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THUMBS UP: To Wild Adventures for its continuing efforts to present fun and entertaining attractions while revving South Georgia’s economic engines by bringing more people to Valdosta and Lowndes County. This week, Wild Adventures announced two new rides which should be up and running by the opening of the 2013 season. Also, the park kicks off its haunted Halloween events this weekend.
THUMBS UP: To the interest shown this week during a property to auction 112 parcels of land. One person owned these properties and houses and placed them up for auction. The one-day auction attracted buyers from the region, as well as ones from out of state. Given the condition of several of these properties, we hope the new owners invest more than just their winning bids into these houses ... otherwise, this thumbs up could become a thumbs down.
THUMBS UP: To Valdosta State University student Jebidiah Light for developing Jebbles.com, a website to help college students buy and sell textbooks to one another at reasonable prices. The website has found acceptance in other campus communities outside of VSU. Light does not expect or try to profit from his innovation. He views it as a public service to his fellow students.
THUMBS UP: To the Annette Howell Turner Center for the Arts for kicking off a new Presenter Series with the riveting “King Michael.” The Michael Jackson tribute show featured multiple performers playing the King of Pop in various stages of his mulit-talented career. The Presenter Series brings professional, touring shows to Valdosta. The arts center even reduced the ticket prices so more people could enjoy “King Michael.”
THUMBS DOWN: To the Georgia Department of Natural Resources for allowing a private contractor to take over management of two of the state’s most popular parks. State parks are built by taxpayers, owned by taxpayers, and are there for the enjoyment of taxpayers. They should be maintained as not-for-profit facilities, not upscale elite resorts. Shame on our elected officials for allowing this to happen. If the department is losing money, then call for a full audit, review of their programs and their management, and take action accordingly. Don’t cheapen our state’s natural resources by abdicating your fiscal irresponsibility. If Coral Hospitality can turn a profit from these parks, why can’t the state?
What We Think
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- What We Think
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New era at the Boys and Girls Club
Next week on June 1, it will be the official end of an era at the Boys and Girls Club of Valdosta when Robert Soper hands over responsibility for the organization to the new Chief Professional Officer Jim Wink.
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Thank you, EMS
We always pull over for them, but we rarely seem to thank them.
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Tornado: An aftermath of help
Seeing the massive path of destruction left in the wake of tornadoes in Oklahoma Monday was a sobering reminder of the power of spring storms.
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Thoughts on graduation
Graduation ceremonies reflect how life marches on. For the students receiving their diplomas and degrees, graduation is a culmination of the majority of their lives’ work.
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THUMBS UP: To Dr. John Gaston, retiring dean of Valdosta State University’s College of the Arts. For the past 10-plus years, Gaston has worked to build a more interconnected program with various artistic and communications departments working together. Given that you are likely to see one College of the Arts department collaborating with another during events is proof of Gaston’s success.
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On the go this weekend
Take a breath.
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Sharing the roads with motorcycles
With the recent pleasant temperatures and sunny skies, the number of motorcycles on area roads has increased.
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Thank your local law enforcement today
Today, May 15, was designated Peace Officers Memorial Day back in 1962 when President John F. Kennedy was in office.
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Visit musical roots this weekend
Beginning Saturday, May 18, Nashville, Ga., will be hosting a special Smithsonian exhibit, “New Harmonies: Celebrating American Roots Music.” The exhibit will continue through the end of June and Nashville has done a tremendous job in promoting and planning for the exhibit.
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Happy Mother’s Day!
A few years ago, a television commercial asked, Who first believed in you? Many folks may have instinctively answered by simply saying, Mom.
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New era at the Boys and Girls Club
