The Covington News Sunday, May 24, 2015 Vol.150, No.20

The story of your life

SUNDAY, MAY 24, 2015

Vol. 150, No. 20

$1

CELEBRATE OUR FALLEN HEROES

150 YEARS OF SERVING NEWTON COUNTY

LOGANVILLE CHRISTIAN ACADEMY

THE COVINGTON

Remembering

NEWS

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Their Sacrifice 2575 Hwy. 81• Loganville, GA 30052 • 770-554-9888

GRADUATED

...and it feels so good!

www.lcalions.com

Newton Medical, Piedmont finalize deal BRYAN FAZIO bfazio@covnews.com

Newton sophomore leaps to claim triple jump state title

Human resources consultant Harry Owens will likely be confirmed as interim county manager at the next Board of Commissioners meeting on June 2, taking over the day to day administration of the county until the county’s form of government is resolved.

A citizen panel is currently working on recommendations to update the enabling legislation in order to improve transparency and accountability and create checks and balances between the board, chairman, and county manager. The changes should be ready for implementation by January 2017.

Former County Manager Tom Garrett left two weeks ago to become the head of Barrow County’s transportation department.

In a statement, the county described Owens as a "senior human resources management practitioner with over thirty years’ experience managing and directing all aspects of human resources administration."

"Harry has worked in a corporate HR environment in the private sector but for the past twenty-seven years

Newton Medical Center will soon become Piedmont Newton Hospital after NMC finalized a partnership agreement with Piedmont Healthcare earlier this week.

The agreement, sent to the Attorney General’s office on Tuesday, is for Piedmont Health Care to be the lessee of the Newton County Hospital Authority and all the assets of the Newton County Medical Center for a 40-year period of time. Piedmont will be the sole operator of the hospital, Newton Medical Center CEO Jim Weadick told The News.

According to a release NMC will formally become a subsidiary of Piedmont Healthcare on Oct. 1 “Because of Piedmont’s reputation, we have been anticipating this affiliation for months,” Weadick, said in a Public Hearing on Newton Medical statement. “Their Center’s partnermanner of placing ship with Piedmont safe patient care, Healthcare concern for their personnel, and car- WHEN: July 28, 4 ing for the com- p.m. * munity where they WHERE: Newton serve is compatible Medical Center Auditorium with ours."

"The high qual- WHO: The Attorney ity of specialists General, Newton and services they Medical Center and Piedmont Healthcare provide is a great officials opportunity for our community," he *time subject to continued. "We’re change excited about what this means for our employees and patients.”

Much of the hospital’s current operations will remain the same with the administration expected to remain intact.

“There are to be no changes for the first year,” Weadick said.

The biggest change for patients will be new signs, including a billboard and name badges on personnel. For staff, changes will include a new computer system and possibly a change from Newton Medical’s 403(b) to Piedmont’s 401(k).

“The first thing (patients) will notice is the change on the sign on the highway and when they come through the doors of the hospital,” Weadick said. “But the Penicillin will still be the same, the X-ray machines will be the same and the beds will be the same ones they have in Piedmont.”

Another change to the hospital is one that has been anticipated for years. NMC has yet to begin construction on the emergency department expansion voted in by Newton County voters with a $4 million Special Purpose Local Option Sales tax in 2011.

Weadick said now that Piedmont is on board the project will move forward starting within 12 months. The $4 million in SPLOST funds will be augmented by $3 million from Piedmont.

u See full story, 1B

u See OWENS, 4A

u See HOSPITAL, 4A

See PAGE 3A for Alcovy, Eastside and Newton graduation photos.

See our special section on all of our graduating seniors in Newton County SECTION C

Two dead in apparent murder suicide STAFF REPORT news@covnews.com

The Covington Police Department responded to a shooting Thursday, discovering a man and woman shot when arriving on scene.

The two Covington residents, Alicia Ruby Richards and Norman Alphonso Richards were found dead at 10112 Wellington Ridge.

According to a release from CPD, investigators determined the incident to be a murder-suicide.

“Investigators interviewed eye wit-

nesses, and at this point in the investigation it has been determined that the male suspect shot the female victim then turned the firearm on himself,” CPD Capt. Craig Treadwell said in the release.

Alicia Richards and Norman Richards were divorced, according to Treadwell, living at 10112 Wellington Ridge and 10330 Magnolia Heights Drive, respectively.

Treadwell said CPD had responded to the address on many occasions for domestic violence related calls.

Owens poised to be interim county manager MERIS LUTZ mlutz@covnews.com

the UP-TO-DATE most up to dateNEWS newsIN in NEWTON Newton County, visit CovNews.com.

FOR THE For MOST COUNTY, VISIT COVNEWS.COM

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Page 2A SUNDAY, MAY 24, 2015

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The Covington News

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BOC meeting wrap-up MERIS LUTZ mlutz@covnews.com

The Board of Commissioners made discussed several major issues at Tuesday’s meeting, including hiring a new county manager and reaching out to the city for additional funds to help save the library.

The board also heard a presentation about Newton County Tomorrow from Oxford mayor Jerry Roseberry, who explained that the 501c3 aims to promote responsible development and community engagement.

Some of Newton County Tomorrow’s projects have included the Newton County College and Career Academy, and a pedestrian bridge over I-20 that will eventually connect Oxford and Covington, allowing Emory students easy access to downtown Covington.

The presentation was made following a request from Commissioner John Douglas at the last budget workshop for clarification on the difference between the Center and Newton County Tomorrow.

Separately, Chairman Keith Ellis asked that the board look into

giving Water Resources Director Jason Nord permission to put out a request for qualified proposals to carry out necessary upgrades to the county’s water infrastructure.

The Public Works Department, represented by Aaron Wadley, requested permission to replace two pickup trucks for $60,000.

Both the Historical Society and Alcovy CASA (court appointed special advocates for children) were given permission to move into the Historic Courthouse.

The board tabled a request by SRG Global to build monitoring wells around its Covington plant in response to chemical contamination of the groundwater after the company withdrew that request.

According to an SRG spokesperson, the company has been pursuing multiple plans to obtain the data it needs, including working individually with private property owners in the area to install the necessary wells.

“This plan has become more feasible and we’re moving forward, which is why the request was withdrawn,” the spokesperson said.

“Working individually with private property owners does not limit or

New section of Social Circle Bypass to open The new section of the Social Circle Bypass from State road 11 to East Hightower Trail will open Tuesday, June 2, according to Superintendent of traffic, safety and utilities J. Robert Manning of ER Snell Contractor.

Cannon Road and Thurman Bacchus Road will both stop for the new bypass in the new configuration. The intersection of East Hightower Trail and the new bypass will become a multiway stop.

Special permit granted to develop Royal Hall BRYAN FAZIO bfazio@covnews.com

Kippy Clarke and his fellow developers were granted a special use permit by the Covington city council Monday to develop Royal Hall, a $22 million nursing home.

Clarke of B&B Southside Holdings Co. first came before the council at the April 20 meeting to get a 7.31 acre parcel on Hwy. 142 changed from Neighborhood Residential-2, allowing single family homes, to Corridor Mixed use in order to have the three-building complex, reaching as tall as four stories, and was granted that right.

Monday night, Clarke got a step closer to helping bring in the 100 jobs he told the council the nursing home would require once it got built. Exactly how much closer Clarke got to opening Royal Hall was a question Mayor Ronnie Johnston posed.

An agent of Bullard Land Planning, Robert Bullard, answered that he hoped all the drawings and permits would allow for construction to begin in early 2016.

“We look forward to the ground breaking,” Johnston said.

Covington purchases two trucks The city of Covington will receive two new trucks for its gas utilities service, after the council voted to purchase a Ford F-250 and F-450 Monday.

The motion initially on the table was to purchase the F-250 from Covington Ford, which had the low bid of $24,944 and the F-450 from Wade Ford, which had the low bid of $52,114. However, Councilman Chris Smith made a motion to purchase both vehicles from Covington Ford, since it was a local company. The motion passed 4-0.

Covington Ford’s bid for the F-450 was $52,735, just $621 higher, however its bid for both trucks combined was lower than Wade Ford at $60,679.

reduce the number of wells. It will be comprehensive.”

The board voted 4 to 1, with Douglas objecting, to table a request for conditional use by Verizon for a new monopole telecommunications tower on Crowell Road. Commissioner Nancy Schulz expressed concern about the location of the tower, and said she hoped an agreeable alternative could be reached.

The board voting against allotting between $5,000 and $10,000 for the citizen landfill committee to bring in outside experts, including a consultant from Smith Gardner in North Carolina who has worked on the landfill for years.

Landfill committee member Denny Dobbs clarified to The News after the meeting that based on his research, it would have cost about $7,000 for one visit from the John Gardner of Smith Gardner, and three visits from Steve Harbin of Macon, who has also worked on the landfill.

