TheCourier-06 20 17

The Vol. 12 Edition 16 Free Thursday July 20, 2017

Connections Small Business Journal

Courier www.couriernews.org

The Voice Of The Community

S ERVING C OLUMBUS , F T. B ENNING , P HENIX C ITY & S URROUNDING A REAS

Retroactive First Offender Sentencing Can Clear The Record Of Some Ex-Cons The State Of Georgia Offers A Deal For People Who Have Commited Their First Offense

This Week In Connections: Changing The Face Of Page 7 Fashion

Community Advisory Council Sparks Controversy

Advisory Council Is Becoming As Controversial As The Camelot Proposal

Page 11

The Month In Photos

Carlos Williams Celebrates 40 Years With WRBL TV 3

Page 13

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ThurSDAY July 20, 2017

Thank You Naomi and Thank You Laurie The street committee suggests that all citizens take a moment to view the July 11, 2017 school board meeting. We would like to thank Muscogee County school board members Naomi Buckner and Laurie McRae for their contributions at the last board meeting. Referring to Laurie’s detailing of examples of what the state board has determined as improper behavior of board members Naomi noted, as the result of what she witnessed during that nights board meeting regarding the antics of board member Frank Myers, it was clear why the board needs an independent counsel.

Stating; “We don’t have to worry about anything that happened yesterday or the day before we can judge from what

The Street Committee

has occured tonight”.

Compensiation?????

New rules The street committee recommends that in order to serve as a Muscogee County school board member two new requirements must be added. Number one: children of school board members must attend a school in the Muscogee County School District and number two: They must be able to read!!!!! According to the street committee how can you seriously have empathy for what parents and students are dealing with if your children attend St. Luke, St. AnnePacelli, Brookstone or one of the other private schools in the area. If, as a board member you don’t believe in our public schools, how can you rep-

resent your constituents who don’t have a choice? Relating to being able to read, perhaps board members should be required to maintain a subscription of rIF. Can we at least expect any board member who has more than 20 years of experience working in early childhood care and education, who is currently the director of the Childcare Network to know that there is no such word as compensiation? The word is

compensation: (käm-pən-ˈsā-shən). If you are embarrassed by reading this then how embarrassed do you think the street committee was when we watched it online. We can understand we all make mistakes from time to time but when one alledgedly has a habit of destroying the English language on a number of occasions, a new rule is in order. If for not for yourself do it for our children.

EMPOWER - INSPIRE - INFORM EXTRAORDINARY INTENTIONS

By Jonathan “Bam” Rivers

Don't Apologize For Your Success

Humility is an act that can easily be spoken about, but can be very hard to exhibit. I firmly believe God has blessed me with great ambition and

abilities to accomplish great things, and I know my strength comes from Him and nothing I have done on my own.

You have great talents, skills and gifts that the world can see and benefit from; so why do you allow yourself to feel obligated to tone it down when someone else is uncomfortable because you are reaching your potential? Since when is it ok to make yourself feel small to make someone else feel big?

You DO NOT have to apologize for working hard and making your dreams a reality!! There is no reason to brag about your success because true suc cess puts you in position to help others grow and become successful as well. So the next time you feel as if you need to put yourself down to fit in remember this... you were not created to be in the mold but you were created to break the mold! God bless.

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 31906 Email: couriereconews@gmail.com Phone: 706.225.0106 Mailing Address: P.O. Box 5747 Columbus, Ga 31906 Visit Us Online At: www.couriernews.org

A VIEW FROM A PEW

THURSDAY JULY 20, 2017

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Sometimes The Stories We Want To Hear The Least Are The Ones We Need To Hear The Most In 1827 a group of prominent free African American citizens met to discuss means to communicate their views on the various social, political and economic issues that commonly confronted them and their respective communities. Although during that time Black citizens utilized the church and social and fraternal organizations as a means of collective expression and dialogue, the usual channels of public media particularly newspapers were denied to them.

The most significant outcome of the meeting was the decision to begin publication of the first newspaper produced by Black Americans, Freedom’s Journal. The editors of Freedom’s Journal proclaimed in the first issue, “Too long have others spoken for us. We wish to plead our own cause.”

190 years later the responsibility of the Black Press remains the same.

Although there can be no question that we have come a long way toward overcoming the effects of enslavement and discrimination to attain social equality, our job continues to be to inform our public, create dialogue and trigger thought.

