THUMBS DOWN: To reckless drivers. Riding too close to the driver in front of you, making right turns on red without stopping first, running through yield signs and stop signs, texting while driving, speeding and more are unnecessary and illegal acts that can result in tragedy in an instant. Getting to your destination a few seconds earlier is never more important than your or someone else’s life. Remember that the next time you get behind the wheel.
THUMBS UP: To Dave LaPlante, Moody Air Force Base Firefighter of the Year. The husband and father of two has been fighting fires for more than 25 years and has been described as "the best we have" by Moody Deputy Fire Chief Steven Seward.
THUMBS DOWN: To those in the community who know something about the recent armed robberies and other crimes but refuse, for whatever reason, to share that information with the police. We live in a society where the average person believes that they should stay out of other people's business or that harm will come to them if they talk. First, this crime wave is all of our business. It affects each of us, directly or indirectly, and it's truly impossible to know where those "bad guys" will strike next. It could be your home or place of business. Second, the authorities have made it possible to report any information anonymously. It's time for the "good guys" to take a stand.
THUMBS UP: To the Valdosta City School System Tomcat Wrestling Team. They won the Tomcat Invitational recently, earning 70 points. Five team members won their respective weight classes. Also, thumbs up to the Valdosta High School Wrestling Team for winning the Hornet Classic in Adel. Seven team members won their respective weight classes, while five others finished in the top four.
THUMBS UP: To everyone who entered the Valdosta-Lowndes County Parks and Recreation Authority Home for the Holidays decorating contest. Homes were judged in six categories — Reason for the Season, Originality, Humorous, Lights Extravaganza, Most Animated and Neighborhood — and the winners will be announced soon.
THUMBS UP: To the Valdosta Fire Department for participating in Shop with a Firefighter. A total of 11 local children were paired with a firefighter to shop for gifts for themselves and their family. All of the children were victims of fire this year. The Wal-Mart Foundation donated $1,000 and a private donor gave an additional $100 to make the event a success.
What We Think
What We Think: Thumbs up, thumbs down
- What We Think
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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
