THUMBS UP: To the members of the Valdosta City Council and the Lowndes County Board of Commissioners for deciding to keep their annual planning retreats local this year. In light of the economy, it’s comforting to taxpayers to see their money spent judiciously by both governments.
THUMBS UP: To the airmen of the 823rd Security Forces Squadron who returned last week to Moody Air Force Base from a four-month deployment in Iraq. Of the 170 or so men and women who served in Iraq, all of them were welcomed home by a host of loved ones gathered on the base. We appreciate your sacrifice, as well as that of your families and friends who miss you when you are gone.
THUMBS UP: To the citizen whose tip led to the arrest of a man suspected of breaking into a car in the 100 block of McKey Street this week. Because of your efforts, the police were able to apprehend the suspect quickly and put him behind bars. This community needs more people like you who are willing to look out for the rights of others and report suspicious activity.
THUMBS UP: To the Valdosta-Lowndes County Parks and Recreation Authority floor hockey team for being selected to represent Team USA at the 2009 Special Olympics World Winter Games in Boise, Idaho, Feb. 7-13. Although team members have only been together for a matter of months, we know they will make South Georgia proud and show the world why Valdosta is TitleTown USA.
THUMBS DOWN: To Richard Lee of the Lowndes County Board of Commissioners for voting against a change order to the Skipper Bridge Road project, for voting against saving the taxpayers of Lowndes County some $92,000. With the road scheduled to be closed for other work, it made perfect sense for the board to partner and complete the projects at the same time, especially when doing so saved the county funds that could be better spent in other areas.
THUMBS UP: To everyone honored during the Valdosta-Lowndes County Chamber of Commerce’s 97th Annual Dinner Meeting. Jodi Doss, owner of Jodi’s Accessories, was presented the A.I. Girardin Award for her loyalty and her accessibility and for keeping the best interests of the chamber at heart.