The board took a beating in the citizen comments, mostly for the county’s handling of its legal budget, but also for the behavior of two elected officials.

Tonya Bechtler of the Yellow River Water Trail took to the podium to say that Ellis had had her removed from a meeting at the landfill with the Environmental Protection Division and local representatives, even though she had been invited

by District 113 State Representative Pam Dickerson.

“My frustration is that this is another example of the just how far Chairman Ellis will go to stifle dissent or even discussion which is not absolutely in sync with the position he wants to prevail,” Bechtler said in her written statement.

Local resident Thomas Buchner confronted Commissioner J.C. Henderson for allegedly telling citizens that Schulz had “taken” $390,000 out of the General Fund.

Schulz explained that the money was approved unanimously in 2009 to supplement a Neighborhood Stabilization program (NSP) grant, which allowed the purchase of foreclosed homes and their transferal to Habitat for Humanity for sale at no profit. The county’s handling of the program has come under scrutiny. Schulz asked for an update to be presented to the board as soon as possible.

Board scolded in public comments MERIS LUTZ mlutz@covnews.com

County Attorney Tommy Craig attempted to soothe public concerns over the county’s high legal costs Tuesday night, but his explanation appeared to provoke the opposite reaction.

Craig was responding to critical citizen comments about a proposed $800,000 cap on his services, a nearly 100% increase to the current legal budget.

“In an effort to balance the budget year after year, and maintain the millage at acceptable levels, there would be a final adjustment in the attorney’s budget where the amount allocated declined every year, irrespective of the amount that had been spent the year before,” Craig said.

“The same thing was done at the landfill, there were other departments that were done that way, then there would be cost overruns, and those cost overruns would be paid out of the county’s reserves,” he continued. “I didn’t invent the system,

that’s the way the budget was balanced through earlier administrations.”

Citizen Wesley Dowdy confronted Craig about his comments, asking the county attorney to clarify his statement.

“The budget for the county attorney’s department was not based on actual experience, it was based on how much money could be put into that line item and the budget still balance for the purpose of setting the tax digest,” Craig said. “[The legal budget] jumps all around based on what the county needs to do, what the county manager needs to do, to balance the county budget, so what was left in my line item had nothing to do with the anticipated expenditures for legal fees.”

“Surely to God that’s not what y’all are doing,” Dowdy said, addressing the board as the audience erupted in laughter. “In all seriousness, please tell me…I’m a business owner I wouldn’t do that in my business.”

“The board did not participate in that,” Craig inter-

rupted. “I don’t think the board even understood that that was happening, but it did happen.”

“It happened in every budget for the past five years,” Craig added.

“Can you not see that that makes absolutely no sense?”

Dowdy said, addressing the board once more. “Surely to God you would not think that that’s rational. If you do, you do not deserve to be in your seats.”

Earlier in the meeting, Commissioner Nancy Schulz praised the downward trend in legal expenses for April, noting that the county had gone from spending between $80,000 and $90,000 a month to $55,500 for April.

"I'm actually encouraged by the trend I see in legal services," she said. "That being said, we still have a ways to go."

She noted that 55 hours had been billed for work related to commissioners and staff, but that the invoices lacked the detail necessary for the county to begin addressing the issue.

ESTATE & ANTIQUE AUCTION SATURDAY MAY 30TH — 10:00 am MADISON LIONS CLUB BUILDING (beside Wal-Mart)

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I DON’T WANT TO GO TO A NURSING HOME. elcome to Oxton Village of Social Circle... a place for seniors who need help with daily living, but want to maintain as much independence as possible. Our services are tailored to each resident’s individual needs. You and your family will have comfort knowing you are in a safe secure environment.

With so much available here, many residents never require services beyond personal care, eliminating the need for a nursing home.

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Memory Care Rates $3,000 • All Inclusive Rates Pet Friendly • $500 Community Fee Waived • No Hidden Fees or Level of Care

Call Troy Shaw to schedule your tour and enjoy a complimentary lunch.

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The Covington News

SUNDAY, MAY 24, 2015 Page 3A

CONGRATULATIONS CLASS OF 2015 Proud families and friends looked on Saturday as the class of 2015 stepped off the stage and into the real world. The Covington News was there to capture the magic. Congrats to all the graduates!

Take Comfort in Knowing that at Paws Whiskers and Wags:

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Georgia Piedmont Technical College

2015 Spring Commencement Announcement

Dr. Jabari Simama, President and The Board of Directors of Georgia Piedmont Technical College with The Board of Trustees of the Georgia Piedmont Technical College Foundation

Invite you to attend our

2015 Spring Commencement Saturday, the Thirtieth Day of May, Two Thousand Fifteen at

Ten o’clock in the morning Teddy Riley, Speaker Grammy Award Winning Singer, Songwriter & Musician at the

Georgia World Congress Center 285 Andrew Young International Boulevard, N.W. Atlanta, Georgia 30303

Presidential Sankofa Award Recipients: Teddy Riley J. Jeil Shorthouse Patricia A. Pflum Georgia Piedmont Technical College 495 N. Indian Creek Dr., Clarkston, GA 30021 • 404-297-9522 Equal Opportunity Institution

Page 4A SUNDAY, MAY 24, 2015

HOSPITAL

>> FROM FRONT PAGE “I believe we will have a solid partner that can assist us to continue to acquire the necessary investments in both clinical and nonclinical capital areas, and one of those areas is the SPLOST moneys that have been earmarked by the residents of Newton County for the emergency room expansion,” Weadick said.

Newton County residents currently see some of their tax money go to help the hospital with the indigent care and ambulance services, and when Piedmont comes on board none of that will change, according to Weadick.

The county puts out .45 mils to go to a portion of operating ambulance service, and another 1.2 mils to help with indigent patients.

According to the statement, the relationship will involve a long-term lease of assets from Newton County Hospital Authority.

Throughout the next 90-120 days, regulatory approvals will be pursued and public hearings will be held prior to the signing of definitive agreements to complete the partnership.

“Newton has demonstrated a dedication to high-quality, patient-centered care,” said Kevin Brown, President and CEO of Piedmont Healthcare. “They will be a great partner, and we look forward to this collaborative journey to expand serving our local communities.”

Newton Medical Center announced it was seeking an equity partner in September, and made the proposal with Piedmont Healthcare public in January.

The Newton General Hospital Authority was created in February 1952 and the hospital was opened in 1954 with 36 beds. Newton Medical Center is now a 97-bed medical facility serving Covington and the surrounding areas.

NMC will be the fifth hospital under Piedmont Healthcare along with its flagship location.

The Covington News

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

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NOTICE

Calendar submissions may be sent to news@ covnews.com.

Include a place, time, description of the event and a telephone number.

Without a name, phone number and email address, information cannot be put in the online calendar.

The City of Covington will hold a public hearing on the fiscal year 2015-2016 budget at City Hall, 2194 Emory Street on Monday, June 8, 2015 at 10:00 am.

A copy of the budget is now available at the City Hall on the bulletin board for inspection between the hours of 8:00 am and 5:00 pm, Monday thru Friday.

AUDRA M. GUITERREZ CITY CLERK

May 27 WEDNESDAY The Oxford Historical Shrine Society will dedicate a marker of General Sherman’s March to the Sea. The marker will be at the Old Church, 1011 Wesley Street in Oxford. The dedication is at 11 a.m. and is open to the public.

May 28 THURSDAY

OWENS

>> FROM FRONT PAGE has been a director of human resources in state and local government," it continued.

"His experience includes managing recruitment and selection, compensation and classification, benefits, employee relations and conflict resolution, training and development, testing and assessment center administration, payroll and records administration, pension, worker’s compensation and risk management administration."

Owens, who holds a business degree from Auburn University, is also an instructor at UGA's Carl Vinson Institute of Government, has served as chairperson for the Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce’s Human Resources Management Association, as well as president of the Metro Atlanta Chapter of the International Public Management Association for Human Resources.

County Commissioner Levie Maddox said Owens has been working on a consultant basis with the Human Resources department for the past several months, and appears to be respected among county employees.

"I think the core team is quite impressed," said Maddox, adding that he fully expects Owens to be confirmed at the June 2 meeting.

Maddox also praised Chairman Keith Ellis for his "county-first" attitude during the transition period, adding that Ellis, along with Garrett, brought Owens to the county's attention after the former county manager and the chair attended a leadership workshop led by Owens.

At the BOC’s Tuesday meeting, the board stopped short of placing the county chair in

charge of the day to day administration of the county.

Maddox said then that it would be inappropriate to change the form of government by having the new manager answer to the chair instead of the entire board.

Maddox's motion to hire a new manager who would develop an organizational chart together with the chair did not address the current vacuum.