As our predecessors sought in 1827, we continue today to communicate our views on the various social, political and economic issues that confront us. Sometimes, when we do so, like a good sermon it steps on peoples

toes, but it’s not personal.

For the record just because we expect accountability and may question both the integrity and morality of one of us, does not denigrate our entire race. Often time’s people will disagree with the issue but that doesn’t mean it’s not an issue. As the Black press we cannot be afraid to speak up because our views may be unpopular.

Whether it is MSNBC, Fox News or CNN our opinions are often shaped by the news source we prefer. The same is true with our choice of print media.

As the result of the various ways we receive news pertinent to our community it is not difficult to understand how we can no longer assume to be considered a monolithic demographic. And as such, although we may not agree, we can be respectful in knowing that we are each entitled to our opinion.

Finally, much like our elected officials, as a member of the Black press we realize we are also considered public figures.

We accept the fact that there may be times when we too will have to accept the bitter along with the sweet or shall we say, the good press along with the bad. Especially when sometimes the stories we want to hear the least, are the ones we need to hear the most.

Wane A. Hailes

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St. James Missionary Baptist Church “Put God First”

July 20, 2017

P ROGRESSIVE F UNERAL H OME

5214 St. James Street Columbus, Georgia

Dr. Ralph W. Huling Senior Pastor

Church 706.687.6420 Residence 706.563.3256 Cell 706.315.5749

www.stjamesmsybaptist.com hrwhuling@aol.com

First African Baptist Church 901 5th Avenue

Columbus, Georgia

Sunday Worship Sunday School 9:30 A.M. Morning Worship 11A.M. Transportation Provided

Call 706-323-3367 Sr. Pastor Roderick Green

F RIENDSHIP B APTIST C HURCH E ARLY W ORSHIP 8AM

M ORNING W ORSHIP 11AM

831 6 TH AVE C OLUMBUS , G A

B REAKFAST 9:AM

S UNDAY S CHOOL 9:30 AM

W EDNESDAY P RAYER M EETING /B IBLE S TUDY 7PM

T HURSDAY N OON B IBLE S TUDY 12

NOON

WEBSITE : WWW. FRIENDSHIPMBC . ORG

S UNDAY C HILD D AY C ARE S ERVICES AVAILABLE F OR T HOSE ATTENDING O UR W ORSHIP

(O FFICE )706.323-6996 (FAX ) 706.322.7596 (PASTOR ’ S HOME )706.561.6733 R EV. D R . E MMETT S. A NITON , J R PASTOR

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.

Evergreen Covington, CEO

4236 St. Mary’s Road

Columbus, Georgia

706.685.8023

evergreenfc@mediacombb.net

T HE L AW O FFICES OF S HEVON S. T HOMAS & ASSOCIATES Practice Areas: Misdemeanor . Felony .

DUI . Personal Injurury .

Auto . Divorce . Family .

Juvenile . Probate . Wills

201 9th Street Columbus, Georgia 706.507.5425

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C OVER S TORY

July 20, 2017

Retroactive First Offender Sentencing Clears The Record Of Some Ex-Cons

By Wane A. Hailes The Courier

As an Assistant DA with the office of the District Attorney Jennifer Dunlap’s primary task was to decide requests for expungements, (Record Restriction) and all criminal record related inquiries for all six counties. She recently left the office of the District Attorney to enter private practice as a “Second Chance Criminal Record Relief, P.C.”. We sat with Jennifer to ask why. Here is our candid conversation.

Courier: Why did you decide to leave the District Attorney’s office?

Dunlap: One of the reasons I moved into private practice was to get the word out about Retroactive First Offender. On July 1, 2016 a new law went into effect, which allows individuals who were previously convicted of a felony offense to petition the court to allow them to have the felony conviction removed from their criminal history if their attorney did not properly advise them during the entry of their guilty plea. This has been the law since July 2016. Very few lawyers in town are even aware this statute exists, and almost none of our citizens are aware of it.

Courier: As an Assistant DA did you find many instances of this?

Dunlap: I spent the past eight years serving the community at the District Attorney’s office. During that time I encountered several criminal record related problems that seem to recur in our community. What I found is that a large number of individuals have had a case closed by dismissal or by plea, however, the disposition does not appear on their background check. This can really interfere with the employment process, especially for those who have had their charges reduced or dismissed, but their background still shows an open felony case pending.

