THUMBS UP: To all the trick-or-treaters out and about today who remembered to practice safety. It has been said that children get so excited to dress up in costume and go door to door seeking a host of sweet treats that they forget to remain aware of potential dangers, like cars and strangers and even overeating those sugary treats. Trick-or-treating is one of the great adventures of Halloween for kids, one that should be filled with happy memories.
THUMBS UP: To members of the Valdosta Middle School Players for hosting the area’s first regional one-act competition for middle schoolers and for earning a high enough score at that competition to attend state in November. The school’s one-act show, “Dracula: The Death of Nosferatu,” won best special effects, best all-star cast members (Nadine Fares and Jacquavian Walker, and best actress (Hannah Findlay).
THUMBS UP: To Mark Webb and Glen Sibley, both of the Performance Martial Arts Academy, for their many wins at the ATA super regional tournament held in Pennsylvania. Webb placed second in traditional Songahm weapons and sparring and third in traditional Songahm forms. Sibley placed third in both creative forms and weapons, second in Xtreme Martial Arts forms, third in Xtreme Martial Arts weapons, second in traditional Songahm forms and third in traditional Songahm weapons.
THUMBS UP: To the women of The Pines Family Campus for making it a priority to overcome their addictions and lead productive lives and careers in the community.
THUMBS UP: To Valdosta High School’s Marching Cats for being named the grand champions at the annual Battle on the Border. These students have been seen practicing daily, even on weekends, for this competition, hosted by Lowndes High School’s Georgia Bridgemen. Eleven high schools competed.
THUMBS DOWN: To the Georgia Department of Corrections for refusing to comply with requests for information regarding a recent assault at the Valdosta State Prison. A young guard was viciously assaulted by inmates. If the department is this reluctant to discuss this one incident, then how can the public and their own employees feel safe having these inmates in our community? What else hasn’t the public been told?
What We Think
What We Think: Thumbs up, thumbs down
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Books: A part of summer adventures
Summer should be a time for swimming, playing, camping, trips, pursuing interests and fun for youngsters taking a break from the school year. It should be a time to recharge their batteries.
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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, thumbs down
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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Books: A part of summer adventures