When Ellis sought clarification on the chair's role, after pointing out that he has been the "final decision maker" since Garrett left, Maddox demurred, saying "I don't have that answer."

Solid Waste Citizen’s Panel 1:30 p.m. in the first floor training room of the Newton County Administration Building.

June 1 MONDAY Creative Kids Camp Newton Arts Association summer camp open to rising 1st-6th graders. At Oxford College June 1-5 from 8:45 a.m.1:30 p.m. Cost: $175.

NEWTON COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION July 1, 2015 through June 30, 2016 ALL GOVERNMENTAL FUND TYPES

General Fund

Other State Grants

Special Debt Capital Revenue Funds Projects Funds Service Funds

School Food School Principal Service Fund Accounts

After School Program

ANTICIPATED RECEIPTS: Beginning Balance Local Revenue - Ad Valorem Taxes Local Revenue - All Others Other Sources - Transfer from Other Funds State and Federal Revenues

$22,930,857 38,136,626 1,715,000

$0

$0

$3,200,000

$275,000

$4,049,523

$900,000

$0

10,210,000

40,200 3,615,680 1,155,421

2,046,024

3,400,000

1,000,000

116,005,263

2,929,290

11,900,679

8,832,423

Total Receipts

$178,787,746

$2,929,290

$11,900,679

$13,410,000

$5,086,301

$14,927,970

$4,300,00

$1,000,000

112,423,405 3,181,660 2,947,216 2,492,660 822,087 10,764,470 839,038 13,671,189 10,536,254 1,703,276 38,479

2,929,290

4,382,169 2,261,062 4,111,036 4,058 733,409 55

1,570,000

203 169,039 23,794 215,854

1,305,000 2,445,000 1,940,000

ANTICIPATED EXPENDITURES: Instruction Pupil Services Improvement of Instructional Services Educational Media Services General Administration School Administration Business Services M&O of Plant Services Student Transportation Central Support Services Other Support Services Facilities Acquisition & Improvements Other Uses (transfers to other funds) School & Community Nutrition Enterprise Operations Debt Service Ending Balance Total Expenditures & Reserve

1,693,000

1,000,000 3,615,680

200,000 11,653,358 1,492,382

19,368,012

0

$178,787,746

$2,929,290

2,534,320

4,863,416 222,885

3,274,612

914,618

0

$11,900,679 $13,410,000

$5,086,301

$14,927,970

$4,300,000

$1,000,000

0

A copy of the Tentative Budget for all governmental fund types is available to review in the office of the Board of Education, 2109 Newton Drive, N.E., Covington, Georgia. A final budget will be adopted at the regular meeting of the Board of Education at the above address on June 23, 2015 at the Board meeting which begins at 7:00 p.m.

RELIGION C N

The Covington News

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Sunday, May 24, 2015 Page 5A

Action Ministries opens satellite office STAFF REPORTS news@covnews.com

For the first time in 20 years, the charitable nonprofit organization Action Ministries has opened a satellite office. The Newton County Action Ministries office opened its doors on May 4 in the Wesley Building of Covington First United Methodist Church, 2160 Church Street, Covington.

A ribbon-cutting ceremony, attended

by Covington Mayor Ronnie Johnston, the Rev. John Moeller, president and CEO of Action Ministries, and a number of United Methodist pastors, was held in the Wesley Building on May 19.

It’s the sixth regional office opened by the ministry since it was founded in 1963.

“The community, particularly the Alcovy and Mt. Pleasant United Methodist Churches, saw a need that we felt we could fill,” said Moeller. “After talking with [the two congregations] and evaluating the infrastructure already in place, we felt like we could be a good addition.

We do feel like we can help lead people out of poverty, and we do feel like we can be a value add to the community.”

The decision to open an office in Newton County came about after the late Jean Davenport, a long-time Newton County resident, left money to the two small United Methodist Churches. The churches had been deeply involved in serving their local communities by providing food and clothing to those in need.

The Rev. Teresa Lilja, pastor of Alcovy United Methodist Church in Covington, saw a growing and urgent need for compassionate services for the portion

of their community that struggles with poverty, unemployment, drug addiction, homelessness and hunger.

"We see a lot of hurt,” Lilja said. “We're a very small church, but the missions our folks do just blow me away. They are feeding people, distributing coats, working with a food pantry. They work very hard at it, but unless you team up with other people, your impact can only be so big.

We dreamed of doing something bigger."

Even though the bequest linked Alcovy United Methodist Church to Social Circle’s Mt. Pleasant United Methodist Church, the two churches knew they could do more if they found a partner.

They turned to Action Ministries.

The two small congregations “saw the needs of the community were so great in Newton County and they were so small, they knew working together would help them reach more people,” said Tarama Richardson, who was named Area Director for Action Ministries in Covington.

Richardson began her work as the Area Director of Action Ministries on May 4.

Elizabeth Holcombe, who had been the Covington First’s volunteer food pantry coordinator, started as the Coordinator for the Smart Lunch, Smart Kids program in April.

“Action Ministries helps lead people out of poverty and works in three program areas: hunger relief, transitional housing and education,” said Richardson.

“Hunger relief is the first of the three prong outreach.”

The first program the ministry will launch is the Smart Lunch, Smart Kid program, which will bring lunches to children who would normally get breakfast and/or

lunch at school free or at a reduced cost.

“Food is foundational for people,” said Holcombe. “You have to have food to do anything else. My teacher friends say you can tell the difference if a child is hungry or has eaten.”

“You have to eat before you can be smart,” said Richardson.

The Smart Lunch, Smart Kid program provides lunches to children who would normally be on free or reduced lunches during the school year. Holcombe’s job is to recruit nonprofits, churches, business— even individuals—to help provide the children a meal. She has identified areas where there are a large number of children in need.

“Porterdale has a huge need area,” she said, adding that the areas around Green Acres, Nelson Heights, Covington Mills and along County Road 212 have been identified as food deserts, where people have little access to fresh, healthy foods.

“The Smart Lunch, Smart Kid program takes meals to where the children in need live,” she said.“I think of it as a meals on wheels for kids.”

“It breaks my heart to think there are kids sitting at home hungry this summer,” said Richardson. “Action Ministries also encourages groups to engage with the children beyond serving lunch.

“Action Ministries is very specific about what they will do in a county,” she said. “It’s based on what the needs are in the community and what the community has asked for. Part of my job will be to research the demographics in the county.

We need to know who is being served, where they are and what they need.

“What can Action Ministries do to

build on what’s here?” she said. “I know we need stronger work force development in this county, so I will be working with the Covington/Newton County Economic Development Office to see if there are ways nonprofits can help.

“But we are moving into those areas carefully and thoughtfully,” she said. “It takes a lot of planning.”

"Bringing Action Ministries to Covington is a win-win-win situation, and that's where you find God fantastically meeting the needs of people through this little church that so wants to help," Lilja said.

"The faith community as a whole in Newton County will have brand-new opportunities to work with folks in the secular world to love and care for our neighbors.”

Action Ministries has offices in Atlanta, Athens, Rome, Augusta, Decatur and Gainesville. Each office offers at least one of three services and resources: hunger relief, transitional housing and education.

The Gerogia Automobile Deals program is offering to help feed a family this summer with a Drive Out Hunger campaign.

During the month of May, participating dealerships around the state are donating a portion of their sales and repair orders to fill food boxes that contain enough food to feed a family for up to five days. Text DRIVE to 41444 to participate.

Those interested in learning more about Action Ministries, can visit the organization’s web site [ www.actionministries.net] or follow them on Facebook {https://www.facebook.com/ActionMinistriesNewton] . Donations to the program can be made online, and Newton County residents can select Covington as their area of focus.

DID YOU KNOW?

just a thought

Take the narrow way to God 2 + 2 = 4. Not 4.5 or 3 ¼, 4. Just 4. And any other answer is wrong, not narrow, but wrong. “I would like to visit another country please.” Okay, fine just let me make sure all your necessary documents are in order. If not you cannot enter; narrow? No, just wrong. “I am sorry officer, I know the speed limit says 35 MPH, but I looked and there was so few people on the road and I have such a busy day I thought this one time 55MPH would be okay.” “Oh, it’s against the law?” narrow, no, just wrong. “You mean to tell me, I have to stand in line and purchase a ticket just like everyone else to get into this movie? Of course you do. Narrow, nope just the way it is. “Someone asked him, "Lord, are only a few people going to be saved?" He said to them, "Make every effort to enter through the narrow door, because many, I tell you, will try to enter and will not be able to. Once the owner of the house gets up and closes the door, you will stand outside knocking and pleading, 'Sir, open the door for us.' "But he will answer, 'I don't know you or where you come from.' (Luke 13:23-25) Why is it when it comes to salvation accepting the way is narrow is so hard for us, yet narrow is a way of life for us in so many other things. We dont think of them as narrow; we call them laws and rules and such, but they are all indicators there is one way to do a thing that is right and any other way is wrong. Jesus came with one mission in mind, to provide the ONE way to enter eternal life in the kingdom of God – through faith in Him. Not knowledge of Him (for many were the people who knew Jesus in His day and beyond (Cf. vv.25-28) but few were those who believed upon Him for the forgiveness of their sins and the entrance to eternal life in the kingdom of God. Narrow, yes. Wrong? No. God has provided us with some very straight answers: death is sure, the way to God is only through Jesus, the time to make the decision to believe “upon Him” is today. If you haven’t already, take the narrow way to God today.

