2014 Community Pride by Statesboro Herald

2014 Community

Pride Pride

Agriculture

Farming for the future

community pride 2014

2 – Statesboro herald — Sunday, February 23, 2014, 2014 | statesboroherald.com

Agriculture

Andersons named 2013 Farm Family Chamber honors family during Farm City Week

arming isn’t just a profession, but a lifestyle that involves more than just one person; it is a family affair that takes the whole family unit to be successful. Will Anderson and his family know this, and their efforts as a longtime farming family in the Nevils community led to their being named the 2013 Farm Family of the Year. The honor was awarded by the Statesboro-Bulloch County Chamber of Commerce’s Agribusiness Committee in November during its Farm City Week celebration. Anderson grew up farming with his father, Tommy Anderson, and still today, his brother Reid helps Will with his farm as well as works his own. They are sixth-generation farmers growing cotton, soybeans, corn and wheat. They also operate broiler houses for Claxton Poultry. Will Anderson, who has been married to Hannah Anderson for 11 years, is a deacon at Gracewood Baptist Church and a trustee for the Georgia Baptist Children’s Home. The couple have three children. “This is an honor to get this award,” Anderson said during the Farm City luncheon as he spoke to a crowded room. Afterward, he said he already knew he would get into farming, but when his father’s health demanded

SCOTT BRYANT/staff

Dad Tommy Anderson, left, and sons Will, right, and Reid are two of six generations of Bulloch County farmers. help, he took over. “I kind of knew I had to come onto the farm or something would happen to it,” he said. “I wanted to do

that, anyway.” So, why does he farm? According to Anderson, it’s the variety. “You get to experience all

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kinds of things, and Daddy let us learn by experiencing,” he said. The work is always challenging and constantly changing. “You get to kind of have a do-over every year,” he said. Anderson loves being outside and likes that “every day is diversified” and that he can “micromanage” his crops, he admitted. Hannah Anderson has an accounting degree, which likely helps in the business, but after the birth of their first child, the couple agreed she would stay home. “I try to be supportive,” she said. “This is different from a 9-to-5 job.

Sometimes Will gets home by 9 or as late as 11 p.m.” Keeping up with Avery, 9; Avant, 8; and Ava, 5, is a full-time job, but Hannah enjoys being a wife and mother, especially when it comes to mealtime. “I like to cook,” she said. “If (Will) is close by, he comes home for lunch, but if he is picking cotton, it is a pack of crackers.” Her daughter Ava isn’t yet involved in the family farm operation, preferring girly things and dreaming of being a mommy one day, and son Avery enjoys hunting, fishing and sports. Will Anderson said he enjoys those activities with his son, but middle son Avant is the one with farming at heart.

“He knows the make and model of every piece of equipment I have,” he said. “He is definitely the most involved,” Hannah Anderson said. “He loves it — he wants to know how all of it works.” Avant even helps out when it comes time to module cotton — with adult supervision, she said. The Anderson family exemplifies the teamwork and dedication that are requisites for the Farm Family of the Year award, Agribusiness Committee member Todd Faircloth said. Holli Deal Bragg may be reached at (912) 489-9414.

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SCOTT BRYANT/staff

Will Anderson helps dad Tommy from one truck to another between excited family dogs.

community pride 2014

statesboroherald.com | Statesboro herald — Sunday, February 23, 2014 – 3

Agriculture

Bulloch farm recognized for history

SCOTT BRYANT/staff

Jimmie Alderman leans on a cane grinder which was hand hewn by his grandfather in a shelter which was built in 1900. Alderman's farm in the Westside community has been in the family for seven generations and was recently granted a Centennial Heritage Farm Award from the Historic Preservation Division of the Georgia Department of Resources.

Area farmer Jimmie Alderman says farm was started by his ancestors more than 200 years ago By HOLLI DEAL BRAGG hbragg@statesboroherald.com

A Bulloch County farm was recognized in 2013 at the Georgia National Fair in Perry for its historical significance. The Alderman Family Farm, in the Westside community, is now owned by Jimmie Alderman. It was awarded status as a “Centennial Family Farm” by the Georgia Centennial Farm Program. The award “recognizes farms owned by members of the same family for 100 years or more that are not listed in the National Register of Historic Places,” said Charlie Miller, the program committee chairman. “Farms hold a central role in the heritage of our state, having formed the economic, cultural and family foundation for generations of Georgians,” he said. Farm owners across the state were recognized for one of three categories. The Centennial Farm Award does not require continual family ownership, but farms must be at least 100 years old and listed in the National Register, Miller said. The Alderman Family

Farm, located in the Westside community near West Alderman and Westside roads, was actually started more than 200 years ago, said Jimmie Alderman, whose home is on Alderman Lane on 65 acres remaining from the original 7,000 acres. He said he appreciates the recognition of the farm purchased in 1816 by David Alderman, a Revolutionary War soldier who settled in the area because his son Samuel Alderman was already living here. Alderman said he is proud of the honor and plans to hang signs provided by the program noting the status, but he pointed out that most farms in Bulloch County are actually family farms with histories. The historic value of family-owned farms is “mirrored many times over in our area,” he said. The Westside community is filled with people who can trace kinship to each other, and “there is a strong sense of heritage” there, he said. He was born in the house in which he lives, as were his father, Emmett Alderman Jr., and grandfather Emmett Alderman Sr.

His grandfather built the house. Jimmie Alderman demolished the original log house, which was in disrepair, in 1960, he said. The farm is still operating. “We’ve got some of the finest cotton in Bulloch County out front (of the house) and some of the worst out back,” he joked. Alderman is married to Kay Goodman Alderman, who also grew up nearby in the Westside community. The Georgia Centennial Farm program is a partnership involving the Historic Preservation Division of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Georgia Farm Bureau Federation, Georgia Department of Agriculture, Georgia Forestry Commission and Georgia National Fair and Agricenter, with support from Georgia EMC. The 2013 Georgia Centennial Farm Awards ceremony was held Oct. 4. 2013 and was the 20th year of the program. Since 1993, the Georgia Centennial Farm program has recognized 451 farms around the state. Holli Deal Bragg may be reached at (912) 489-9414.

Bulloch County Historical Farms (www.nationalregisterofhistoricplaces.com) ➤ SOL AKINS FARM

Registered 1990 Location: Old Register Road, off US 301 South, 1.2 miles from Statesboro Historic Significance: Architecture/Engineering, built by Solomon Akins Period of Significance: 1850-1874, 1875-1899, 1900-1924 Historic Function: Agriculture/Subsistence/ Domestic Historic Sub-function: Agricultural outbuildings, single dwelling

➤ DR. JOHN C. NEVIL HOUSE

Registered 1989 Location: U. S. 301 South, Register Historic Significance: Architecture/Engineering, late Victorian built by Butler Barr Period of Significance: 1900-1924, 1925-1949 Historic Function: Agriculture/Subsistence, Domestic, Health Care Historic Sub-function: Medical Business/Office, Processing, single Dwelling

➤ WILLIAM W. OLLIFF FARM

Registered 1987 Location: New Hope Rd., Register Historic Significance: Person, Architecture/Engineering, Italianate built by Edward Ringwald Historic Person: Olliff,William W. “Bill” Area of Significance: Agriculture, Architecture, Transportation, Commerce Period of Significance: 1850-1874, 1875-1899 Historic Function: Agriculture/Subsistence, Domestic Historic Sub-function: Agricultural outbuildings, processing, single dwelling, storage

SCOTT BRYANT/staff

A 120-year-old smokehouse on the Alderman Farm bears the mark of a Centennial Heritage Farm Award from the Historic Preservation Division of the Georgia Department of Resources.

4 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Statesboro herald â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Sunday, February 23, 2014 | statesboroherald.com

community pride 2014

Agriculture

Fun on Farm Heritage Day Photos by Scott Bryant/staff Held Saturday, Sept. 21, the Farm Heritage Day Festival at Hunter Cattle Company near Stilson played host to thousands who came to get a taste of a working farm. Farm owner Del Ferguson started the event three years ago and says he truly is amazed at how quickly it has grown. "This is our third year, and we have gone from a few hundred to a few thousand," he said. "People really seem to enjoy spending a day out on a farm. The kids love the animals, to run and play, and just enjoy themselves. It is rewardSCOTT BRYANT/staff ing to watch people havWhile cozying up on hay bales, Mike Mayne of Savannah shares a hamburger with wife Brandy and daughter Riley, 1, during the 2013 Farm Heritage Day ing such a good time." Festival at Hunter Cattle Company.

