Remerton is likely a little more quiet than usual this week. Not because Remerton Police are training with new sound-level meters designed to monitor noise levels from the town’s late-night clubs.
No, Remerton is a little quieter because the clubs probably won’t be as busy this week. Spring break has emptied the area of Valdosta State University students, who are the clubs’ largest group of patrons.
Granted, Remerton police will be using the sound-level meters in the future, but spring break underscores one issue with the timing of the meters’ arrival. By the time Remerton police are fully trained and using the meters, VSU students will likely be leaving for summer break.
Noise will automatically drop because students have made the annual summer exodus out of town. The meters will have mattered little in curbing the noise at least in the short term.
We mention this simply because Remerton’s noise levels have been an issue within this city within Valdosta’s city limits since the return of students at the end of last summer.
Several Remerton residents complained of late-night noise from bands and patrons of the town’s many bars. Bar-owners have countered that they are simply trying to do business. Remerton officials have gone back and forth on the issue. And Remerton police have been caught in the middle, fielding calls from sleep-deprived residents and fielding complaints from bar owners who feel tough noise restrictions will deprive them of business.
Remerton has been caught in a struggle between its many identities. Is it a party town? A residential neighborhood? Or a historic business district? It has strived to be all three and, at times, more.
Yet, late-night noise has been the most vocal divide. And Remerton’s official timing has been off throughout the issue. City officials conducted a noise study last year; however, they looked at noise on a week when VSU students were out of class and out of town. So, the results were questionable.
And now, when it seems the town will finally resolve the matter, enforcing a noise ordinance with help from sound-level meters, another VSU academic year is nearing a close.
Granted, there remain weeks left in VSU’s semester so the meters may have an impact prior to the end of class. And while some Remerton residents may have wished results came sooner, they should remember: Even if the meters do not make an impact this academic year, Remerton police will still have them come fall.
If residents feel the meters are not being used then, it’s likely the bar won’t be the only thing in Remerton generating noise.
What We Think
OUR OPINION: The sound of silence
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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. -
Sports tourneys: They will come
More than 20 years after its release, “Field of Dreams’” mantra, “If you build it, they will come,” has possibly become one of the most overused lines from any movie. Yet, it seems all too fitting for what’s been happening lately within the Valdosta-Lowndes County Parks and Recreation Authority.
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Thumbs Up
THUMBS UP: To Valdosta State University Athletics for its 2012 Chili Fest scheduled for this afternoon, 3-5:30 p.m. at the PE Complex. Should be some good eating even if we’re not experiencing the traditional January winter weather. Plus, it’s an old-style no-bean chili event. Tasty, indeed.
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Theatre: A busy week ahead
Theatre: A busy week ahead
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Help for the greater need
This weekend, people will gather to help two Valdosta-area young people and their families. Ride for Haley is scheduled to raise money for Haley Waites, a Valdosta High senior battling a brain tumor.
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