Known as the "Day of Atonement," Yom Kippur is a day when people who subscribe to the Jewish faith atone for sins between themselves and G-d of the past year. Yom Kippur is a complete Sabbath, which means no work can be performed during the holiday. Fasting is a part of Yom Kippur, and Jews are expected to observe a 25-hour fast that begins before sunset on the evening before the holiday and ends after nightfall on Yom Kippur. The Talmud, which is the collection of Jewish laws and traditions, also lists several lesser-known restrictions regarding Yom Kippur. Washing and bathing, the use of cosmetics or deodorants, wearing leather shoes, and sexual relations also are restricted on Yom Kippur.

Restrictions may be lifted on Yom Kippur when certain special circumstances arise, and children under the age of nine as well as women who are with child are not permitted to fast on Yom Kippur. Jews spend much of Yom Kippur in the synagogue, where they pray and take part in servicesthat may begin in early morning. Morning services may continue until midafternoon, when practitioners can briefly go home before returning in the early evening to partake in ceremonies commemorating the end of Yom Kippur.

Dr. William Burnham is pastor of Point of Grace Church in Covington. He can be reached at burnhamw@ charter.net.

OBITUARY Mr. William Henry Calhoon, Sr. William Henry Calhoon, Sr. (Bill) of Porterdale passed away May 13, 2015 in Covington at the age of 77. A memorial service will be held at The Baptist Tabernacle, 10119 Access Road, Covington, Georgia 30014, on Sunday, May 31, 2015, at 4 pm. Memorial donations, instead of flowers, may be made to The Baptist Tabernacle for the Children’s Ministry and Reformers Unanimous Ministry.

Bill was born in Columbus, Ohio, October 15, 1937, one of five children to Clair and Virginia Powell Calhoon. At the age of 12, he relocated with his family to Atlanta, where he graduated from Avondale High School. He studied music at Stetson University and earned a master’s degree at North Texas State University. A gifted musician, he was active in the professional music community in Atlanta for many years, performing with various orchestras, including the Atlanta Sym-

phony and Atlanta Pops.

He also arranged and composed music and taught band at numerous area schools, passing on his love of music and joy of performance to his students. With his skills as an educator, he later branched out into teaching English, history, science, and computer science at Tabernacle Christian School for several years.

He was a very active member in his church and had a heart for evangelism and winning souls for Christ. He started a prison ministry in 1997 to share God’s Word at prisons and young offender boot camps. Bill wrote sermons and published devotionals specifically for inmates which he also sent out nationally. He founded and for many years ran a program to provide housing and discipleship to parolees. In 1999, he was ordained as a minister in order to be more effective in his prison ministry.

Other passions included children’s ministry and a bus ministry which he started to transport chil-

dren to church. His desire to help those caught in addictions led him to devote time to a local Reformers Unanimous chapter.

He wrote numerous essays and sermons, many of which he delivered on a local radio broadcast each week for six years.

He also participated in the church music ministry as a member of the choir and an instrumentalist.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents and his brothers, Thomas, Robert, and James. He is

survived by his three children, George Calhoon of Oxford, Georgia, Bill Calhoon, Jr. (Terra) of Huntsville, Alabama, and Jane Lyttle (Chris) of Sugar Land, Texas; six grandchildren, Bradford Calhoon, James Lyttle, Michael Calhoon, Islay Lyttle, Isobel Lyttle, and Anna Grace Calhoon; his sister, Margaret Montgomery; sisterin-law, Beverly Calhoon; former wife (1959-1987), Margaret Calhoon; nieces, Erin Costlow (Mike) and Kelly Calhoon.

Faith Community Church invites you to join us each Sunday at 10:30 am as we gather together to explore God’s Word about family, values, and life.

Come experience God’s presence, a church family, and a chance to use your talents in the community.

We are looking forward to meeting you!

7165 Turner Lake Circle SW Covington, GA 30014 Faithcovington.org

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T. Lanier Levett & Dana Sullivan Levett

C News N The Page 6A Covington Sunday, May 24, 2015

A VETERAN'S STORY

C Sunday, 17, 2015News Page XX N TheMay Covington

THE OTHER GUYS

W

e were young, invincible, and we knew the awful things would happen to the other guy.

The war in Vietnam was nothing more than a stumbling block, something our country needed us to do before we continued on with our lives, our educations, marriages, raising rug rats, growing old with a sweetheart. Our tools of war were lethal and high tech, the best bombs and bullets taxpayer money could buy. Turn us loose, let us do what we were trained to do, and we will win this war then bring us home to a grateful nation.

But war doesn’t cater to pipedreams or politicians. Our invincibility was the first casualty as the reality of rockets and mortars, punji stakes and poisonous snakes, anti-aircraft fire and an invisible nemesis chewed up optimism and spit out skepticism.

Death was real; our potential futures, in doubt.

‘The other guy’ did have awful things happen to him and we saw PETE MECCA what those awful things were. Then COLUMNIST we realized there were no ‘other guys’, only guys. Fate, luck, coincidence, friendly fire, a jammed M-16, a Coke can booby-trap, a flame-out, a misfire, carelessness, conspired against our survivability and labored vigorously to make us ‘the other guy.’ Yet most of us did survive then came home to the real world of round-eyed women, baseball, hot dogs, apple pie, and Chevrolets. But our country had changed. We arrived to discover an ungrateful nation governed by ungrateful leaders. But we came home. Wounds would heal or fester, minds would mend or break, yet we had been given the opportunity to live out the American dream while suffering the nightmare of Vietnam.

‘The other guys’ came home, too, with the six ladies who shared their fate. Parents, spouses and offspring, sisters and brothers, knew ‘the other guys’ had come home, but not until 1982 was the country as a whole able to gaze upon a long black wall and reflect on the true cost of freedom. The Wall was built surrounded by controversy and protests, but with the passage of time the huge chunk of black granite became a healing location, a place for closure, a spot to reflect, to remember….it became, Our Wall.

‘The other guys’ included Richard B. Fitzgibbon and his son Lance Cpl. Richard B. Fitzgibbon III. Three sets of fathers and sons are etched on Our Wall. The first day in Vietnam for 997 of ‘the other guys’ was their last day in Vietnam, while 1,448 ‘other guys’ completed their one year tour but never boarded the Freedom Bird having perished within their last 24 hours ‘in-country’. Plus ‘the other guys’ devastated small town America: the 475 residents of Beallsville, OH lost 6 of its boys; six of the nine male 1966 graduates of a small copper mining town in Arizona are on Our Wall.

Approximately 2.7 million men and women served ‘incountry’ – or, as we like to call it, “Boots on the Ground.”

Two-thirds of us volunteered, and ‘the other guys’ turned out to be 73% volunteers. One ‘other guy’, an African-American Marine Pfc. Dan Bullock, occupies a unique place on Our Wall; Dan was the youngest to fall, only 15 years of age.

‘The other guys’ visited The Walk of Heroes War Memorial in Rockdale County on May 6th through the 12th. The Moving Wall, Our Wall, was a homecoming for 11 Rockdale and 12 Newton County heroes, ‘the other guys.’ The event created breakeven financial support from community philanthropists, businesses, patriots, veterans, and civil leaders.

Long, hot, tough days were endured by Walk of Heroes board members and dozens of volunteers, many working 10 to 14 hours daily to make sure ‘the other guys’ received the proper respect and recognition earned so many years ago in rice pad-

dies, dense jungles, rubber plantations, and mountain resorts turned into death-traps.

Unbelievable abilities and grit came into play to bring ‘the other guys’ home, but to give credit where credit is due would require a full page individual listing. Suffice to say, the event was a success with a good turnout, yet in this journalist’s and Vietnam veteran’s opinion, it was not a great turnout. The heavy advertising blitz, personal invitations and multi-county presentations, generated noble interest yet lacked impressive public participation.