Left, after serving food as a volunteer at the Farm Heritage Day Festival, Winona Smith, left, enjoys some fishing and conversation with Mikey Bercovitz. Above, Farm Heritage Day attendees climb on board a tractor-pulled trailer for a tour of the working farm at Hunter Cattle Company. Below left, while burgers and sausage made from Hunter Cattle grass-fed beef cook behind them, Kennedy Devose, 8, and mom Dina, right, of Savannah enjoy the fresh country air during Farm Heritage Day. Below right, Thomas Lanier, 13, ducks as a guinea fowl takes off from a fence. Visitors to Hunter Cattle Company's Farm Heritage Day Festival got up-close-and-personal looks of various farm animals.

community pride 2014

statesboroherald.com | Statesboro herald — Sunday, February 23, 2014 – 5

Agriculture

Promoting area exports International agribusiness event included Claxton tour visits By AL HACKLE Herald Writer

CLAXTON — Truckloads of Claxton Fruitcake go to Canada, but the company’s owners would like to expand exports to Europe and other regions. Another Evans County business, Wilbanks Apiaries, already exports bees around the world. Statewide and international participants in an agribusiness tour in September visited both places before heading to Toombs County to tour the Vidalia Onion Museum and other onion-related sites. The tour vans also passed through Tattnall County for a visit to Mascot Pecan Co. in Glennville. About 20 people took the tour, which was a prelude to the International Agribusiness Conference and Expo being held Wednesday and today in Savannah. That event, hosted by the University of Georgia and Georgia Southern University, registered about 200 par ticipants. Promoting exports of Georgia’s farm-based products is the goal, said Lannie Lanier, a former Southeast District director of the UGA Cooperative Extension Service and now its special projects coordinator. “We want to plant some seeds in people’s minds to get them producing for export because less than an hour away will be potentially the largest export market in the nation, right here at our doorstep. We need to use it,” Lanier said. He and Curtis Woody, the director of GSU’s Center for Professional Development, are chairing the conference. The idea for the first-time cooperative effort, Lanier said, came from a suggestion by Sen. Jack Hill, R-Reidsville, that the universities should promote exports to take advantage of the planned deepening of Savannah’s harbor. The federally authorized project will enable the port to accommodate larger ships. These ships are expected to pass through the Panama Canal after the canal’s own expansion is complete, projected for

ing with its processors to have the corn syrup replaced with sucrose, which would clear EU regulations, Parker said. Claxton Bakery also has a contracted food lab working on preservatives for a longer shelf-life version of the cake that might be exported to the Middle East.

Wilbanks Apiaries

AL HACKLE/staff

Paula Parker Claxton, center, part of the third generation of the Parker family involved in the Claxton Fruitcake business, rings up sales to participants in the Agribusiness Conference & Expo tour. Members of the tour received free samples on their visit to Claxton Bakery Inc., but some wanted more for the road. 2015. Lanier cited speculation about what could happen to the port of Savannah. “Savannah is poised to be the No. 1 port in the nation in less than 10 years, and the question is how do we get ready for that,” he said. Gov. Nathan Deal was keynote speaker Wednesday afternoon during the conference at the Savannah International Trade & Convention Center. A reception Wednesday evening gave Georgia business people a chance to meet diplomats and trade representatives from at least nine foreign countries.

Claxton Fruitcake But the previous day, a bit of the convention came to Claxton, where familyowned businesses are already involved in international trade. While waiting for the tour vans to arrive, Dale Parker, vice president of Claxton Bakery Inc., received updates about a truck on its way to carry a

load of the company’s famous fruitcakes to Toronto. “Through the years, the business has undergone a great deal of change,” Parker said, talking about his family’s 103-year-old brand. Italian immigrant Savino G. Tos established a general-purpose bakery in Claxton in 1910. Tos later built a movie theater next door, and eventually owned a small chain of theaters in the area. Meanwhile, an 11-yearold boy named Albert Parker went to work for Tos at the bakery in 1927. In 1945, Parker bought the business and decided to specialize in fruitcakes. That year, the bakery produced 40,000 pounds of fruitcake. As the late Albert Parker’s son Dale explains, the company’s break came in the early 1950s with a deal to supply Claxton Fruitcake to Civitan International clubs for use in their fundraising efforts.

Fundraising remains part, but a smaller part, of Claxton Bakery’s business. In recent years, more of the fruitcakes have been distributed through supermarket chains, including Walmart and Kroger. The owners have also worked to develop a retail mail order business. The Internet has been a great tool for this, Parker said. In another development of recent years, he often appears live on the TV shopping channel QVC to sell Claxton Fruitcake during the holiday season. Claxton Bakery Inc. now produces about 5.5 million pounds of fruitcake each year. But it remains both a family business and a seasonal one. The bakery employs about 100 people for seasonal fruitcake production from the day after Labor Day through midDecember, but only about 15 people, including family members, in the off-season. More of an international market could allow the company to expand beyond

the seasonal American appetite for fruitcake and make fuller use of the company’s equipment, Parker said. “We would love to develop a more aggressive international sales program. ...,” he said. “But outside of North America, we don’t have a very strong presence. We feel like we’ve got a product that would be very conducive to sales, particularly in the European countries, but we do have some stumbling points, so we’ve go to hurdle those issues.” European Union restrictions on genetically modified organisms are one obstacle, he said, because of the presence of corn syrup in Claxton Fruitcake. Some American corn is grown from genetically modified seed. The bakery does not add corn syrup to the cake, but the syrup is used in processing the candied cherries and pineapple, which Claxton Bakery buys already processed. So the company is work-

Meanwhile, Wilbanks Apiaries, which appears on a Georgia Department of Agriculture list of the state’s five largest beekeeping operations, has been exporting bees since the 1980s. “Our bees are shipped worldwide, and they’ve also appeared in movies,” company President Reg Wilbanks told the tour group. “If you’ve ever seen the movie ‘Fried Green Tomatoes,’ those are my bees and honey, and the movie ‘The War’ with Kevin Costner, I furnished those bees for that movie as well.” Starting in northern Georgia with a wedding gift of four beehives from his great-grandfather to his grandfather, the Wilbankses are now into their fifth or sixth generation as beekeepers. They relocated to Evans County in 1948. Today, the company maintains more than 6,000 full-size hives and 15,000 nuclei for producing queen bees, nestled on farms across six counties. Their main business is neither honey production nor pollination, but raising queens — about 60,000 each year — and 2- to 4-pound packages of worker bees — between 15,000 and 20,000 boxes annually — as stock for other beekeepers. Wilbanks showed visitors a decorative wall papyrus received from grateful Egyptian customers and mentioned past air shipments to Jordan and Kuwait. Bees, being fragile and needing to arrive quickly, are usually transported by mail, parcel service or air, he said. Claxton’s largest industry, an exporter of frozen chicken, is represented at the conference. Claxton Poultry President Jerry Lane is scheduled to speak today as part of a panel of food exporters offering advice and observations.

