THUMBS UP: The Gathering of Eagles, which was a success once again. Business leaders from all across the region took advantage of the opportunity to gain insights from experienced business leaders on how to continue or build success in tough economic times. Valdosta Technical College scheduled a list of knowledgeable individuals from a variety of industries in the area including Chick-fil-A, Synovus Financial, Patten Seed, Agrilliance, Riley Church Pews and Letica Corporation. Despite their different industries and expertise, one thing each of these companies share is a history of success and those in attendance surely walked away with some valuable information.
THUMBS UP: The kickoff of Blazer Baseball and Softball with the Blazer Blast at Billy Grant Field and the North Campus Softball Complex. The day of family-fun offers area kids a chance to meet their favorite players and work one-on-one with a great group of local role models. It is great to see these students taking the time to give back to the community that supports them. Good luck this season!
THUMBS UP: To Sen. Saxby Chambliss for leading the plea to Congress to restore funding for the Edward Byrne Justice Assistance Grant program. This program is instrumental in helping law-enforcement agencies pay for drug task forces, courts and treatment programs, police salaries, innovative technologies, and gang-prevention strategies. The South Georgia Drug Task Force relies on the program for 75 percent of its funding and will lose vital equipment and manpower if the funding is not restored. Citizens urge the government to fight the war against drugs and Congress must work to provide the resources necessary for our law enforcement to do their jobs. Also a thumbs up to Sen. Johnny Isakson and Rep. Jack Kingston who voted against the cut in funding for the program.
THUMBS DOWN: To presidential candidates who have dismissed the citizens of Georgia and have failed to take the time to campaign in our state. There are a handful of candidates who have continued to maintain a presence in Georgia throughout the campaign and those that seem to have forgotten that voting citizens actually live here, too.
What We Think
OUR OPINION: Thumbs up, thumbs down
- What We Think
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Books: A part of summer adventures
Summer should be a time for swimming, playing, camping, trips, pursuing interests and fun for youngsters taking a break from the school year. It should be a time to recharge their batteries.
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Memorial Day: A solemn occasion
Memorial Day has taken on many meanings through the years. The unofficial start of summer, a day off from work, a day to honor family and friends who have passed away.
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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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Books: A part of summer adventures
