The
Courier www.couriernews.org
S ERVING C OLUMBUS , F T. B ENNING , P HENIX C ITY & S URROUNDING A REAS
Inspirational-Informative-Empowering...Your Source For The Truth Vol. 15 Edition 14 Free Thursday May 7, 2020
A View From A Pew
VALLEY HEALTHCARE SYSTEM NOW OFFERING COVID-19 TESTING AND TELEHEALTH
I Listened, I Read, I Watched..The Liberty Theatre, My Observation
Page 3 Pennington Promoted
WRBL Promotes Olivia Pennington to General Sales Manager Page 7
Our Endorsements
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The Courier Offers Our Endorsements For The June 9th Election Page 9
MAY 7, 2020
Actual Voting Date June 9, 2020 Early Voting Will begin May 18, 2020
Monday - Friday 7:00am to 7:00pm Saturdays and Sundays 9:00am to 4:00pm The Courier Eco Latino Newspaper *Any editorial content are the views of the writer and do not necessarily reflect the views of this newspaper, publisher or staff� The Courier Eco Latino Newspaper 1300 Wynnton Rd Suite 104 Columbus, Georgia 3190 Phone: 706.225.0106 Mailing Address: P.O. Box 5747 Columbus, Ga 31906
Email: couriereconews@gmail.com Visit Us Online At: www.couriernews.org
All Early Voting In Person Will Be At The Citizens Service Center In The Community Room
COURIER THURSDAY MAY 7, 2020
A VIEW FROM A PEW
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I Listened, I Read, I Watched…My Observation unsure vote was Bruce Huff. If Bruce voted for it then more than likely John House and Walker Garrett would also. When they realized the minority counselors were not on one accord those councilors, who may have been on the fence took advantage of the opening to express their concerns about committing to the acquisition amid uncertain economic times. After about an hour-long discussion, the city manager delayed the vote until further notice. My Observation It is interesting what you can discern when you take the time to listen to what people say, read what people think and watch what people do.
Like most of you I heard the rumors, I read the negative comments and accusations on Facebook as well as the letter from the Liberty Theatre staff that’s circulating in the Black community. I also watched the city council meeting and then I did my own research. I’m talking about the controversy surrounding the historical Liberty Theater Cultural Center. In the grand scheme of things, given the pandemic crisis we are currently going through, I can understand if this story is not on your radar. But it should be. Allow me to bring you up to speed. I Heard During the March council meeting, city councilors were prepared to vote to purchase and revitalize the historical venue when councilor Bruce Huff asked for a delay. Huff requested the delay, stating that he had received calls from “new
players” who were interested in obtaining, revitalizing and running the Liberty. Prior to moving forward, he asked that the group have an opportunity to put a plan together and present it to the mayor and city manager prior to the next council meeting. City manager Isaiah Hugley said he would “gladly yield” to the group, noting; “If there is a group who has what it takes to save it, the city needs to back away because we’re not looking for another facility.” I Read Prior to the April council meeting a “To Whom It May Concern” letter was circulated to area media outlets. Sent by Dr. Shae Anderson, the current director of the Liberty Theatre, the letter offered a detailed account of how she believed she had not been “kept in the loop” regarding plans concerning the Liberty Theatre. Anderson also took