Hunter Cattle featured on ‘Georgia Traveler’ premiere By LYNN LILLY Special to the Herald

2013's seventh season of “Georgia Traveler” was farm fresh and tasty. That’s because the popular Georgia Public Broadcasting show spotlighted Bulloch County’s Hunter Cattle Company in its premiere episode, “Speed and Feed." Show co-host David Zelski and the ‘Georgia Traveler’ crew spent a day with Del and Debra Ferguson on their 450-acre farm place in August to give viewers a glimpse of the farming, feasting and fun times visitors can find there. "The family-run Hunter Cattle Company offers a one of a kind adventure,” Zelski raved. “Where else can you experience the life of a farmer, eat like a king and spend the night in a beautifully restored barn

loft with four-star amenities? I know I'll be back and, next time, I'm bringing my family." Most of Statesboro is familiar with the grass-fed beef, pastured pork, and free-range poultry from the farm. It’s available every week at the Mainstreet Statesboro Farmers Market and on the menu at some of the city’s best restaurants. ‘Georgia Traveler’ takes us out to wander the fields and barns and experience life that much of America has forgotten. The crew wasn’t afraid to have an “up close and personal” farm experience, either. “From the cameramen getting bogged down in the middle of a pasture to David Zelski willing to get his hands into anything, it was such an enjoyable experience,” said Kristen Ferguson, a daughter who

works the farm with her parents. “We’re excited to see how they highlight the farm and show people just a piece of what Bulloch county has to offer.” Hunter Cattle is already a popular destination for tourists seeking an authentic rural experience, reminiscent of simpler times.

Rocking chairs on the porch of Moo Ma’s Store invite visitors to enjoy the view before coming inside the rustic shop for Hunter Cattle meats and other delights. Cozy barn lofts and pioneer camping areas are available for overnight stays, with the option of a wake-up call for farm

work. Family-friendly public events are a particular tourism draw. In September, 5,000 people came out for the Farm Heritage Day Festival to enjoy hay rides and pond fishing, beekeeping and blacksmithing demonstrations, not to mention tasting samples of the farm’s

bounty. Darin Van Tassell, the vice president of the Statesboro Convention and Visitors Bureau, explained the impact of the “Georgia Traveler” spotlight. “The ‘wow factor’ at Hunter Cattle is sure to increase tourism for southeast Georgia,” he said. "What a hidden gem! It rushes right past the traditional B&B by also offering a unique hands-on experience at the farm.” “Agritourism is one of the fastest growing areas of tourism interest,” added Heidi Jeffers, the executive director of the Statesboro Convention and Visitors Bureau. “‘Georgia Traveler’ is supported by the Tourism Division of the Georgia Department of Economic Development, and we appreciate our partnership with them and all it brings to the community.”

community pride 2014

6 – Statesboro herald — Sunday, February 23, 2014 | statesboroherald.com

Agriculture

Products a tribute to farm life GSU grad starts her own line of clothing By AL HACKLE ahackle@statesboroherald.com

Nuts & Bolls Clothing. Find it at www.nutsandbollsclothing.com. You may need to do a doubletake, no bolts about it. A tribute to farm life, the name describes a logo of a peanut, an ampersand and a cotton boll appearing on T-shirts, caps and other items. Meagan Williams launched her home-based business on the Internet in 2013 and has already gained a toehold in some brick-and-mortar stores. Nuts & Bolls is also an example of a business committed to a purpose beyond just making money for its owner. A 23-yearold with a master’s in accounting from Georgia Southern University — and before that a BBA from Georgia Southern and an associate’s degree in business from East Georgia College — lives in Swainsboro near the farm where she grew up. “I just feel like God gives everybody a passion, and I feel like what he makes you passionate about is your job on earth,” Williams said. “Obviously

I’m passionate about agriculture. Agriculture is important to me. I realize that farming is the backbone of our nation, and a lot of people don’t realize that.” She chose peanuts and cotton as emblems of an agricultural heritage movement she wants to foster. They are the main crops grown by her father, Darrell Williams, and her brother, Josh. She and her mother, Tracy, make most of the items Nuts & Bolls sells. They screen print the T-shirts, including the regular ones in solid colors with the Nuts & Bolls logo, as well as a “Gone Huntin’” variation in camouflage and a kids wear collection. They also cut and sew the bowties, which sport cotton and peanut icons but no ampersands. Williams

custom ordered that pattern from a fabric supplier. They even make the Nuts & Bolls koozies – in other words, can cozies — and tote bags. The caps and dog collars are outsourced. Williams has pledged 10 percent of her profits to the Georgia FFA Foundation, also based in Swainsboro. What was once known as the Future Farmers of America is now the National FFA Organization, but still promotes agricultural education and leadership development through chapters in schools. Williams was an FFA member at Swainsboro High. “I chose the Georgia FFA Foundation because I just feel like agricultural education is vital,” she said. “Agriculture is the backbone of our nation, and we

Firms hired to design ag arena By HOLLI DEAL BRAGG hbragg@statesboroherald.com

In January, Bulloch County commissioners voted to hire two firms to perform design studies on a proposed agricultural center and a new county annex building. The design studies would begin immediately, Bulloch County Manager Tom Couch said. Populous Inc., of Knoxville, Tenn., will begin crafting a design proposal for a 50,000-square-foot “mixed use, open sided” agricultural arena which will be multipurpose. Plans for the arena, to be built next to the Bulloch County Center for Agriculture on Langston Chapel Road, have been in the works for about 14 years. When the original proposal came about, commissioners then were met with some public concern about $6.1 million in Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax set aside for what some called a “horse arena.”Commissioners clarified then that the arena would not only serve the equine sector, but would be used for trade shows, livestock events, car, truck and boat shows, industrial expositions, concerts, farmer’s markets and more. Couch said nine firms applied for the project, and three were interviewed by a committee of county employees, with “input from (commissioners) Walter Gibson and Roy Thompson.” The group recommended Populous Inc. for the arena design and local business Palmer Architects to design the county annex. According to a memo to Couch from Bulloch County Parks and Recreation Director Mike Rollins, who was on the committee, Populous will “negotiate a contract for the first phase” of the arena construction if the commission is pleased with the design study, which will cost county tax-

payers $52,270 plus reimbursable expenses such as travel, lodging and meals. The arena is to include minimum seating, restrooms, concession areas, parking, exhibit space and stalls. The project may take longer to complete than the annex design because of wetlands and space limitations at the Langston Chapel Road property, Couch said. Ten firms applied for the county annex project, which will be constructed on North Main Street property across the street from the current county annex building. Four firms were interviewed, and the committee agreed on Palmer Architects to conduct a design study on a 10,000-square-foot office, with plans for an additional 20,000-square-foot construction in the future, according to information from county commissioner agenda packets. Commissioners agreed to pay Palmer Architects $37,500 for the design study. Both Populous and Palmer Architects will “do a longterm master plan for the sites and develop a construction

program for the initial stages,” Couch said. “If we are pleased with their work, we will in all likelihood offer them a contract for full design. Predesign should take two to three months because the firms have to consult users as well as staff and commissioners. “ Out of the original $6.1 million in 2007 SPLOST funds set aside for the arena project, only $4.1 million is left. The original sum was “in the referendum, but only about 90-92 percent of the total 2002 SPLOST came in because the local economy didn't fully recover until 2005-06,” he said. Expenses for the current agricultural office complex, (Bulloch County Center for Agriculture), as well as a road connecting U.S. Highway 301 South and Langston Chapel Road, were deducted from the original sum, as were expenses for previous feasibility studies conducted in prior years and fees for “Hussey, Gay, Bell and DeYoung and other consultants drawing up plans” with estimates that far exceeded budgeted funds, Couch said.

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need to expose students at a young age to agriculture. … But it’s not all about agriWilliams culture. It’s about leadership. It’s about values. It’s just a good organization that teaches a lot of life skills. It’s just important to instill morals and values, leadership, hard work.” Katrina Jones, executive director of the Georgia FFA Foundation, confirmed that Williams recently sent in Nuts & Bolls’ first monthly pledge check. The Georgia FFA Foundation provides cash awards for FFA students statewide and also funds state winners’ trips to national competitions.