The main culprit was our national malady known as indifference. Too busy with this, too busy with that, not enough time to take the time to honor heroes that gave their all so the rest of us could have the gift of opportunity to make a choice, and yes, even freedom to make excuses. Not all events draw large crowds, that is a given, but once-in-a-lifetime opportunities to offer marks of respect, education, wholesome family experiences and patriotism, are counterbalances to the flag stompers, activists ‘offended’ by Old Glory, and flip-flop legislators engaged more for votes than paying wordless tribute to mere kids that sacrificed their tomorrows for our todays.

Nevertheless, ‘the other guys’ visited Rockdale County, and so did the survivors. Combat photographer John Hosier, Jr. served with the 173rd Airborne Brigade in the Central Highlands. His vivid photographs have been combined with over 2000 related Vietnam items in his four-tent display ‘Through the Eyes’ traveling Vietnam Museum. John’s exhibit may be the best I’ve ever viewed. A holder of 3 college degrees, John has returned to Vietnam fifteen times to assist in the construction of the Vietnamese American Peace Park and several clinics and schools.

On one trip he met a Betel Nut red-gummed missing teeth Mama-san who served as a sapper with the Viet Minh before WWII, fought against the Japanese, trained sappers during the French-Indochina War, and completed her career training sappers during ‘the American War’. She told John, “French no good, horrible. Japanese brutal, like beasts. War bad, bad things happen, but American soldier honorable. America my favorite enemy.” John was wounded 4 separate times in ‘the American War.’ A Kiowa, two Iroquois, and one Cayuse were positioned on the parade ground in front of the amphitheater. Nearly all Army choppers, except for the sleek Cobra attack helicopter, are named after Native American Indian Nations. Politically correct liberal newspapers claim the tradition is racist; the Native American Indian population certainly does not, and even protested when the Cobra was not given an Indian name.

Albeit, the one Bell Kiowa, two Bell UH-1 Hueys (Iroquois) and the one Hughes OH-6 Cayuse (nick-named Loach) were on display courtesy of the North American Vietnam Helicopter Pilots Association. Under the supervision of Vietnam veteran chopper pilots, the general public was allowed to climb aboard the choppers to explore, sit behind a machine gun, or take the pilot’s seat. (No ammunition and no whirling blades).

Experience guided the tours.

Ed “Hornet 24” Hughes flew the iconic Hueys from the Chu Lai base in 1970 and 1971. Ed was shot down twice.

Larry “Rebel II” Pigg flew the C-Model Huey gunships during his 1st tour of duty with the 1st Infantry Division then

commanded a Cobra Attack Helicopter on his 2nd tour with the 334th Attack Helicopter Company. Commenting on each chopper, Larry stated, “The Huey was low and slow with 4 sets of eyes. The Snake (Cobra) was high and fast, plus carried the same amount of ordinance as 4 C-Model Hueys. If you needed to shoot a lot of rockets, the Cobra was your ride.”

Brock “Blue Star 26” Nicholson flew out of Ninh Hoa with the famous “Blue Star” 48th Assault Helicopter Company.

Apparently Brock took the liberty to paint a Blue Star on one of the Association’s Hueys.

Jerry “Ghost Rider 23” Seago served as a maintenance officer in Pleiku with the 189th Assault Helicopter Company.

Jerry flew both C and H Model Hueys.

Terry “Thunder 42” Lanier flew OH-6 Loaches and UH1H Hueys with HQ, 3rd Brigade, 101st Airborne.

Lynn “Jayhawk 17” Stephens served two tours, 1967/68 and 1972/73. He flew the Huey and Cobra. Asked which chopper he favored, Lynn said, “Well, I liked the Huey but the Cobra was air-conditioned. Which one would you pick?”

The North Carolina Vietnam Helicopter Pilots Association has educated over 80,000 school children on the cost of freedom. Funds to keep the organization sustainable come from 98% of its members. Their motto: “Promoting and Perpetuating the Bonds of Brotherhood”. Visit their website: www. ncvhpa.org The evening events featured a variety of great guest speakers, including State Senator Hunter Hill, yet the most reflective speaker was Colonel Wayne Waddell. Colonel Waddell served in Vietnam as an F-105 pilot. The F-105 Thunderchief was the workhorse in the air war over North Vietnam. Affectionately called ‘the Thud’, ‘Lead Sled’, and ‘Hyper Hog’, the F-105 was said to be a ‘Triple-Threat’: She could bomb you, strafe you, or fall on you. Rugged and deadly, she proved her worth.

Colonel Waddell had been ‘in-country’ less than 3 months when on July 5, 1967 while bombing railroad marshalling yards close to the Chinese border his F-105 suffered a direct hit from anti-aircraft fire. He was on his 46th mission, or as Colonel Waddell maintains, “My 46th and a half mission.”

Forced to eject from low altitude, in seconds he landed less than 100 yards from the anti-aircraft guns that had blown his plane out of the sky. Colonel Wayne Waddell would spend the next 5 years and 5 months as a P.O.W. in Communist North Vietnam. His narrative is the subject of an upcoming “A Veteran’s Story.”

Yes, the boys came home, and we honored them. Now they are gone once again, to be remembered by family and friends, and to continue traveling with the Moving Wall so John Q. Citizen has the opportunity of learn the true cost of freedom.

These boys are the heroes….we, the lucky ones, are only the survivors. God bless each and every name on Our Wall.

Pete Mecca is a Vietnam veteran, columnist and freelance writer. You can reach him at aveteransstory@gmail.com or aveteransstory.us.

OPINION C N

COVINGTON NEWSPAPER COMPANY INC. PUBLISHER

EDITOR

T. Pat Cavanaugh

Bryan Fazio

pcavanaugh@covnews.com

bfazio@covnews.com

ADVERTISING SUPERVISOR

DESIGN EDITOR

Cynthia Warren

Sabastian Wee

cbwarren@covnews.com

swee@covnews.com

COMPTROLLER

CIRCULATION SUPERVISOR

Debbie Thompson dthompson@covnews.com

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Postal information The Covington News (USPS 136140) is published weekly on Sunday, for $52 a year (plus tax) for home delivery, or $72 by mail per year by Covington Newspaper Company, Inc., 1166 Usher St., Covington, GA 30014. Periodicals postage paid at Covington, GA. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The Covington News, P. O. Box 1249, Covington, GA 30015.

our thoughts Memorial Day appreciation Cover them over with beautiful flowers, Deck them with garlands, those brothers of ours, Lying so silent by night and by day Sleeping the years of their manhood away.

Give them the meed they have won in the past; Give them the honors their future forcast; Give them the chaplets they won in the strife; Give them the laurels they lost with their life. ~ Will Carleton This Memorial Day weekend we pause to honor and celebrate the men and woman who gave their lives in honor to forge this glorious country of ours.

It is not one of our grand holidays like the Fourth of July, but it does merit a national holiday and a live performance on the Capitol Green that is guaranteed to bring tears of pride to your eyes.

This day of remembrance started out as Decoration Day 133 years ago as families gathered to honor the dead from both sides of the Civil War. Now, it is a time to honor our dead heroes who rest in peace in all parts of the world, buried where they stood and died in blind courage to defend our way of life.

This year we especially want to honor and remember those who gave their all in World War II, the Korean conflict and our Vietnam warriors. We will always remember your sacrifices.

We also salute and honor the families who have lost loved ones through the years in defense of our nation. We know the hurt never lessens and the loss always tugs at the heart.

May the Good Lord bless you and comfort you.

And may God bless our homeland and its flag. May it forever wave in peace.

The Covington News

C N

Sunday, May 24, 2015 Page 7A

The Cost of a Free It's Memorial Day week. cred vigilance," it said, addYou can tell as you flip ing that their deaths were through the local paper; "the cost of a free and undiMemorial Day notices apvided republic." pear as sales headlines It was a high cost indeed. and attention grabbers.

The Civil War was the "Memorial Day Sale" and deadliest war for Ameri"Pre-Memorial Day Sale." cans -- with the loss of Pretty soon, we'll see post- JACKIE GINGRICH- more than 600,000 AmeriMemorial Day sale advercan military members.

CUSHMAN tisements.

That first year, approxiCOLUMNIST Sales and barbecue are mately 5,000 people gaththe two things that many people think ered at Arlington National Cemetery about when Memorial Day is men- to decorate the graves with Ameritioned. What else? Well, for many can flags. Since then, the custom has Americans, it's the weekend that the grown and spread. pool opens and summer begins.

