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
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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: 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: 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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Memorial Day: A solemn occasion
