fathers teaching daughters
It began as a small gathering for fathers and daughters. It has become one of Valdosta’s most popular social events of the year.
Several years ago, Jeff Stewart co-founded the event with his wife, Becky, as a way for him to give a special night to his two daughters. Other fathers of First Presbyterian Church liked the idea and the Father-Daughter Valentine Dance was born. - More What We Think Headlines
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Shame in Berrien County