Courier: Can you give some examples of how you were able to help?

Dunlap: There were many individuals

people who entered guilty pleas to misdemeanor marijuana charges before the year 2000 that appear as a felony conviction. Even worse were cases from the 60's and 70's where some of the individual’s criminal records show a felony conviction for just failing to appear in court and having their bond forfeited. During my time with the DA’s office I encountered numerous varieties of inaccurate records and have been able to help individuals with each of those issues.

Courier: Is it unusual for someone to not know they may have an issue?

Dunlap: Unfortunately, many individuals don't find out they have these criminal record issues until they are being arrested for possession of a firearm by convicted felon, or when they get denied for a gun permit. You also may have an issue if you have been continuously denied employment.

Courier: What do you recommend to an individual who has experienced a problem related to their criminal record?

Dunlap: I encourage everyone who has had an arrest to access their criminal history by going to any law enforcement office and paying a $25 fee. It can be hard to decipher a criminal record, so I also encourage people to bring it by my office. I offer free consultations on what I call “Check Your Record Wednesdays” where I check for accuracy and give advice on what avenues they may want to pursue to clear criminal records.

Courier: Any final comments?

Dunlap: I know that knowledge is power and this is one law that the people need to know about. Having a felony conviction can really make an individual undesirable to employers. It affects a person’s ability to obtain a green card, takes away your second amendment right to bear arms and affects your voting rights. If you are an individual with one felony on your criminal record, and you have not previously used the first offenders act, you may be eligible to have ALL of your rights restored.

Attorney Jennifer Dunlap can be reached at 1332 Wynnton Rd. Columbus, Georgia 31906. Her phone number is 706.405.0393

Pros & Cons To The First Offenders Act

If you have been charged with a felony or misdemeanor crime that felony arrest and conviction can be sealed. The charge will still be there while completing first offender, but once completed If you are ever asked if you have been convicted of a crime, you can honestly answer “no”.

Most employers will be unable to access your criminal arrest record. However, even though employers cannot access it, keep in mind that law enforcement can access this. If you are arrested again, the police and courts will still know about your first offender sentence.

In order to receive the First Offenders Act, you must be sentenced by the court under the First Offender’s act.

First Offender’s can be used for either a felony or a misdemeanor. Therefore, if you use it on misdemeanors, and end up later being charged with a felony for the first time, you would not be able to use the first offender act for a second time on your subsequent felony case.

There are responsibilities that come with taking the First Offender’s plea: you must uphold your end of the bargain with the judge. That means, staying out of anymore legal trouble, complete any special conditions of your probation ordered by the judge, pay all fines to the courts, and attend meetings with the probation officer. If you fail to uphold the conditions of your plea you can be re-sentenced, lose the benefit of your First Offender’s status, and be sentenced to the maximum penalty you originally faced, meaning you could now be going to prison.

In some situations it is possible to use the first offenders act after your case is closed. The Georgia Legislature enacted an amendment to the first time offender law effective on July 1st, 2015. This amendment provides that a person who was convicted and sentenced for their first felony, but were not treated as a first time offender law, can be retroactively sentenced as a first time offender. If the Court finds that the convicted person would have been sentenced as a first time offender at the time of their original trial if they had known to ask such of the judge, then they can be discharged of the conviction, allowed to go through the probation program provided by the first time offender law, and upon completion have the record modified to no longer reflect a felony conviction.

Page 6

July 20, 2017

LIFE INSURANCE No Exams

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ALL APPLICATIONS ARE SUBJECT TO CURRENT UNDERWRITING GUIDELINES

CALL TODAY!

(706) 304-8290

PAGE 11

C OVER S TORY

July 20, 2017

The Community Advisory Council Is As Controversial As Camelot

By Wane A. Hailes The Courier

Since the proposal to enter into an agreement with Camelot Education was voted down a plan to form a citizens committee proposed by the boards vice chair, Kia Chambers was enacted.

The purpose of the Community Advisory Council is to give the community an opportunity to weigh in on the alternative educational programs for Muscogee County. The goal of the committee is to take a look at the current alternative educational programs provided by Muscogee County School District as well as Camelot and provide some input.

