THUMBS UP: To the finalization of House Bill 489 negotiations between the city and county. After months of going back and forth, working with arbitrators, and some heated debate, the final supplemental agreement between Lowndes County and the city of Valdosta was signed by both on Thursday, clarifying last minute points in the agreement sent to the Georgia Department of Community Affairs. Though the long negotiation process stirred a great deal of tension between the governments, the result is something that should serve the citizens of the entire county well. And now that everything is finalized it would be nice to see some of the tension between the governments loosen up.
THUMBS UP: To County Commission Chairman Rod Casey who was invited to and attended a formal luncheon at the Governor’s Mansion Thursday to welcome United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon to the state. Casey was one of only 150 guests representing military, government, diplomatic and education fields throughout the state who were invited to attend. Casey retired from a distinguished military career and has since served as a local leader at the city, county and state levels. His invitation is not only a reflection of his own service to the state in both government and military, but also of the quality of the county he serves in.
THUMBS UP: To Walt Disney World for providing a free day of fun at the park to the Coffee High School students who were cheated out of the Disney Grad Night Celebration they were promised. The nearly 50 CHS seniors each paid $250 for the trip that never happened after a substitute teacher who had collected a total of $7,400, reportedly made off with the cash. The students were also invited to the Valdosta State University Luau in April and Wild Adventures stepped in to help, offering the group a free day at the local theme park. One Disney spokesperson stated, “When you have a story like this that involves Walt Disney World, you certainly want to see that it has a happy ending...” This is one happy ending these students are sure to cherish.
THUMBS UP: To a successful second year at Kinderlou with the South Georgia Classic. This year’s event grew in both size and publicity with the airing of the tournament all week long on the Golf Channel. Congratulations go out to tournament champion Bryan DeCorso who nailed down the win shooting a 69 after sinking a one-foot putt on the 18th hole. The week has proven once again to be an exciting time in the city as we welcome golfers, crews and fans from across the country. Next year is sure to be even better.
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