Awards in 130 different programs total almost $500,000 a year, Jones said. Some larger, long-established businesses, such as Georgia’s Electric Membership Corporations, are also regular contributors. Internet sales during Nuts & Bolls first six weeks have exceeded Williams’ expectations, she said. She has filled some orders from outside Georgia, although most have been in-state. She has also moved products through two retailers — Roche Farm & Garden in Dublin and Bella’s Boutique in Bainbridge – and is adding Lasseter Implement Co. in Lyons this week. Bella’s Boutique contacted her. But Williams is reaching out to agricultural retailers such as Roche and Lasseter. She wants to

expand her sales in this way. But she also has a fulltime accounting job with an established business, and plans to keep her day job. So how did she get started with an Internet business? Williams cleared her domain name through Domain.com and built her own website through the web hosting service Go Daddy. Using a company Go Daddy recommended, she set up a merchant account so that Nuts & Bolls can accept credit and debit card payments online, without the need of working through PayPal. A Facebook page, available free to businesses, has been one of her main ways of getting Nuts & Bolls Clothing noticed. The other has been by word of mouth. Friends and relatives have gotten noticed, and noticed other customers, wearing her caps and T-shirts at places such as the Georgia National Fair in Perry. Many things seem to have fallen into place, but not without plenty of determination, and long hours, such as those spent on the phone with Go Daddy tech support. “I could have got frustrated and said ‘I give up’ and quit, but you don’t need to do that,” Williams said. “You need to push on. You need to get the answers. You need to keep doing everything within your power to bring your mission to life.”

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community pride 2014

statesboroherald.com | Statesboro herald — Sunday, February 23, 2014 – 7

Agriculture

Bulloch County Farm Gate Values 2012 AGRITOURISM ➤ Camping - 15,500 acres: annual value $651,000. ➤ Equestrian trail rides – 1,500 acres: annual value – $30,000 ➤ Fishing – 8500 acres: annual value - $212,500. ➤ Guide Services – 800 acres: annual value $380,000. ➤ Hayrides – 2000 acres: annual value - $24,000. ➤ School tours – 9,220 acres; annual value - $46,100. ➤ Special attractions, exhibits – 750 acres; annual value - $4,500. ➤ Special event, shows, festivals – 1,400 acres: annual value – $7,000. Total annual – $1,355,100

FORESTRY and RELATED PRODUCTS ➤ Christmas trees – 10 acres: annual value - $70,000. ➤ Pine straw – 23,500 acres; annual value - $2,115,000. ➤ Timber – one acre; annual value - $6,891,000. Total annual value – $9,076,000.

FRUITS AND NUTS ➤ Blackberries - one acre; annual value - $9,280. ➤ Grapes – 28.5 acres; annual value - $67,402.50.

➤ Grapes (wine, juice) – 18 acres: annual value -$86,067. ➤ Peaches – 20 acres; annual value - $68,000. ➤ Pecans – 3,025 aces; annual value - $5,553,900. ➤ Strawberries – two acres; annual value $64,000. Total annual value $5,848,649.50.

LIVESTOCK AND AQUACULTURE ➤ Beef cattle (finished outside county) – 300 head; annual value - $184,500. ➤ Beef cows – 12,500 head; annual value $45,835,937.50. ➤ Beef stockers – 350 head; annual value - $162,750. ➤ Catfish – five pond acres: annual value - $11,500. ➤ Goats – 2,400 nannies; annual value - $300,000. ➤ Honeybees, colony rental – 380 colonies: annual value - $25,840. ➤ Honeybees , honey production- 755 colonies; annual value - $86,070. ➤ Honeybees, other – one colony: annual value – $128,000. ➤ Horses (boarding, training, breeding) – 1,620 head: annual value - $5,670,000. ➤ Horses raised – 420 head:

annual value - $924,000. ➤ Pork, farrow to finish – 800 head: annual value $1,602,594. ➤ Pork, finishing – 1,100 pounds: annual; value $1,234,926. ➤ Quail – 75,000 birds; annual value - $262,500. ➤ Sheep – 125 ewes: annual value - $23,437.50. Total annual value $14,849,461.

ORNAMENTAL HORTICULTURE ➤ Container Nursery – 36 acres: annual value $1,296,000. ➤ Field Nursery – 32 acres: annual value - $256,000.

➤ Turkey hunting leases – 99,500 acres: annual value – $247,750. Total annual value $10,546,509.97.

POULTRY AND EGGS ➤ Broiler/grower – 26,000 birds: annual value$1,638,973.44. ➤ Broiler/integrator – 26,000 birds: annual value $13,658,112. Total annual value – $15,297,085.44

ROW AND FORAGE CROPS ➤ Hay – 3,600 acres: annual value - $630,000. ➤ Oats – 300 acres: annual value - $55,650.

➤ Greenhouse – 230,000 square feet; annual value $2,760,000.

➤ Barley – 12 acres: annual value- $2,736.

➤ Turf grass – 1,600 acres: annual value - $6,160,000.

➤ Peanuts – 21,134 acres: annual value - $26,100,490.

Total annual value – $10,472,000.

➤ Rye – 1,200 acres: annual value - $636,000.

OTHER ➤ Crop insurance: annual value $481,778. ➤ Government payments: $5,955,481.97. ➤ Deer hunting leases275,000 acres: annual value $3,850,000. ➤ Duck hunting leases – 210 acres: annual value $10,500.

➤ Sorghum – 72 acres; annual value - $63,180. ➤ Soybeans – 11,093 acres: annual value - $5,848,784.25. ➤ Straw (wheat and rye) – 2,200 acres: annual value $412,500.

Total annual value – $94,223,407.15.

VEGETABLES

bareground, irrigated – eight acres: annual value $462,400.

➤ Cabbage, fall harvest, bareground, irrigated – 3.25 acres: annual value - $14,625.

➤ Turnip greens, fall harvest, bareground, dryland – eight acres: annual value – $4,800.

➤ Cantaloupe, spring harvest, plastic, other – 120 acres: annual value $512,800.

➤ Turnip greens, fall harvest, bareground, irrigated – 8.75 acres: annual value $4,593.75.

➤ Carrots, spring harvest, bareground, irrigated – 720 aces: annual value $4,158,000.

➤ Turnip greens, spring harvest, bareground, dry land – 3.50 acres: annual value – $3,920.

➤ Collards, spring harvest, bareground, dryland – 22 acres: annual value - $52,470.

➤ Turnip greens, spring harvest, bareground, irrigated – four acres: annual value – $9,240.

➤ Greenhouse vegetables produced for sale – 30,000 square feet: annual value – $195,000.

➤ Turnip roots, fall harvest, bareground, dry land – 3.50 acres: annual value $6,956.25.

➤ Okra, fall harvest, bareground, irrigated - 5.20 acres: annual value - $11,440.

➤ Watermelon, spring harvest, bareground, irrigated – 120 acres: annual value $921,600.

➤ Okra, spring harvest, bareground, irrigated - 5.10 acres: annual value - $31,416. ➤ Onions, spring harvest, bareground, irrigated- 670 acres: annual value – $8,474,160. ➤ Sweet corn, fall harvest, bareground, dryland – 52 acres: annual value – $72,072.

➤ Tobacco – 19 acres: annual value - $76,532.

➤ Sweet corn, fall harvest, bareground, irrigated – 310 acres: annual value – $780,425.

➤ Wheat – 2,888 acres: annual value - $1,033,037.60.

➤ Tomatoes, fall harvest,

➤ Watermelon, spring harvest, plastic, other – 275 acres: annual value – $1,760,000. ➤ Watermelon, spring harvest, plastic, drip – 80 acres: annual value – $768,000. ➤ Yellow squash, fall harvest, bareground, irrigated – four acres: annual value $6,336. Total annual value – $17,880,074. Total reported farm gate value for Bulloch County in 2012: $179,548,287.06

We Consider It A Privilege To Continue To Serve Your Agricultural Needs.