According to the rationale for having such a council that proposal states: “The community needs an opportunity to voice their opinion on how the Camelot program will affect them, their families, and our community (whether positive or negative). The Muscogee County School District is considering changing the way we do business concerning our alternative students, a segment of our special education students, and our over aged, under accredited students. With our new mission of vision of “we,” it is important that we include all stakeholders in the decision making process and ensure that this new change is in line with our new vision, mission, and values statement.”

Although the purpose and rationale for

the Council is a good idea it has been met with almost the same amount of controversy as Camelot Education. In this case, however, the controversy surrounds the selection of members serving on the advisory committee.

The selection to the committee allowed for each school board member to nominate a representative regardless whether they were from their district or not with the remaining members recommended by Chambers. According to a reliable source as a result of the final list of members, some individuals have taken offense because the group includes Chambers uncle, Tollie Strode, Jr.

There have been allegations of intimidation toward members, failure to allow the meetings, which are considered public, to be videotaped and claims that members have either attended very few or none of the meetings.

All of the above, as far as we are concerned, is nonconsequential. That is what is expected when volunteers are involved. What, however was most concerning was the suggestion that members only wanted to be on the Community Advisory Council because they viewed it as a chance to benefit financially.

Fortunately that concern has been alleviated as the board specifically stated that no one, as the result of serving

on the Community Advisory Counci,l can apply for a contract to provide services to the Muscogee County School District. As long as that remains true it is important that the committee is

given the opportunity to make their recommendations. After all the problems remain and if this council can come up with a solution then all of our children will benefit.

Community Advisory Council

Purpose: The purpose of this committee is to give the community an opportunity to weigh in on the alternative educational programs for Muscogee County. The committee will take a look at the current alternative educational programs provided by Muscogee County School District as well as Camelot and provide some input.

Rationale: The community needs an opportunity to voice their opinion on how the Camelot program will affect them, their families, and our community (whether positive or negative). The Muscogee County School District is considering changing the way we do business concerning our alternative students, a segment of our special education students, and our over aged, under accredited students. With our new mission of vision of “we,” it is important that we include all stakeholders in the decision making process and ensure that this new change is in line with our new vision, mission, and values state

ment. The board asked the at-large board member to come up with a proposal to establish a Community Advisory Council. The superintendent recommended that a committee be formed regardless of the outcome of the Camelot decision.

Council Members

District 1 District 2 District 3 District 4 District 5 District 6 District 7 District 8 At-Large

Carolyn Randolph Nathan Smith, Olive Vidal Kendall Marjorie Barker Jackson Jamie Battles, Bart Steed, Mike Edmondson Sarah Beecham Powell Tollie Strode Jr.

Advisory Members:

Waleisha Wilson Marianne Young Charles Redd Dr. J.H. Hud Rev. Ralph Huling Physical Therapist (TBA) Child Psychologist/Psychiatrist (TBA) Behavior Specialist (TBA)

Friendship Missionary Baptist Church 831 Sixth Avenue

Columbus, Georgia 31901 706.323.6996 Rev. Dr. Emmett S. Aniton, Jr., Pastor

Annual Men and Women’s Day Observance Sunday July 23, 2017

11:00am Worship Hour

Special Guest Minister

Reverend Dr. Peggy Myles

Request for Bids/Proposals

RFB No. 18-0004 Search & Support Small Unmanned Aircraft System (sUAS) (InstantEye Mk2 Gen3 or Equivalent) Due: August 2, 2017 – 2:30 PM Heather Scheuttig, Buyer

RFP No. 18-0003 Environmental Consulting Services for Brownfield Assessment (Annual Contract) Due: July 28, 2017 – 5:00 PM Della Lewis, CPPB Buyer Specialist Sealed submittals must be received and time/date stamped by the respective due dates shown above, by the Finance Department/Purchasing Division of Columbus Consolidated Government, 100 Tenth Street, Columbus, GA 31901.

To o b t a i n s p e c i f i c a t i o n s , v i s i t t h e C i t y ’ s w e b s i t e a t http://www.columbusga.org/finance/Excel_Docs/Bid_Opportunities.htm or notify the Buyer via email hscheuttig@columbusga.org, fax 706.225.3033 or telephone 706.653.4105.