to Facebook with her concerns and allegations. I Watched During the April city council meeting, again the councilors were asked to vote for the city to take ownership of the Liberty Theatre. Doing so would allow the city to pay a projected $3 million to repair and revitalize the nearly century-old theater. However, when Councilor Bruce Huff spoke, he said he still had investors interested in the property but had not been able to get into the building for a walk through. As the result he couldn’t vote in favor of the acquisition until that opportunity had been met. According to my sources, going into the meeting, there were enough votes to approve the move for the city to assume ownership. Those votes included, “Pops” Barnes, Valerie Thompson, “Mimi” Woodson and Gary Allen. The
Here is my observation regarding this situation. 1. Although I believe they sincerely realize and respect the historical significance and the benefit of the Liberty Theatre as a tourist attraction, the city really doesn’t want to take on the responsibility if they don’t have to. 2. It would be great if the Liberty Theatre could be revitalized and repaired by a group of Black investors. Although anything is possible I just don’t see it. It is hard for me to see anyone investing $3 million in a project where there is no return on their investment. 3. It is clear that although the Liberty Board Chairman, State Representative Calvin Smyre wields a considerable amount of influence, contrary to the information received from Anderson, the decision to approach the city was a board decision not an individual one. Having worked for a non-prof-
it organization it is not uncommon for a board to make decisions in the best interest of an organization without including the leadership. 4. You may not want to be the one to air “dirty laundry” on social media unless you are sure yours is clean. When councilor Huff commented that he had tried for an entire month to reach someone at the Liberty Theatre to schedule the walk through the inability to do so falls on the director and staff of the Liberty, not the City Manager, not the chairman of the board. They don’t have keys to the building. 5. When it was revealed that the current executive director was offered $50,000 a year to stay on as Director if the city took control of the facility but turned it down because it wasn’t enough money, it was interesting to note that all of her posts regarding the Liberty theatre were deleted that evening. 6. A lot of people turned to Facebook to express their anger that the board would seek to be, as some said; “bailed out” by the city. But I wonder how many of them have stroked a check, paypaled, cash apped or venmoed money to the historical Liberty Theatre? If you want to impress me, a sizeable cash donation beats conversation any day, all day. I’ve always believed that a drowning man doesn’t care who throws him a lifeline. The Liberty Theatre is going under for the third time. I don’t know about you, but a $3 million lifeline looks pretty good to me.
Wane A. Hailes
May 7, 2020
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F RIENDSHIP B APTIST C HURCH
831 6 TH AVE C OLUMBUS , G A
Early Worship 8am Breakfast 9am Sunday School 9:30 am Morning Worship 11am Wednesday Prayer Meeting/Bible Study 7pm Thursday Noon Bible Study 12 noon Sunday Child Day Care Services Available For Those Attending Our Worship WEBSITE : friendshipbchurch.org (O FFICE )706.323-6996 (FAX ) 706.322.7596 (PASTOR ’ S HOME )706.561.6733 friendshipbaptistcolumbus@gmail.com or friendshipbc@juno.com Transportation available, must contact church office by Friday at 12:00 noon.
R EV. D R . E MMETT S. A NITON , J R PASTOR
P ROGRESSIVE F UNERAL H OME Evergreen Covington, CEO
4236 St. Mary’s Road Columbus, Georgia
706.685.8023 evergreenfc@mediacombb.net
Metropolitan Baptist Church 1635 5th Avenue . Columbus, Georgia
706.322.1488 Service Sunday School 9:30 A.M Monday Night Tuesday Bible Study Pastor Curtis Crocker, Jr.
Schedule Sunday Worship 11:00 A.M Prayer 6:00 P.M 12:00 P.M & 5:30 P.M
Mission Statement A growing church for growing Christians attempting to grow the Kingdom, one soul at a time.