Virginia's Arlington National CemBut it means more than that. etery is today the graveyard for hunMemorial Day began soon after the dreds of thousands of United States Civil War as Decoration Day. It was service members. I've often walked the day the graves of the fallen mem- through the cemetery, which is surbers of the military were decorated rounded by thousands of small white to honor their sacrifice to keep our gravestones, perfectly aligned, row afcountry united. They gave the ulti- ter row. Their overwhelming numbers mate sacrifice. underscore the sacrifice others have John Logan, who had served as a made for us. Each gravestone marks congressman from Illinois prior to the not only the loss of a person who has Civil War and then volunteered as a died but also the loss to his or her famUnion soldier and been promoted dur- ily and friends. Miles of trails traverse ing the war to general, sparked Deco- the cemetery. ration Day. He issued an order in 1868 One of the most fitting tributes to to honor those who had died in the the American military is one that was Civil War. At that time, he was serving given before Memorial Day was recogas commander in chief of the Grand nized -- President Abraham Lincoln's Army of the Republic, a fraternal orga- Gettysburg Address. nization of Union veterans.

Lincoln delivered his address at the "The 30th day of May, 1868, is des- dedication of the Soldiers' National ignated for the purpose of strewing Cemetery in Gettysburg, Pennsylwith flowers, or otherwise decorating vania, in November 1863, while the the graves of comrades who died in de- Civil War was still raging. He was not fense of their country," stated the order. the main speaker for the day but had "We should guard their graves with sa- been invited as an afterthought. His

speech was so short (less than two minutes) that the photographer did not have time to get a picture of him delivering it.

The speech, one of my favorites, is engraved in the Lincoln Memorial, across the Potomac River from Arlington National Cemetery.

Its 278 words don't include "I" or "me," but they do take the audience from our start as a nation and the American Revolution to Lincoln's wishes for the future of our nation: "Four score and seven years ago our fathers brought forth, upon this continent, a new nation, conceived in liberty and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal. ...

It is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great task remaining before us -- that from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full measure of devotion -- that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain, that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom, and that government of the people, by the people, for the people shall not perish from the earth."

Taking time to reflect on the importance of Memorial Day may prove difficult to do at home, the beach or the pool amid the sales and barbecues. But we should all pause and remember -to honor those who have given their lives for our country and to dedicate ourselves to living in a way that ensures their sacrifices were not in vain.

To find out more about Jackie Gingrich Cushman, visit www.creators.com.

Community Builders In Genesis 2:18, God are the ones whose lives says, "It is not good that the revolve around their onman should be alone; I will line persona. One cannot make him a helper fit for be humbled by a 3-yearhim." Thus, he creates the old or a spouse when he or woman, making mankind she does not exist in real male and female. Whether life. That humbling and one takes the story of Genrelationship building is esis literally, as I do, or as less and less important to ERICK ERICKSON a metaphor, the essential many but still remains viCOLUMNIST point is clear and objectally important as we lose tively true. our sense of community.

Mankind is a relational being and More and more people lament a requires community and companion- loss of community, and they have ship. The actions of the individual af- gone online to try to find it. Though fect the community. The point was there are the veneers of community made clear in 1624 when John Donne online, often those communities inwrote his Meditation XVII and the line volve a common interest and not the "no man is an island" flowed from his totality of a person's life. Real compen. We were not meant to be alone munity is found in the rapids and and should not be alone. turbulence of the total life of another If God made Eve so that Adam person. The effort to find common would not be alone, Satan made the ground among the uncommon is easy Internet to ensure mankind would to ignore in online communities of inagain be alone. We have substituted terest or grievance. Around a dinner conversations among friends locally table, it takes on a necessary nature. with online conversations globally.

Therein lies a small suggestion for They are not, however, the same. the future of community building Anyone who has placed a sarcastic, among those who sense its loss. Buildironic or humorous comment online ing community starts with yourself. only to be vilified because the world Having friends around a dinner table could not see the smirk, wink, smile breaking bread together is nourishing or twinkle in the eye online immedi- for both body and soul. In fact, it is ately knows this. hard to go out and build community in I make my living online, or I did for a neighborhood or county or state or a number of years. Many of my very nation when one does not exist at all best friends were friends made online. within a home or church.

But we get together offline, too. In In the first several chapters of the fact, I have found that the most mal- book of Acts, people in the early contented souls in the 21st century Christian church are breaking bread

together often, praying together often and encouraging one another often.

Though the example is sectarian, the example translates to the secular. The Apostles recount the testimony of their eyewitness to shore up the faith of converts and embolden them. Later, the church tells stories of the martyrs and how they experienced God in their own lives.

We as a people fail often to do this within our families and around the table with friends. We fail to share the good that has happened and the encouragement we have found. We fail to surround our children with a community of like-minded friends so that when they stop listening to us, those they reach out to for advice share common values. We can hardly be expected to improve the world when our own souls are weak and we are struggling with work or faith or family.

Breaking bread together around a table should be a necessary part of community building. Conversation, finding paths or compromises through differences, and building on common ground all build character and help us relate to strangers. Our society has become so noisy and so busy it is harder to do this, but if we want to improve our world, I suggest we start at the dinner table, building a small community of friends to encourage and nourish one another's souls.

To find out more about Erick Erickson, visit the Creators Syndicate Web page at www.creators.com.

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

Don't be penny wise and pound foolish support the Citizens Landfill Panel you appointed

Dear Editor, Value perspective: The potential revenue of a commercially operated regional waste management model on our current landfill is, over the course of the next several decades, in the realm of 100's - let me repeat - 100's of millions of dollars, which is why the fledgling Green Hill P3 is so doggedly determined to be that operator.

They are working behind the scenes on community opinion and perhaps plan to hire sitting officials that help them achieve this, it is so large a prize - it benefits them greatly at the county's expense. Even operated, as it ought, at much lesser volumes and for the county's benefit, the value over the same period is in the 10's of

millions of dollars for the citizens of this county.

Now, in order to get to the best model for all of Newton County and all of its citizens, you rightfully appointed a well chosen citizens panel to study options and make recommendations for our best future regarding waste management operations. Well done!!

This panel, in order to have a grounded understanding with which to consider various options in this complex matter, naturally first needs to get up to speed on understanding where things stand now and how that come about, as anyone with common sense knows.

The plainly obvious choice to achieve this in the most effective, direct and reliable manner is to hear from and

have the opportunity for Q&A with the firm (SmithGardner) that has handled engineering for our landfill for the past many years - they have and can explain all the answers to understanding the current situation and its implications for future decisions - an independent assessment of our point A. To help the process of getting to our best point B, this dedicated panel has requested from the BOC that appointed them, a microscopic fraction (a hundredth or so of one percent) of the potential value involved, to bring Smith-Gardner in for consultation.

At the 5/19/15 BOC meeting, this request was brought up and shot down for apparently two reasons:

1) The cost allocation was completely mischaracterized. It was discussed as if $10,000 was being charged just for travel from North Carolina to Covington. That is an absurd travesty of the actual facts. The reality is that Smith-Gardner has agreed to send two engineers, including John Gardner himself, here plus another three trips by another of their engineers , including all hours spent with the panel and work that may arise to answer their questions for $7500. This works out to a very reasonable cost of $1875 ($7500 / 4) per trip, all inclusive of travel and hours of consulting instead of the ridiculously misrepresented $10,000 for one trip for travel only.

2) Great doubt was ex-

pressed by Mr. Maddox, and seconded by Mr. Douglas, whether any understanding of the engineering issues of operating a landfill, which de facto are a critical part of legally mandated design, operation and environmental compliance, is required to make a sound recommendation. Perhaps this fear of truth (alethephobia) explains much about how this board operates.

Again, anyone with common sense knows that any recommendation would HAVE to be based in great part on a familiarity with the engineering aspects.

So, unless it is your purpose to completely undermine and sell out the citizens of this county, and specifically the worthy citizens you appointed to this critical

panel, the BOC needs to immediately reverse itself and approve the funding to bring in Smith-Gardner and all other reasonable expenditures (remember the perspective of the scale at stake here) requested by the citizens panel in pursuance of their charge. Web based conferences may be used subsequent to these initial, critically needed face to face interactions and access, as follow-up requires.

Don't be penny wise and pound foolish here - approve these minuscule amounts that are deposits on our very best and very large future.

Thank you, Steve Brown 30 Steele Rd. Covington, GA 30014

C The Covington News N Sunday, May 24, 2015 Page 8A

AGRICULTURE

Challenges facing farmers today and tomorrow STAFF REPORTS news@covnews.com

Though farming was once big business in the United States, by 2012 less than 1 percent of Americans were professional farmers.

Many challenges face today's farmers, many of which are largely unknown to the general public.

Many people have an outdated view of a farm as a small, family-owned and operated parcel of land where livestock is raised in open pens and crops are hand-harvested when ripe. The reality is that modern-day farms have had to overhaul operations to meet demand and remain competitively priced while adapting to the ever-changing ways technology infiltrates all parts of life.

Each of these factors present obstacles for today's farmers.