Andrea J. McCorvey Purchasing Manager

Page 13

July 20, 2017

CARLOS WILLIAMS CELEBRATES 40 YEARS AT WRBL / 31ST ANNUAL FAMILY DAY MUSIC FESTIVAL

Pagina 2

5 consejos esenciales de viaje para los padres en movimiento frías; por lo tanto, empaque un suéter lindo que combine bien con toda la ropa de su hijo.

La misma idea se aplica a los zapatos. Opte por zapatos de color neutro que combinen con todo, en lugar de múltiples pares para combinar con cada ropa.

• Empaque pasabocas que también puedan servir como entretenimiento: Nada puede desencadenar una rabieta masiva como el hambre. Tenga lista una variedad de opciones de comida, y traiga pasabocas que ensucien menos y que añadan un elemento de diversión. Por ejemplo, ciertos cereales se pueden utilizar para un juego de apilar, o convertir en un collar para después ser comidos.

Llene una bolsa con al menos una delicia inesperada para dar un elemento de sorpresa.

(StatePoint) Ir del punto A al punto B con niños pequeños es una aventura por sí misma. Ya sea por avión, tren o automóvil, los padres están buscando formas de hacer que los viajes familiares sean un poco menos estresantes.

Para ayudar, Sandy Chang, madre de dos hijos y fundadora de SandyALaMode.com, está ofreciendo sus cinco mejores

consejos de viaje. Estos consejos no garantizan un viaje sin rabietas, pero ayudarán a los padres en sentirse lo más preparados posible para el viaje por delante.

Si está volando, traiga botellas vacías para llenar con leche o agua antes de abordar para que su familia pueda permanecer hidratada durante el vuelo.

• Ahorre espacio en la maleta. Empaque unos pocos artículos de ropa esencial que puedan ser fácilmente combinados y adaptados. Por ejemplo, las noches pueden ser

“Siempre me aseguro de que los niños estén comiendo y bebiendo en el despegue y aterrizaje para ayudar a evitar que sus oídos se lastimen,” dice Chang.

• Traiga un cochecito liviano y compacto. Los niños pequeños tienen piernas pequeñas que con frecuencia se cansan, por lo que un cochecito es necesario cuando se viaja con niños.

Asegúrese de elegir un cochecito liviano, ya que se va a cerrar y abrir muchas veces y será transportado a diferentes lugares.

“El cochecito Baby Jogger City Tour ha sido una gran opción para nosotros. Además de la bolsa de mano tipo mochila que ayuda a mantener las manos libres para atender a los pequeños, se pliega lo suficientemente pequeña para caber en muchos compartimentos superiores de aviones”, dice Chang. También señala que, a pesar de su estructura compacta, no compromete el espacio de almacenamiento debajo del cochecito. La capota del cochecito viene con protección solar UV50 y una extensión incorporada para ayudar a proteger a los bebés en días soleados, como también ofrece mayor maniobrabilidad gracias a las ruedas duraderas que giren en toda dirección lo cual es especialmente útil en aeropuertos llenos. Para obtener más información, visite BabyJogger.com.

22 de Julio 2017 • Manténgase organizado con bolsas de plástico. Las bolsas de plástico pueden ayudarle a separar la ropa limpia y sucia adonde vaya, y hace la lavada mucho más fácil después de su viaje. En el coche o en el avión, mantenga cerca una bolsa de plástico con ropa adicional. Tener un juego extra de ropa en un lugar fácilmente accesible será su gracia salvadora cuando hay derrames o accidentes en la marcha.

• Pida ayuda a los hermanos mayores. Si son lo suficientemente mayores, los niños pueden echar una mano y ayudar a quitar parte de la carga de los padres. Antes del viaje, deje que los niños escojan una mochila que puedan utilizar durante las vacaciones para llevar sus propios suministros diarios y bocadillos.

A muchos niños les encanta contribuir. “A Austin le encanta empujar a Vivian en su cochecito. Creo que le da una sensación de control, y es simplemente divertido,” dice Chang.

Viajar con niños nunca es fácil, pero tener unos trucos bien planificados ayudará a asegurar un viaje más tranquilo y más divertido para toda la familia.

Eco Latino Vol. 12

Ediciรณn 16 Gratis

Jueves 20 de Julio 2017

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S ERVING C OLUMBUS , F T. B ENNING , P HENIX C ITY & S URROUNDING A REAS

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