Fourth Street Missionary Baptist Church Corner of 3rd Avenue and 5th Street Rev. Dr. J.H. Flakes Jr. Way Columbus, Georgia 31901 706.324.2055 Rev. J.H. Flakes, III -Pastor Rev. Dr. J.H. Flakes, Jr. - Pastor Emeritus
COVER STORY
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Courier Thursday May 7, 2020
Valley Healthcare System Now Offering COVID-19 Testing and Telehealth
By Wane A. Hailes The Courier Valley Healthcare System is now offering COVID-19 Testing and Precautions announced Sarah Lang, CEO of the health facility. “The coronavirus outbreak has ushered in a new normal, and our team at Valley Healthcare Systems is here to help. We like to keep our community updated with our testing information, safety precautions, and procedures. Communication is part of the value that we provide in our service to you.” Schedule a virtual telehealth visit “We are happy to offer telehealth services. Telehealth is the providing of health-related services and information via electronic telecommunication technology. Telehealth technology allows long-distance patient and clinician contact–a safer approach in these unique times. We accept most insurances. Schedule your telehealth visit today or call us at (706) 322-9599. Get tested for COVID-19 We’re offering COVID-19 testing at our various locations. If you are exhibiting COVID-19 symptoms call (706) 5876090 to schedule a visit for testing. Then, you will be screened and evaluated by a VHCS medical provider during your testing visit. Also, you can get tested at one of our drive-up testing locations (more information below). All patients who have symptoms con-
sistent with COVID-19 (coronavirus) will be considered for testing. No insurance? No worries! There is no out-of-pocket charge for self-pay patients, including lab processing. Valley Healthcare covers the cost. Even if you have insurance you can expect to not pay anything out-of-pocket. Some of the confirmed COVID-19 symptoms include*: Cough, Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, Fever Chills (can present with repeated shaking), Muscle pain, Headache, Sore throat, New loss of taste or smell If you develop any of these emergency warning signs for COVID-19, get emergency medical attention immediately: Trouble with breathing, Persistent pain or pressure in the chest New confusion or inability to arouse, Blue color in the lips or face Drive-up COVID-19 testing Yes. We are doing COVID-19 testing at the drive-up locations below: Drive-up testing: Monday & Wednesday 2 PM – 4 PM & Friday 10 AM – 12 PM. Locations: Columbus, Fortson. We are currently offering the standard nasopharyngeal swab specimen COVID-19 lab testing. Our safety precautions at Valley Healthcare. Patient and staff safety is our primary concern. Therefore, we are taking the following safety precautions at Valley Healthcare: Offering drive-up pharmacy
Taking everyone’s temperature before entering the building All employees are wearing masks Extra scrubs for changing for staff that comes in contact with suspected COVID-19 patients Frequently cleaning areas that are constantly being touched Touch-free hand sanitizers at each workstation Triage and isolation of suspected COVID-19 patients in separate areas Unfortunately, only patients are allowed in the building with the exception of one adult caregiver for child patients. Our professional medical staff is here and ready to help you during these trying times. Contact us to let us know how we can serve you or call us
today at (706) 587-6090 to schedule your coronavirus-related visit. In the meantime, let’s work together to stop the spread of the coronavirus. Please continue social distancing measures whenever possible–only doing activities that are essential. Wash your hands often. Keep a clean personal environment. Cough and sneeze into a cloth, tissue, or your elbow. And wear a mask when you’re out in public. This list of recommendations is not all-inclusive. Get more coronavirus safety and protection information at CDC.gov. Call Valley Healthcare System today at (706) 587-6090 to schedule your coronavirus-related visit.
Request for Bids RFB No. 20-0066 Commercial Logging Loader (Grab-All) (Re-Bid) Due: June 10, 2020 – 2:30 PM Sandra Chandler, Buyer RFB No. 20-0074 Full-Size Crew-Cab Pickup Truck (4WD) with Crane Mount Attachment Due: June 10, 2020 – 2:30 PM Sandra Chandler, Buyer Electronic responses must be submitted via DemandStar by the respective due dates shown above. Specifications may be obtained by visiting the webpage of the Purchasing Division at , notifying the respective Buyer via email , faxing 706-2253033, or telephoning 706-225-4087. Andrea J. McCorvey, Purchasing Division Manager
EVERYCTOMING HURSDAY LIVE www.couriernews.org THURSDAY
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COVER STORY
Courier Thursday May 7, 2020
Olivia Pennington Promoted to WRBL General Sales Manager an even bigger role in WRBL's commitment to serving the community and our advertising partners." As General Sale Manager, Pennington is responsible for overseeing all revenue operations, including both on-air and digital. She will report t o Vi c e P r e s i d e n t a n d General Manager David Hart.