Technology Rural farming communities are expected to make an effort to integrate modern technology into an industry that has been around for centuries. But such a transition in rural areas, where communications systems may not be as up-to-date as those in urban areas, is not always so easy. According to the Manitoba Rural Adaptation Council, a shift from a resource-based to an informationbased economy, compounded by the rapid introduction and expansion of new technology in the workplace, has altered farm operation and the skills in demand. Older workers who have been schooled in one way of agriculture may have a significant impact on labor supply and the vitality of farming as a career. Younger adults who are knowledgeable in technology may no longer seek out agricultural careers.

Decrease in farming as an occupation The United States Environmental Protection Agency says that only about 960,000 Americans claim farming as their principal occupation. As that figure has dwindled, the average age of farmers continues to rise, as the Bureau of Labor Statistics notes that roughly 40 percent of the farmers in this country are

55 years old or older. This has led to concerns about the long-term health of family farms throughout the United States.

Environmental concerns Many farmers have come under scrutiny for how farming impacts the environment.

A growing emphasis on sustainability and conservation has led many people to protest certain farming practices. Protesters claim that certain practices, such as raising livestock, can pollute water, while the use of fertilizers and chemical pesticides is bad for the environment. Many farmers, however, have altered their methods to be more environmentally friendly and self-sustainable in the process. Climate change is another environmental issue farmers must deal with. Strong storms and severe droughts have made farming even more challenging.

Financial fall-out The ongoing recession of the last half-decade has also affected farmers. In November of 2012, the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics indicated that the unemployment rate within the agriculture, forestry, fishing, and hunting industries was at 13.6 percent, far higher than the national unemployment rate. As a result, many farm families have found themselves stuck between a rock and a hard place, as rising costs for equipment and technology are being coupled with decreasing profits and rising unemployment.

Further complicating matters is competition from corporations and international food producers who have made it difficult for family farmers to turn a significant profit.

Many family farmers rely on loans and lines of credit to survive, but thanks to changes in the financial sector that saw banks become less willing to extend lines of credit, some farmers are facing bankruptcy.

Though it can be easy for those who do not work in the agricultural industry to overlook the struggles facing today's agricultural professionals, a greater understanding of those struggles and the challenges that lay ahead can benefit the industry and its employees down the road.

Summertime at Go Fish Education Center Summertime is travel time, so if you are looking for a fun day trip for the family or if your travel plans have you driving on I-75, make plans to visit the Go Fish Education Center in Perry, Georgia! The center will offer extended hours for the summer and you can even reserve a special group visit.

What is there to see and do at Go Fish? Visit aquariums that hold more than 180,000 gallons of water and are loaded with Georgia freshwater fish and wildlife, including alligators. Try out the fishing and shooting simulators. See a working fish hatchery from our huge gallery window and be sure to see our new summer movie, “The Mystery Fish” playing in the theater daily. All that gazing at fish will be sure to get you ready to try out the casting pond, bait and tackle provided. Once you

have finished your visit, be sure to take some time to browse in our gift shop!

Beginning May 27, 2015 (ending on Aug. 9), the Go Fish Education Center will offer extended hours: • Wednesday-Saturday: (9 a.m. - 5 p.m.), Sunday (1 p.m.

– 5 p.m.)

• Regular admission prices are $5 for adults, $4 for seniors 65 and older, $3 for children and FREE for ages 2 and younger. Groups also are welcome to visit on these days and tour the facility themselves.

• Group Programs available by reservation only: MondayTuesday (9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. or 1:30 pm – 4 p.m.)

• Groups (over 30 people) will have a fee of $5 per person.

Let it grow

* Start with a plan. Different flowers and plants require different sun, soil and water needs. Keep these factors in mind and consult the seed packets to plan out where each should be placed. Many apps are available to take the guesswork out of gardening, helping you create a perfectly organized plant or flower bed. Some even offer reminders for watering, fertilizing and more. * Keep water in mind. Make sure your plan includes a close proximity from plant bed to the water supply. * Be smart with soil. Whether it's a flower or vegetable garden bed or containers, the secret's in the soil, where roots develop and sustain life. Invest in the proper tools to keep this foundation strong, such as Professional Soil Modifier from Profile Products, which improves water and nutrient retention, keeping vital elements in the root zone longer. For more information, visit www.profilegrow.com.

* Plant close to home. If you have room, try to grow your plants as close to the home as possible. This makes watering less of a task, and also makes it easier to get to your precious vegetables when it's time to harvest. * Opt for a permanent solution. There's no doubt that gardens require seasonal upkeep, but you can find some ways to ease the tasks. One such solution is Professional Soil Modifier from Profile Products, which permanently improves the root zone by adding air- and waterholding capacity in all types of soil (unlike peat that needs to be tilled into gardens each year.) The result is better drainage when it's wet, better water-holding capacity when it's dry, deeper root growth and healthier plants. * Label away. Know exactly where you planted each seed with cute, natural labels. Simply use a permanent marker to mark each plant name on stones in front of each plant row. * Be a green gardener. Always opt for eco-friendly, pesticide-free products to use in your garden, when possible. Products filled with chemicals can be harmful to animals when carried through the air with wind.

So, dust off that shovel, tighten up the hose and get to growing. Once you have the right plan in mind, you'll be on your way to achieving the flower or fruit and vegetable garden of your dreams.

All fishing at the casting pond is catch and release, and anglers 16 and older must have a fishing license. Licenses can be purchased online at www.georgiawildlife.com/ licenses-permits-passes, by phone at (800) 266-3661 or at the Go Fish Education Center. Rods, tackle and bait will be provided.

Agriculture in Georgia

Harvest dates

Tips and tricks for a lush garden (Family Features) Whether it's a just a vibrant pop of pretty petals you want added to the front of the home or a raised bed full of delicious fruits and vegetables, the return of warmer weather has many homeowners reaching for their gardening gloves.

If you're ready to try out your green thumb or dust off the gardening skills you long ago acquired, there are plenty of ways to achieve the lush vegetation you desire. Check out these tips and tricks for cultivating a thriving and productive garden of any variety.

Smaller groups (30 or less people) will have a flat fee of $150.

• Group programs include a guided aquarium tour, an educational live animal program , fishing at the pond, and your choice of watching our summer movie, “A Mystery Fish,” or trying out or fishing and shooting simulators.

Harvest dates for some of Georgia’s fruits and vegetables

(dates may vary due to location and weather conditions) Apples July-Nov.

Muscadines July-Oct.

Sweet Corn May-July

Blackberries June-July

Peaches May-Aug.

Watermelons June-Sept.

Blueberries June-Aug.

Strawberries March-June

Vidalia® Onions April-June

Cantaloupes June-Aug.

To learn more about Georgia agriculture and how to become a Farm Bureau member, go to www.gfb.org

Washington CountyFarm FarmBureau Bureau Newton County 506 West Street 10386 HwyChurch 278 East Covington GA 30014 Sandersville, GA 31082 478-552-3491 770.786.7201

SPORTS

Page 2B SUNDAY, MAY 24, 2015

The Covington News

C N

25th anniversary celebration of Georgia Games STAFF REPORTS news@covnews.com

The Georgia State Games is proud to kick off its 25th anniversary. As a nonprofit organization, the Georgia State Games, also known as Georgia’s Grassroots Olympics, works hard to provide Georgians with opportunities to be physically active through statewide event participation.

With over 45 sporting events, local and state venues can show off their spaces to all participating athletes, schools and numerous volunteers.

Any Georgian can partake in these events, no matter age or ability, level or location. To register for all Georgia Games championships, please visit www.georgiagames.org and pick the sport of your choice. In addition to all our sporting events, our Championship Run features a 10K, 5K (Walk & Run), 1 mile and Tot Trot. To volunteer, visit our website as well by selecting the support option and following the provided instructions.

“We are proud to present the Georgia State Games for 25 years and we hope to continue to evolve. In addition, this year we are offering pickelball,” Eric Pfeifer, Executive Director of the Georgia State Games, said.

In past years, the Georgia Games has represented over 140 counties and 550 cities in the state of Georgia. With our widespread events, support is easy to come by whether through participating, volunteering or being someone’s No. 1 fan.

The Georgia State Games first began in 1989.

In 2002, all state funding was removed; however, through sponsorships the organization has been able to maintain the tradition. The largest program administered by the Georgia State Games is the Georgia Games Championships. The Championships are an Olympic style multi-sports festival that holds events and tournaments. The Georgia Games belongs to a national membership association, National Congress of State Games (NCSG).All our state medalists are then entered to compete on a national level. For updates, visit www.georgiagames.org for a complete schedule of events, volunteer opportunities and contact information.

Find us on Twitter @georgiagames or Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/georgia.games.

HOLLOMAN >> FROM PAGE 1B

Holloman, who the team has nicknamed “30 for 30” because at any given meet

STOKES

>> FROM PAGE 1B though I know it comes every week. I just hate that 600.

It takes everything out of me.