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community pride 2014

8 – Statesboro herald — Sunday, February 23, 2014 | statesboroherald.com

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2014 Community

Pride Pride

Education

Georgia Southern adds students, high-tech buildings

community pride 2014

2 — Statesboro herald — Sunday, February 23, 2014 | statesboroherald.com

Education 2014 Spelling Bee Winner

Bulloch schools excel Students, teachers rack up a number of achievements Brooklet Elementary School

➤ Mascot: Yellow Jackets ➤ Principal: Marlin Baker ➤ Assistant Principal: Christy Inman ➤ School Achievements: ▲ Designated as a “Reward School” by the Georgia Department of Education for being designated as one of the 78 “Highest Performing” Schools in the state. ▲ Voted best public school SCOTT BRYANT/file in “Best of the Boro.” While Mattie Lively Elementary School fifth-grader ▲ Hosted 18th Annual Michael Austin, 10, was calm, cool, and collected on his Pumpkin Parade for the way to winning Bulloch County Schools Spelling Bee at Brooklet community. ▲ Math Team captured Southeast Bulloch High, he breaks out in a big grin after first place overall in the Penny learning that a $100 prize came with the trophy. Austin Sikes Mathematics spelled the words " armistice" and "tomahawk" to take the Tournament. title on Feb. 3. ▲ Fischer Hill and Lillian Edwards placed third in the Bulloch County Young Georgia Authors Contest. ▲ Thirty-eight art students were selected to display artwork at the Averitt Center for the Arts throughout December 2013. ▲ Lillian Edwards and Cristally Lopez were selected to represent the school in the Georgia Southern University Art Extravaganza. Their artwork will be on display at the College of Education through fall 2014. ▲ Four students placed in the 2014 Bulloch County Regional Student Technology Fair. Collin Cai placed first in 3-D Modeling. Madison Patrick placed third in Digital Photography. Will Shaver SCOTT BRYANT/file and Jordan Foss placed secJulia P. Bryant Elementary School fifth-grader Gabe ond in Video Production. ▲ Mrs. Christie Erickson, Scott, 10, celebrates after correctly spelling the word "reacMrs. Pam Lamb, Mrs. Melissa tionary" to win the Bulloch County Schools annual spelling Murphy, Mrs. Alina Odom bee at the Statesboro High School auditorium in February and Mrs. Debbie Waters 2013. received a Foundation for

2013 Spelling Bee Winner

for the 2014-2015 School Year

A Royal Serenade

SCOTT BRYANT/file

During a promotional visit, Sallie Zetterower Elementary School fifth-grader Jenna Henley, 11, bottom left, gets serenaded on her birthday by Princess Aurora, played by Tori Tindall, 16, center left, and other cast members of Statesboro High's production of "Sleeping Beauty" in March 2013. Public School Education in Bulloch County Mini-Grant. The grant funded the unique Winter Wonderland for the school’s kindergartners. ▲ Fifth-grader Kai Owens started “Kai’s Comforts” to assist other visually impaired young people like himself.

Julia P. Bryant Elementary School ➤ Mascot: Bears ➤ Principal: Nathan Pennington ➤ Assistant Principal: Michelle Curtis and Laurie Mascolo (half-time) ➤ School Achievements: ▲ Gabe Scott, a 10-yearold, fifth-grade student, won the 2013 Bulloch County Spelling Bee. ▲ Hosted “Run with the Bears,” a 5k race fundraiser for the school. ▲ Hosted the fourth annual Bulloch County Regional Student Technology Fair. Received a Freedom Shrine from the Statesboro Exchange Club. ▲ Principal Nate Pennington participated in the 2013 Dancing with the Statesboro Stars to benefit Safe Haven. The event raised more than $80,000.

Langston Chapel Elementary School

“I have been at Trinity Christian School since I was in kindergarten, and I have loved it ever since I started. I love the way that Trinity makes everyone feel welcome and like part of one big family. Trinity is very academically challenging, but I am very thankful, because I know it is preparing me well for college. I have had many great opportunities at Trinity, such as playing basketball, softball, and volleyball, being on the math team, and taking field trips around the United States and to Europe. I especially love that I have been taught about God every day and have been taught how to love Him better. I feel that it is very important to have a solid foundation in Christ, and Trinity gives students this solid foundation. I am thankful that Trinity has been such a huge part of my life and I wouldn’t trade the past 13 years for anything.”

Marijke Griffin • Class of 2014

• K4 - 12th Grade • Accredited by the Georgia Accrediting Commission • Above State and National averages in SAT scores • Brand New Athletic Facility & Science Labs • 1st - 8th Grade scored 90% or better on ITBS the last 3 years

• Kindergarten consistently scores in the 99% on ITBS • Half-Day Pre-K from 8:30am - 12:00pm • College Preparatory with Dual Enrollment Options • Bible taught at all grade levels • AP classes in Calculus, English Literature and Composition, Physics, and U.S. History

Trinity Christian School • 571 East Main Street Statesboro, GA 30461 • 912.489.1375

Visit us on the web at www.tcsstatesboro.com

➤ Mascot: Langston the Lion ➤ Principal: Dr. Karen Doty ➤ Assistant Principal: Justin Chester ➤ School Achievements: ▲ Music teacher Cindy Strickland art teacher Whitney Greene partnered for a fourth-grade Black History Month project. Strickland created 22 different packets, each with biographical information on an African-American musician, including pictures and song styles for which the artists were known. Students then gathered in small groups to read about and to formulate a pleasing and artistically creative poster displaying what they learned about the musicians. The finished pieces were discussed in music class and then displayed in the halls. ▲ Hosted annual Real Men Read event to encourage literacy. ▲ Talette Tootle’s class continued its annual holiday tradition of making cards for residents of Ogeechee Area Hospice. ▲ 2014 Bulloch County Regional Student Technology Fair winners: Lilly Lovell and Trinity Adams (first place, Case Modification); Matthew Perry (first place, Robotics); Brianna Sipp and Nicole Riggs (second place, Web 2.0). ▲ Jesse Tu won first place in the Penny Sikes fifth grade math individual competition, and he won the fifth-grade division of the 2013 Archibald Bulloch Chapter, National Society Daughters of the American Revolution American History Essay Contest. ▲ Photography and other artwork were displayed in the Averitt Center. ▲ Several musical programs were conducted by music Cindy Strickland.

▲ Provided Cub Club, an after-school tutoring program for kindergarten through second-grade students, which is funded by a 21st Century Communities Learning Centers Grant. ▲ Provided Lion’s Den, an after-school tutoring program for third- through fifth-grade students, which is funded by Title I money. Raised $5,000 for Relay for Life with school events, such as the Mother/Son Father/Daughter Sweetheart Dance. ▲ Georgia Leadership Institute for School Improvement Team: Justin Chester, Irina Bowen, Amanda Cain, Lacie Donaldson. ▲ Partnered with Georgia Southern University’s College of Education. ▲ Partnered with Vaden Nissan and Averitt Center for the Arts for a student recognition program. ▲ Partnered with the Boys & Girls Club of Bulloch County, Statesboro-Bulloch Parks and Recreation Department, Statesboro Service League, Statesboro Lions Club, Wal-Mart Distribution Center, Bulloch County Health Department, Dental Van and Pilot Club of Statesboro to provide services to children.

Mattie Lively Elementary School ➤ Mascot: Eagles ➤ Principal: Todd Williford ➤ Assistant Principal: Dr. Carolyn Vasilatos ➤ School Achievements: ▲ The board approved Todd Williford as the new principal. ▲ Hosted the annual Fifth Grade Wax Museum for all students to encourage an interest in local and national historical figures and famous people who’ve shaped our country. ▲ Hosted the annual Joint Meeting of School Councils and the Bulloch County Board of Education. ▲ Michael Austin, a fifthgrade student, was the 2014 Bulloch County Spelling Bee Champion.

Mill Creek Elementary School ➤ Mascot: Mustangs ➤ Principal: Patrick Hill ➤ Assistant Principal: Debra Minick ➤ School Achievements: ▲ Caleb Morgan, a fourthgrade student, was selected to feature his artwork entitled, “A Warm & Neutral Blast,” exhibited in Southern’s Art Extravaganza at Georgia Southern University. The exhibit features artwork from kindergarten through 12thgrade students. The exhibit is housed on the second floor of the College of Education throughout the school year. ▲ Hosted the Ninth Annual Veterans Day Parade and Luncheon for the community. ▲ First grade collected more than 100 canned goods for the 100th day of school. The canned goods were donated to the food bank. ▲ Conducted a Father Daughter Dance and Mother Son Game Night, where proceeds benefitted Relay for

Life. ▲ Conducted an annual talent showcase that benefits the Muscular Dystrophy Association and former student A.J. Scott. ▲ Counselor Dawn Beck was honored as Teacher of the Year. ▲ Loletta Harrison was honored as Support Staff person of the Year. ▲ Crystal Thomas was honored as Paraprofessional of the Year. ▲ Ian McClendon was honored in spring 2013 with the Scholastic Achievement Award, which is presented to the fifth-grade student with the highest grade point average. ▲ Ciaja Wallace was honored as All Star Reader with the most Accelerated Reader points accumulated in the 2012-13 school year.