Columbus, GA. WRBL-TV News 3 is pleased to announce Olivia Pennington as its new General Sales Manager. Pennington has over 20 years of sales experience with proven knowledge in account development and client relationship management. Pennington began her career in Columbus, Georgia as an account executive and has held several executive sales positions before joining WRBL as Digital Sales Manager in 2014. She quickly became Local Sales Manager the following year. On becoming General Sales Manager, Olivia said, "I'm delighted for this opportunity to guide a team of exceptional sales professionals and to play
“Olivia has been with WRBL since 2014 when she joined us as our Digital Sales Manager. She quickly was promoted to Local Sales Manager in early 2015 and working with the entire sales team she helped lead a tremendous era of local and overall market share growth for the station. That growth helped fuel the station’s success and our ability to grow and enhance our operation over these past five years” said David Hart. A native of Columbus, Georgia, Olivia is an active member on several boards, which includes the Greater Columbus Heart Association, American Red Cross of West Central Georgia, Salvation Army, Midtown Inc., and the Civic Center Advisory Board. Olivia earned a degree in Political Science from Columbus State University in Columbus, GA. She and her husband Victor have four children, and they call Midtown Columbus home.
Request for Bids/Proposals RFB No. 20-0060 Stone Due: May 27, 2020 – 2:30 PM Patti Postorino, Buyer RFB No. 20-0064 Compact Track Loader with Attachments (Re-Bid) Due: May 27, 2020 – 2:30 PM Sandra Chandler, Buyer RFB No. 20-0068 Trailer Mounted Attenuator Due: June 3, 2020 – 2:30 PM Sandra Chandler, Buyer RFB No. 20-0069 Cargo Van with Buildout Unit Due: June 3, 2020 – 2:30 PM Sandra Chandler, Buyer RFB No. 20-0070 Equipment Truck with Modifications (Re-Bid) Due: June 3, 2020 – 2:30 PM Sandra Chandler, Buyer RFB No. 20-0071 Cleats for Al-Jon 500 Compactor Due: May 27, 2020 – 2:30 PM Patti Postorino, Buyer RFP No. 20-0016 Roadside Traffic Counters/Recorders (Annual Contract) Due: June 3, 2020 – 5:00 PM Sandra Chandler, Buyer Electronic responses must be submitted via DemandStar by the respective due dates shown above. Obtain specifications by visiting the webpage of the Purchasing Division at , notifying the respective Buyer via email , faxing 706-225-3033, or telephoning 706-225-4087.
Andrea J. McCorvey Purchasing Division Manager
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Courier May 7, 2020
Congressman 2nd Congressonal District
Sanford D. Bishop
Georgia Senate District 15
Sheriff Muscogee County
Ed Harbison
Greg Countryman
District Attorney Chattachoochee
City Council District 4
School Board District 3
School Board District 7
Mark Jones
Elaine Gillespie
Sherrie Aaron
Cathy Williams
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7 de mayo 2020
FREE COVID-19 TESTING* AT
SHIRLEY WINSTON P PA AR RK 5025 STEAM MILL ROAD COLUMBUS
Saturday, May 9 9:00 am to 12:00 0 pm FREE TESTING IS ALSO AV VA AILABL A EA AT T THE COLUMBUS HEAL LT TH DEP PA A TMENT AR 2100 Comerr Ave Monday – Friday 8:30 AM - 5:00 0 PM
COME GET TESTED *Geor rg gia Resid de entts s Only
7 de mayo 2020
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Línea de información de COVID-19: llamada gratuita: 1-855-962-0955 Sitios de recolección de muestras de COVID-19 en condados y horarios / servicios clínicos actualizados COVID-19 Information Line – Toll Free – 1-855-962-0955 COVID-19 Specimen Collection Sites in Counties and Updated Clinic Hours/Services ¿Cómo es ser probado? Todas las personas sintomáticas son elegibles para la prueba COVID-19 con una referencia de su proveedor de atención médica o su departamento de salud pública local. Para contactar al departamento de salud pública en su área, haga clic en el enlace a continuación. Actualizaciones a la Clínica General del Departamento de Salud de Columbus: a partir del 2 de abril, el horario será de 8:00 a.m. a 4:00 p.m. Los pacientes serán atendidos con cita previa solo para servicios esenciales. Todos los pacientes serán evaluados antes de que se presten los servicios. Llame al 706-321-6300 para hacer una cita. Recolección de especímenes COVID-19 de lunes a viernes de 8: 300 a.m. a 5:00 p.m. y los sábados de 9:00 a 12:00 p.m., hasta agotar existencias y si el clima lo permite. Las pruebas son Drive-thru, pero
