By early Monday morning, national news outlets had picked up the story about the mass shootings in Valdosta, an embarrassment for our community. Is this what we want Valdosta to be known for?
With all sympathy to the families of the deceased and the wounded, this type of violence is becoming far too common in our city and it needs to stop.
Simply put, it needs to stop, now, before any more lives are lost.
It’s out of control, more than a dozen violent deaths in six months should not be tolerated by anyone, and it’s got to be stopped, put down, hard and fast.
Police presence in areas known for violence, whether it’s politically correct or not. Neighborhood watches to take back our streets. Increased security required at hot spots for violence. One shooting at a business should require a police presence from that point on or their business license/ liquor license should be pulled.
Law enforcement has proven themselves very adept at catching those who commit these crimes, but they need help. They need more officers, they need more citizen involvement and they need the community’s help to shut this violence down.
We should not be afraid any longer as a community to admit we have a problem. We have gangs in Valdosta, in our neighborhoods and in our schools. We have thugs with guns who try to solve all of their disputes through violence. We have places where criminals hang out and do business.
Let’s take back Valdosta from those who want to ruin a wonderful community.
Stop the violence, now.
What We Think
What We Think: On the map for the wrong reasons
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Shame in Berrien County
Unfortunately for Sherrie Williams of the Berrien County school-based health clinic, she talked to The Times and praised the program that she oversees. This pride in her work led to the loss of her job.
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Grading policy: A second chance?
In clarifying the Lowndes County Schools’ controversial grading policy, Superintendent Dr. Steve Smith spoke of second chances.
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Be up to any weather challenge
Georgia’s Severe Weather Awareness Week starts today and runs through Friday. The idea behind the week is to prepare Georgians for weather emergencies and how to keep these situations from becoming tragedies.
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Parents and schools
There is a lot of talk lately about school systems and grading policies, and how all of a child's problems come back to a lack of parenting. But is it really that simple? Can it be a case where the school systems are so focused on the problem few that the majority of students are ignored?
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Thumbs up, thumbs down
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. - More What We Think Headlines
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Shame in Berrien County