I know the reward is if your 600 time is gonna drop your 400 time’s gonna drop. So I push it every week and I just try to get better at it.”

Stokes saw the growth in his time after he ran the 400 for the first time, still injured. He ran a 49 his first time, but he says if he was healthy he knew he could get to a 48 or 47. He said his hamstring was killing him, but he knew if he had the chance to work at it, he could get that hat and Stokes said he would do anything in his power to do it. And he did.

“I knew I could easily win state if I just train at it like I’m supposed to,” Stokes said.

Iverson says once the athletes buy in and run the 600m, their rimes start to drop. He says that’s what happened with Stokes.

Before they went to state, Stokes ran his fastest time in the 600m all season. Iverson told one of his coaches that Stokes was ready.

“It kind of set up perfectly for him,” Iverson said.

With the injury in the

they’ll walk into it with 30 points because of Holloman, says he was able to get his first title through hard work and preparation.

“He put this team on his back this year,” Barnes said.

“When I say we scored 32

points at the state meet, 16 of them was Jeremiah’s.”

Holloman didn’t get the school record he set out for, but the team’d “nobody’s going to work harder than us” motto resonates the most with him. If there was

past, and Stokes at full health it was up to him to reach his goal of getting that hat. The race was so close, but Stokes beat out Whitewater’s Jonathon Womack by seven-thousandths of a second to get the hat he longed for all season.

“I thought I lost the race because I thought he finally passed me because on the last stretch I almost fell and

he was coming right there so when we crossed the finish line I got off the track mad, but luckily I heard my coaches and everyone screaming,” Stokes said.

“So when I looked back I looked at my time and I saw that it had Eastside, Eric Stokes No. 1. When I finally stood on top of the podium, that was the happiest day of my life.”

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so I get to coach him on that aspect also, and he’s the same guy. He’s a hard worker, wants to be the best. His drive to be the best is why he’s here right now,” Barnes added. “I remember when he first got

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“It’s a real blessing to have a guy like that on your team,” Barnes said.

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The Covington News

Hudson Joel Fielder, May 7, Jessica Bailey Fielder, Clayton Fielder, Walton, 8 pounds, 12 ounces, 21 inches Alaysia McKenzie Brown, May 11, Kimberly L. Benton, Alquan R. Brown, Covington, 6 pounds, 15 ounces, 18 ½ inches Adien Javon Durden, May 11, Danielle Petty, Javonte Durden, Covington, 7 pounds, 6.2 ounces, 19 ½ inches Remi Queen, May 11, Tara McDonald, Tommy Queen, Jr., Covington, 8 pounds, 14 ounces, 20 inches Adalyn Leigh Freeman, May 13, Megan Freeman, Jonathan Freeman, Loganville, 7 pounds, 2.5 ounces, 20 inches Alaysia McKenzie Brown, May 11, Kimberly Benton, Alquan Brown, Covington, 6 pounds, 15 ounces, 18 ½ inches

HAVE YOU EVER THOUGHT?

What does Memorial Day mean?

Standing on the North West ness to risk life itself that made corner of the Square in the heart possible the great nation we are of Covington is an obelisk in a part of today. It was not for self honor of those from our county that they made their sacrifices, that we remember on Memorial but rather for those they served Day. Carved on the side facing with and those who would follow Clark Street is the statement "In in the years ahead. They did it for loving and grateful memory of B. WILEY STEPHENS you and me.

COLUMNIST those citizens of Newton County We must never think of those who gave their lives in defense of names listed on the obelisk at the our country.” On the other sides are listed square or on the crosses on the lawn of the the names of those from Newton County bank, merely as individuals. Their families who died in the service from World War I were forever changed by their deaths. There to Iraq. These same name are on crosses put was one missing at the table at Thanksgiving out by the American Legion at the corner of or not present for the birth of a grandchild Emory Street and Highway 278 in front of or countless other family celebrations. Our the Newton Federal Bank. thoughts are with their families this week end.

For many, Memorial Day marks the beginThey were a part of a community. Their abning of summer, though officially summer sence probably changed what has happened begins on June 21 with the Summer Solstice. in their communities. We will never know But Memorial Day is seen as the “bookend” the impact they might have made if they had at the first of the season and Labor Day as lived. But we can determine the impact we the “bookend” of the end of the season. Even can make if we fully use the gifts they prethough summer really ends on September 23 served for us. with the Autumnal Equinox. With school calWe are the benefactors of their sacrifice. endars being changed over the years and the The challenge to each of us is to live in a way weather getting warmer earlier, even this tra- worthy of such a great gift. This is particularly dition might be in trouble. true of our involvement in our community, But in the hurry to start summer activities our state, and our nation. In our last General such as vacations and cooks outs we must not Election in Georgia, barely a third of those lose the reason this day is sacred to us as a eligible to vote bothered to do so. We stop the people. There are annual sporting events set mail and close the banks to honor those who to this date, such as today with the Indy 500 died but many times don’t use the gifts they and NASCAR’s Coca Cola 600. Some places saved for us. will see parades, community picnic, and fireAnother one of the great freedoms they works. But Memorial Day is about something died for was the right each of us has to worfar greater. ship God in the way we choose. But the maWe have this day in honor of those who jority of us will not exercise that right this gave their lives to defend our freedom and week or most weeks. Their sacrifice was great! way of life. I dare say no one entered into the We honor that sacrifice when we use the freeservice of their county wanting to be among doms they preserved for us. those we remember. But it was their willingMemorial Day is a day set aside to remem-

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JOB ANNOUNCEMENT The City of Covington has a vacancy for a Natural Gas Project Manager located in the Gas Department. This posi�on is responsible for planning, implemen�ng and evalua�ng mul�ple ac�vi�es associated with opera�on and administra�on of the Covington Natural Gas Distribu�on System. This posi�on assists the U�li�es Director with various administra�ve tasks associated with gas project maintenance and construc�on. Required training and experience includes gradua�on from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor of Science Degree, At least fi�een (15) years prior natural gas construc�on and opera�ng experience, a minimum of ten (10) years of which shall be with a municipal, other public gas system or investor owned u�lity. Must meet Office of Pipeline Safety requirements within 1 year of employment.

Salary to commensurate with qualifica�ons and experience. Qualified applicants may apply via our website at www.cityofcovington.org or may apply at the City of Covington Human Resources Office, 2194 Emory Street, Covington, Georgia 30014, 770.385.2025. This posi�on will remain open un�l 4:00 p.m. on Tuesday, June 2, 2015.

The City of Covington is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

B. Wiley Stephens is a retired United Methodist Minister and author who now resides in Covington

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ber the sacrifices made. But far more important is how we use that gift. Memorial Day reminds us freedom is never free. It has been given us to use to make the future better for those who will follow us.

Over the years there has been a debate as to when to observe Memorial Day. When I was growing up during the fifties, there was no one official holiday in Georgia. There was a state assigned date for a Confederate Memorial Day and of course there was May 30 for most of the nation to observe Memorial Day. My father, who was with the Cooperative Extension Service of the University of Georgia, would say when the Confederate Memorial Day came in April they didn’t get the day as most state employees at the time did, because they were treated as federal employees. And when May 30 saw most federal offices closes, they were treated as state employees.

One reason the dates varied from state to state is the early name was not “Memorial Day” but “Decoration Day”. It was first observed following the War Between the States. Each area set a date when there flowers blooming to use to decorate the graves of the fallen. Thus the further north you would go, the later the date would be.

Many claim to be the place where the tradition of Memorial Day began. Among those are Savannah, Marietta, and Columbus Georgia. President Lyndon Johnson recognized Waterloo New York for that honor on May 26, 1966. The date is now set on the fourth Monday of May as a part of the federal law that shifts some holidays to allow for a long weekend. This was a move away from the traditional May 30 date.

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BIRTH ANNOUNCEMENTS

SUNDAY, MAY 24, 2015 Page 3B

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JOB ANNOUNCEMENT The City of Covington is currently accepting applications for a GIS Manager in the Engineering Department. This position performs professional level management related to the development and implementation of systems, networks, database, and macros to create, maintain, display and update a local government Geographic Information System. Required training and experience includes graduation from an accredited college or university with a degree in geography, computer science, earth science, civil engineering or related technical field. At least 40 CEU’s of specialized GIS Software Training. Two or more years of progressively related experience in management of a GIS project, relational databases, GPS collection and GIS web related technology. Salary range is an annual minimum of $48,360 to an annual maximum of $71,531 will be determined based upon qualifications. Qualified applicants may apply via our website at www.cityofcovington.org or may send resume to or apply at the City of Covington Human Resources Office, 2194 Emory Street, Covington, Georgia 30014, (770) 385.2025. Position will remain open until 4:00 p.m. on Friday, June 5th, 2015. The City of Covington is an Equal Opportunity Employer.