Nevils Elementary School

➤ Mascot: Junior Jackets ➤ Principal: Julie Blackmar ➤ Assistant Principal: Stephen Hoyle (half-time) ➤ School Achievements: ▲ Hosted annual Patriot Day celebration for veterans, for active duty military and public safety personnel. ▲ Second-highest fundraising school for the American Diabetes Association’s annual Kiss-A-Pig Campaign.

Portal Elementary

➤ Mascot: Panther ➤ Principal: Paul Hudson ➤ Assistant Principal: Laurie Mascolo (half-time) ➤ School Achievements: ▲ Hosted annual Veterans Day Musical Program for community. ▲ Students participated in the 2014 Bulloch County Regional Student Technology Fair: 3D Modeling — 3/4, Sam McNure (second place), Jozie Motes (third place); 5/6 Chan Deal (second place), Mason Carr (third place). Animated Graphics — 3/4 Haven Sawyer (first place), Emma Yates (second place); 5/6 Reid Thompson (third place); Multimedia Applications — 3/4 Abigail Scarborough (first place), Karly Lord (third place); 5/6 Brianna Aldrich (first place); Non-Animated Graphics — 3/4 Sierra Clifton (first place), Delaney Davis (second place), Katie Bonnette (third place); 5/6 Maggie Freel and Abigail Lorden (first place), Lena Dixon (third place); Web 2.0 — 5/6 Ashleigh Baxley and Katelyn Hudson (third place). ▲ A team of fifth-grade students participated in the Battle of the Books competition and placed first overall. ▲ A Reading Make and Take Event was held for students and parents in December. The event was to encourage parents to read with their children at home. ▲ All students participated in a bullying prevention assembly presented by Eddie Lott. The program helped students learn that they can prevent other students from being bullied.

Sallie Zetterower Elementary School

➤ Mascot: Cardinal ➤ Principal: Julie Mizell ➤ Assistant Principal: Hope Sumner ➤ School Achievements: ▲ The board approved Julie Mizell as the new principal. ▲ Lauren Jung was first runner-up in the 2013 Bulloch County Spelling Bee. ▲ Khristian Clark and Kellen Daly participated in the local Punt, Pass and Kick Competition, and both advanced to sectionals. They both finished in the top four of their age divisions and qualified to advance to the Georgia Dome to take on qualifiers from eight other sectional competitions in Georgia, South Carolina and Alabama. ▲ Top fundraising school for the American Diabetes Association’s annual Kiss-APig Campaign.

community pride 2014

statesboroherald.com | Statesboro herald — Sunday, February 23, 2014 — 3

Education Teacher of the Year

Stilson Elementary School ➤ Mascot: Stingers ➤ Principal: Pam Goodman ➤ Assistant Principal: Stephen Hoyle (half-time) ➤ School Achievements: ▲ Hosted Family Night Art Show. ▲ Aubrey Miller showed a Murray Grey Heifer in the Georgia Junior National Livestock Show in Perry, and won his class. His heifer was selected as the Reserve Grand Champion Other Breeds Exhibitor.

Langston Chapel Middle School ➤ Mascot: Blue Devils ➤ Principal: Dr. E. Bonnie

Gamble ➤ Assistant Principal: Chad Prosser ➤ School Achievements: ▲ Eighth-grade teacher Jamelleh Coes was named the 2014 Bulloch County Teacher of the Year and 2014 Georgia Teacher of the Year. ▲ Music/Choral Teacher Lawanda Allen was named the 2015 Bulloch County Teacher of the Year. ▲ Held its third annual Black History Month program titled “Rooted in the Past; Growing Toward the Future.” Presented during a series of grade-level assemblies, the program featured interpretive dance pieces that showcased the history of gospel music. Students also viewed a multimedia presentation about black people who had contributed significantly to America’s history. The program ended with a short play titled “Invention Connection,” which heralded the accomplishments of black inventors. ▲ The following students were selected for the Georgia Music Educators Association (GMEA) District Honor Band: Tyler Campbell, baritone; Nico Robles, baritone; Tyler Middleton, tuba; Chandler Presley, percussion; and Robert Lloyd, percussion. Tyler Middleton and Robert Lloyd received first chair, which means they scored the highest in the audition for

SCOTT BRYANT/file

Langston Chapel Middle School teacher Jemelleh Coes gets miked up while addressing the local news media after winning the Georgia Teacher of the Year award in May 2013. She had been named Bulloch County Teacher of the Year in October 2012. their instruments. ▲ Robert Lloyd was selected for the Georgia Music Educators Association AllState Band for second chair percussion. This is the first time that LCMS has had a seventh-grade student selected for All-State Band. ▲ Hosted Langston Chapel Middle School Day at the Main Street Farmers Market to showcase our school. ▲ The Lady Devils were Coastal Empire Region Championship runners-up after losing to Richmond Hill in the championship game. The Lady Devils advanced to the championships for the first time since 2008. ▲ The girls golf team was awarded a $600 grant from the Georgia Women’s Golf Association. Coach Debbie Sarratt will use the grant to buy golf bags for the girls and to pay for golf lessons provided by PGA professional Drew Pittman. ▲ Students competed in the Bulloch County Regional Student Technology Fair. Two students will advance to the State Technology Fair: Sixth-

Celebrating Black History

Band members: Marielle Anduyan, percussion; Katherine Barrs, alto sax. These students were chosen through a rigorous audition to perform with the best players in our area. ▲ Langston Chapel Symphonic Band received straight superior ratings at GMEA Large Group Performance Evaluation. ▲ Band director Holly Lloyd is a middle school conductor for the University of North Carolina at Greensboro’s Summer Music Camp. This is one of the largest summer music camps in America. ▲ Band performed in the Kiwanis Ogeechee Fair Parade. ▲ Chorus received superior ratings for its performance at the GMEA Large Group Performance Evaluation. ▲ The following students auditioned and were accepted to participate in the GMEA District Honor Chorus: Morgan Bratton, Shyanne Finch, Daiyonah Jackson, Sheridan King, Hannah Roberts, Acacia Sample, Carlie Dea, Kenya Holly, Marquita Roberts, Jessamy Saxon and De’zha Subero.

Southeast Bulloch Middle School ➤ Mascot: Yellow Jackets ➤ Principal: Milton Williams ➤ Assistant Principal:

Roger Inman

➤ School Achievements: ▲ Rebecca Ledlow won

SCOTT BRYANT/file

Emija Brewton, 13, right, and classmates perform a praise dance titled "I've Been Changed" during Langston Chapel Middle School's Black History program in February 2013. grader Zane Hawkins won first place in Mobile Apps and first place in Technology Literacy; eighth-grader Austin Seeley won first place in Robotics and second place in Technology Literacy. ▲ For the first time, the school is offering a face-toface high school math course

for eighth-grade students. The course, Accelerated Coordinate Algebra, is taught by Liz Ham and allows students to earn high school credit while in middle school. Seventeen students are enrolled in this course for the 2013-14 school year. ▲ GMEA District Honor

the annual Georgia Municipal Association’s “If I Were Mayor” Essay Contest. She advanced to state after winning the District 12 level of the contest. GMA honored Ledlow and the 11 other district winners, who were chosen from 6,758 won entries statewide. Each district winner received $250 and other prizes, and Ledlow received an additional $250 for being the state winner. This is the second year in a row that a SEBMS student has won the district contest and advanced to state. ▲ The following students finished in the top three of their event categories during

the 2014 Bulloch County Student Technology Fair: Kaleigh Mattos, first place, Digital Photography (advances to state); Hailey Herring, second place Web 2.0 Internet Applications; and Maya Gapac and Layla Martin, third place, Web 2.0 Internet Applications. ▲ The Academic Quiz Bowl Team was a runner-up in the Professional Association of Georgia Educators Academic Quiz Bowl competition. ▲ Jake Baker won first place in the Georgia Council for Economic Education’s Stock Market Game. ▲ Competition Cheerleading Squad won fourth place in the Gamecock Challenge and second place in the Coastal Middle Region Championship. ▲ Teacher Megan Troutt was awarded the Office Max Teacher for a Day award, which included $1,400 worth of supplies. ▲ Trevor Miller and Gage Billingsley participated in the FFA “Life as an American” Essay Contest. ▲ Brianna Ellis was selected for first chair percussion in the Armstrong Atlantic State University Honor Band. She also placed in the Gold Division in the Southeastern United States Honor Band. Johnathon Hurst placed in the Cardinal Division and Avery West placed in the Silver Division of the Southeastern United States Honor Band. ▲ Baseball team advanced to the first round of the region playoffs. ▲ Girls tennis team advanced to the first round of the region playoffs.

