THUMBS UP: To the Lowndes High School Vikings and Valdosta High School Wildcats for making it to the state playoffs. Win or lose, both football teams should be commended for their efforts this season, as they are major reasons this area continues to be known as Winnersville — as well as TitleTown USA. The Wildcats have captured a total of six national championships since 1962. Known as the winningest high school program in the nation, the team was also successful in gaining this top title in 1969, 1971, 1984, 1986 and 1992. The Wildcats have won 23 Georgia State Championships. These titles were captured in 1940, 1947, 1951, 1952, 1953, 1956, 1957, 1960, 1961, 1962, 1965, 1966, 1968, 1969, 1971, 1978, 1982, 1984, 1986, 1989, 1990, 1992 and 1998. The Vikings have won five Georgia State Championships. These titles were captured in 1980, 1999, 2004, 2005 and 2007.
THUMBS UP: To Valdosta Stadium Cinemas and Ashley Value Cinemas for raising $22,863.31 for the Greater Valdosta United Way during the Sixth Annual Film & Food for a Cause.
THUMBS UP: To the Mildred Hunter Community Center for offering preteen and teen males in the community the encouragement to stay in school and out of trouble. Once a month, through its Intervention Guidance Mentoring Program, center personnel and volunteers meet with these young men and help them develop five-year plans for the future.
THUMBS DOWN: To those who took the sign that was made to commemorate the Great Hahira Pick-In. Following a full day of fun at the reunion of the pick-in, thieves walked away with the sign, which was presented by Harveys to the City of Hahira at a cost of $1,300. At the same time, thumbs up to everyone who performed, organized and attended the last Great Hahira Pick-In, as the site will soon become a Harveys location.
What We Think
What We Think: Thumbs up, thumbs down
- What We Think
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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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Thumbs up
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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Events that get things done
Finding something that repeatedly attracts the public is difficult enough, but finding an event that accomplishes that feat while also promoting your organization and helping others … well, in many places, that’s a rarity.
Not so for the Valdosta area. - More What We Think Headlines
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Elections: Creating a two-party region?