también se observan walk-ups WIC- Recogida de vales en el estacionamiento al cargar el muelle detrás del edificio. El horario es de 8:30 a.m. a 4:30 p.m. Por favor traiga su carpeta WIC o una identificación con foto. Los nuevos solicitantes pueden presentar su solicitud en el área de Drivethru o por teléfono. NO servicios sin cita previa hasta nuevo aviso. Para más información llame al 706-321-6280. Testing- VIH Prueba del VIH sigue estando disponible. No se necesita cita. Gratis y confidencial. Salud ambiental: las oficinas están cerradas por servicios sin cita previa hasta nuevo aviso. Los formularios están disponibles en línea. Anexo de registros vitales: no hay servicios sin cita previa para certificados de nacimiento o defunción. Servicios de funerarias disponibles; Los clientes serán notificados cuando los certifi-
cados estén listos. Otros condados: Departamento de Salud del Condado de Chattahoochee Recolección de muestras COVID-19 martes y jueves de 1:30 p.m. a 3:30 p.m., hasta agotar existencias y si el clima lo permite Departamento de Salud del Condado de Harris: a todos aquellos que han programado servicios no críticos se les pide que reprogramen la cita. Recolección de muestras COVID-19, lunes, martes y miércoles de 2:00 p.m. a 4:00 p.m., hasta agotar existencias y si el clima lo permite. No hay servicios clínicos durante el horario de recolección.
ENGLISH What’s it like to be tested? All symptomatic individuals are eligible for COVID-19 testing with a referral from your healthcare provider or your local public health department. To contact the public health department in your area,
click on the link below. The Columbus Health Department will be screening ALL visitors for fever before anyone may visit any program or service located on the second floor. General Clinic– Beginning April 2nd, hours will be from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm. Patients will be seen by appointment only for essential services. All patients will be screened before services are provided. Call 706-321-6300 for an appointment. COVID-19 specimen collection Monday through Friday from 8:300 am to 5:00 pm, and Saturday from 9:00 to 12:00 pm, while supplies last and weather permitting. Testing is Drive-thru, but walk-ups are seen also. WIC- Drive-thru Voucher Pick-Up in parking lot by loading dock behind building. Hours are 8:30 am to 4:30 pm. Please bring your WIC Folder or a picture ID. New applicants may apply at Drive-thru area or over the phone. NO walk-in services until further notice. For more information call
706-321-6280. HIV Testing- HIV Testing is still available. No appointment is needed. Free and confidential. Environmental Health – Offices are closed for walk up services until further notice. Forms are available online. Vital Records Annex – No walkin services for birth or death certificates. Funeral home services available; patrons will be notified when certificates are ready. Other Counties: Chattahoochee County Health Department- COVID-19 specimen collection Tuesday and Thursday from 1:30 pm to 3:30 pm, while supplies last and weather permitting. Harris County Health Department- All those who have scheduled non-critical services are asked to reschedule. COVID19 specimen collection, Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm, while supplies last and weather permitting. No clinical services during collection hours.
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Eco Latino
S ERVING C OLUMBUS , F T. B ENNING , P HENIX C ITY & S URROUNDING A REAS
La voz de la comunidad hispana Vol. 15
Edición 14 Gratis
Jueves 7 de mayo 2020
GRATIS LA PRUEBA PARA DETECTAR EL COVID-19 EN SHIRLEY WINSTON PARK 5025 STEAM MILL ROAD COLUMBUS
Sábado, 9 de mayo, 2020 de 9:00 am -12:00 pm. Cualquier persona con síntomas puede ser evaluad
¿NO TIENE SÍNTOMAS? Usted puede ser evaluado si es: Trabajador de Atención Médica Primer Interviniente de Emergencias Trabajador de la Infraestructura Critica
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