William James Middle School ➤ Mascot: Knights ➤ Principal: Mike Yawn ➤ Assistant Principal:

Tony Natson ➤ School Achievements: Thirty female students joined with their peers from across the state to participate in a series of STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) Education Coalition lectures at the

“Challenging, Teaching and Nurturing Tomorrow’s Leaders Today”

Dual Accreditation by the Southern Association of Colleges and School and the Southern Association of Independent Schools (SACS/SAIS); Accredited “with quality” by Georgia Accrediting Commission. All faculty members are fully certified or in the process of certification through the Georgia Professional Standards Commission; 15 have advanced degrees; 27 have 10 or more years of teaching experience.

Exceptional athletic and co-curricular programs for girls & boys 32 varsity and middle school teams; nine parent-sponsored elementary athletic teams. Bulloch Academy competes in the highest level (Class AAA) of the Georgia Independent School Association (GISA). • Multi-purpose building for wrestling, cheerleading and physical edu-Composite ACT score -24.1 (Bulloch County School System average cation classes was 18.4, state average was 20.7, national average was 20.9) • Weight-room expansion; Tennis courts Of the 44-student graduating glass of 2013, most were awarded funds • Archery for middle, elementary and high school to help pay for this post-secondary education. Some of the scholar• Competitive Shooting (Skeet, Trap, Sporting Clays) ships received by BA students were an appointment to the United States Military Academy (West Point), the National Merit Scholarship, Varsity: In the past five years, BA has had seven state championthe Zell Miller Scholarship, the HOPE Scholarship, and academic schol- ships (competition cheerleading, wrestling, girls’ tennis, girls’ and arships to Georgia Southern University, Mercer University and Auburn boys’ track) seven state runners-up (wrestling, shooting sports, girls’ University. Other colleges and universities that graduating seniors are basketball, girls’ and boys’ track, girls’ cross country and competition attending are the University of Georgia, Georgia Tech, Clemson Univer- cheerleading), eight ‘Final Four’ appearances, eight ‘Elite Eight’ apsity, Penn State University, University of Alabama, Georgia College and pearances and won 15 region titles. State University College Preparatory Curriculum • Class of 2013 -Average SAT score-1593 (Bulloch County School System average was 1417, state average was 1452, national average was 1498)

• Five Advanced Placement (AP) courses • Senior-to-Sophomore Program in Pre-Calculus and Calculus • The Bible taught in Upper School Literature classes • Science Laboratories for Upper and Middle Schools • SMART boards in all classrooms • Three computer laboratories (Lower, Upper/Middle, Media Center) • Advanced Learning Support for Students • ACCEL program with GSU for juniors and seniors • CAMPS (Computer, Art, Music, Physical Education, Spanish) for all lower-school classes • AIM (Accelerating Inquisitive Minds) for all lower and middle-school classes • Strings program (Violin) for elementary music program • Strings program (Guitar) for high school music program • Robotics Team in high school • New primary and elementary-school playgrounds.

Low student-teacher ratio • Current enrollment of 497 in PreK4-12 • Small class size, which is more conducive to individualized instruction & attention • Two classes per grade level • Parapros in PreK, K & 1st grade

Middle School:In the past five years, BA has had the ‘undefeated and unofficial’ state champions in girls’ track, the East Georgia Middle School champions (girls’ and boys’basketball) and regional archery champions. Competing with local and area public school teams in many team sports. Small-school atmosphere • Students in lower, middle and upper school interact frequently, which fosters family atmosphere among all students and faculty members • International Student Program to promote global diversity • Partnership with Oe Dae Language School in Seoul, South Korea for English Language Infusion Program • School-wide mentoring programs • School-wide assemblies and pep rallies • Parent volunteerism encouraged • Annual class trips and numerous field trips • Class musical programs • Students have the opportunity to participate, achieve and excel in multiple sports and co-curricular activities. Scholarships Available Through the Georgia GOAL (Greater Opportunities for Access to Learning) Scholarship program, we can offer partial scholarships to Georgia residents currently enrolled in a Georgia public school (K-9) who wish to attend Bulloch Academy.

873 We s t s i d e R o a d • S t a t e s b o ro , G e o rg i a • ( 9 1 2 ) 7 6 4 - 6 2 9 7 • www.bullochacademy.com

X – Statesboro herald — Xxxxxday, Xxxx XX, 2014 | statesboroherald.com

Xxxxxx

WE BE

PRIDE IN A S AND A BRIG

GeorgiaSouthern.edu

Xxxxx

LIEVE.

SHARED PAST GHT FUTURE

statesboroherald.com | Statesboro herald — Xxxxxday, Xxxx XX, 2014 – X

community pride 2014

6 — Statesboro herald — Sunday, February 23, 2014 | statesboroherald.com

Education Bulloch Teacher of the Year

SCOTT BRYANT/file

Langston Chapel Middle School chorus teacher Lawanda Allen gives a thumbs up as she coaxes the right notes from her seventh-grade chorus class. She was named Bulloch County Teacher of the Year in November 2013.

Students Become Teachers

College of Coastal Georgia in Brunswick. The purpose of the STEM program is to increase female involvement in these career areas. During the event, participants were given an opportunity to learn about the education and skills associated with each of these fields. ▲ The boys basketball team posted a perfect 14-0 regular season record and made it to the championship game of the Coastal Empire Region Tournament, where it lost its only game to Screven County. ▲ Science teacher Rob Lindsey piloted a pioneering teaching method known as “student-led instruction,” which asks every student to not only learn the material but teach it to classmates. ▲ The seventh and eighthgrade math teams placed second overall at the Georgia Southern University Math Tournament. The group had eight students in the top 20 for the individual round of the competition. ▲ Chess team earned a first place overall trophy as well as several individual awards in Ogeechee River Scholastic Chess Association Tournaments. ▲ Javier Molina represented our district in the state-level National Geographic Bee competition. ▲ The book club communicated through Skype with Shannon Messenger, the author of “Keeper of the Lost Cities,” during one of its monthly meetings. It was one of the most interesting ways the club encouraged reading. ▲ The girls track team won the Coastal Region Track Meet and was the Coastal Region runner-up.

Portal Middle High School ➤ Mascot: Panther ➤ Principal: Shawn Haralson Assistant Principal: Penny Freeman ➤ School Achievements: ▲ Designated as a Reward SCOTT BRYANT/file school by the Georgia William James Middle School eighth-grader Neha Department of Education Aggarwal, 13, left, helps classmate Carl Cartee, 13, learn under the state’s new accountabout the wave nature of light in February 2013. According ability system, which replaced Yearly Progress. to teacher Rob Lindsey, students get more one-on-one time Adequate The school was one of 156 learning time from their classmates, and that learning how to “Highest Progress” schools. teach their subjects helps students retain the information. The faculty’s success in significantly raising eighth-grade reading and math scores on the Criterion-Referenced Competency Test coupled with the highest SAT scores posted in more than seven years are contributing factors to the school’s ranking. ▲ Students in Deena Scarborough’s Art I classes worked on a project inspired by Romare Bearden, an African-American collage artist from New York City. They studied his work and style, focusing on how he makes all his pieces personal. They incorporated his love of jazz, the feel of the city, his family and heritage. Students then made a full-size outline of themselves and created their own individual collages using colors, images, photos and other materials to fill their SCOTT BRYANT/file space. The artwork was disLangston Chapel Elementary School second-grader Cyann played for a month at the Porter, 7, center, swings her arms to the music as the Averitt Center for the Arts’ Statesboro High School band and theater students perform Youth Gallery. ▲ The school FFA chapin April 2013 to promote the arts and encourage students to ter’s Nursery and Landscaping do well on the CRCT exams. Team placed fourth in the state Nursery Landscape Career Development Event. The team advanced to state after winning the Area IV competition. ▲ The school’s FFA Meats Evaluation Team won the Georgia FFA Meats Evaluation & Technology Career Development Event held at the University of Georgia’s Meat Science Lab. The team was awarded a Silver emblem in the National FFA Meats Evaluation and Technology Career Development Event held during the 86th Annual National FFA Convention at the University of Kentucky. Representing Georgia as state champions, the school’s team was one of 43 participating in the event. Team members Josie Barnes, Kimberly Phillips, Kyle Phillips and Brantley Spence also each received Silver emblems in the individual competition against 159 other participants. ▲ The FFA chapter’s middle school and ninth-grade SCOTT BRYANT/file students competed in the Statesboro High student Cherdon Shipmon becomes Junior Division Area IV FFA Auguste Rodin's famous sculpture "The Thinker" during the Meats Evaluation and Career Mainstreet Statesboro Farmers Market in September 2013. Technology Development Event. They About 30 students participated in "Statesboro High Day." placed first overall. Team

Dancing to the Music

'The Thinker'

member Arienna Wiggins won highest individual and Alexis Royals won secondhighest individual. The first place team win qualified them to advance to state competition. ▲ Hosted a record six foreign exchange students, who hailed from Germany, Spain and Italy. ▲ Georgia Farm Bureau President Zippy Duvall presented a pallet of peanut butter to the football program in recognition of Hunger Action Month and to help supplement the team’s practice and weight-training efforts. ▲ The varsity cheerleaders qualified for the GHSA State Competition, and they won first place. ▲ The drama team competed in the GHSA One-Act Play Competition and came in fourth place against seven other schools. ▲ Mary Lane and Shiann Hagins made the All-Region 3-A Basketball Team. ▲ Cory Reese made the All Region 3-A Boys Basketball Team. Stacey Morgan was named Player of the Year for Region 3-A East. Christina Cargle won first place in the Keep Bulloch Beautiful Arbor Day Photo Contest. ▲ Larry Huff won first place in the 151-160 pound weight class during the Class A/AA Lee Murray Weight Lifting State Meet. He also won the Jeremy Williams Award for being the strongest lifter. ▲ Joey Bettinger placed second in Dramatic Interpretation at the Area 2-A Literary Meet. ▲ Ali Seamans, Cheyenne Fielder, Kenya Huff and Mickala Sannicolas participated in the Family Career and Community Leaders of America Regional Competition. Seamans, Huff and Sannicolas won Silver and Bronze medals. Fielder also went on to win a Silver Medal at the state FCCLA event. ▲ The boys basketball team won the Region 3-A title and advanced to the semifinals of the GHSA State Basketball Tournament. ▲ The girls basketball team advanced to the GHSA State Basketball Tournament. ▲ Courtney Oglesby was presented with a DAR Good Citizen Award by the Archibald Bulloch Chapter, National Society Daughters of the American Revolution. ▲ The school’s three-member girls golf team, consisting of Layne Clark, Faith Reddick, and Madison Bishop, won the Southeast Georgia Regional Golf Tournament. This was the second straight year the team has won the event. Reddick also won the medal for the lowest stroke score among all golfers.

Southeast Bulloch High School ➤ Mascot: Yellow Jackets ➤ Principal: Donna Clifton ➤ Assistant Principals: Jack Webb and John Page ➤ School Achievements: ▲ Principal Donna Clifton was selected to fill the vacancy left by Dr. Trey Robertson, who accepted an assistant superintendent position in Bryan County. ▲ Knapp Boddiford, of the school’s FFA chapter, was selected as the national winner of the Fiber and/or Oil Crop Production Proficiency Award Program during the 86th National FFA Convention in Louisville, Ky. This is the second year in a row that an SEBHS FFA student has been honored with a national proficiency award. Mary Catherine Cromley won in 2012 in the area of Specialty Crop Production for the development of her own agribusiness of growing ornamental gourds. ▲ Juniors Shelby Rice and Kayleigh Dyches were one of four teams selected by the TAG Education Collaborative and the Georgia Department of Education as state finalists in the 2012 Health Information Technology Student Innovation Award, sponsored by the Verizon Foundation. The competition challenged teams from Georgia chapters of the Health Occupations Students of America and the Future Business Leaders of America to develop a mobile application to aid in the education and training of patients newly diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes. As finalists, they were invited to attend the Health IT Leadership Summit at the Fox

Theatre in Atlanta, to exhibit and market their “Live-Abetes 1” app to health information technology professionals. ▲ Held first Day of Service Saturday on March 16, 2013, to help teach the value of community service to students and benefit local support organizations and the school. To kickoff the event, a special ceremony was held at the SEBHS Athletic Stadium’s Commemorative Walk to dedicate the first Lifetime of Service Award as a memorial to the Russell Davis family. ▲ The National Beta and Key Clubs teamed up to raise $3,473.42 for the Gabe’s Chemo Ducks program at Children’s Hospital in Savannah. The contributions from SEBHS purchased 132 ducks, enough to provide a duck for each child treated for cancer at the hospital for at least two years. ▲ Advanced Chorus competed in its first ever national competition hosted at Walt Disney World. Schools from all over the country competed. The chorus received the highest possible grade, Superior, from all three judges, and rated second in its division as a mixed choir. ▲ Two students were selected for the 50th annual 2013 Governor’s Honors Program: Kathryn Burrell in Theatre Performance and Jacob Proctor for Agriscience/ Biotechnology. Five students were selected for the 51st annual Governor’s Honors Program: Lauren Boddiford for Math, Haley Fritch for Executive Management, Ian Heidler for Agriscience/ Biotechnology, Hayden Farthing for Agriscience Environmental and Molly Cromley for Agriscience. ▲ Katy Burrell won first place in Girls Dramatic Interpretation at the Georgia High School Association’s State Literary Meet. Other top10 finishers at state were Stephen Mikell, fifth place, Boys Extemporaneous Speaking; Kara Farmer, sixth place, Girls Essay; Girls Trio of Lauren Boddiford, Payton Burgstiner, and Emiry Blitch, sixth place. The team qualified for state in four categories by placing first at the Region I-AAA Literary meet. ▲ Jacob Proctor was selected as a delegate for Georgia FFA to the 86th Annual National FFA Organization Convention held in Louisville, Ky., in October. Each year, nearly 50 students from Georgia apply for a delegate position, and Proctor was one of 17 selected for the honor this year. ▲ Mollie Cromley and Knapp Boddiford represented SEBHS and Georgia during a five-day Washington Leadership Conference that was sponsored by the National FFA Organization. ▲ Ginna Groover was selected by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation as one of 16,000 semifinalists for the 59th Annual National Merit Scholarship Program. Daley Stepanek received a commendation from National Merit Scholarship and Preston Smith received a commendation from the National Achievement Scholarship, which is for Black Americans. Though these latter two students will not continue in the competition, commended students are ranked among the top 5 percent of applicants. ▲ The Swarm Marching Band won four grand championships in Class AAA and was invited to perform at the Georgia Marching Band Series Grand Finals. ▲ Ten members of the school’s Health Occupations Students of America chapter qualified to advance to state competition after placing in the top three in seven of the HOSA Regional Competition’s events. ▲ Kayleigh Dyches won first place at both the Bulloch County Regional Student Technology Fair and the Georgia Educational Technology Fair for her Web 2.0 project. ▲ Eight members of the band were selected for the Southeast United States Honor Band. ▲ Nine members of the football team were named to the All Bulloch County Football Team. ▲ Girls basketball team member Jasmine Roberts reached 1,000 points in her career. ▲ Tyler Epps was selected as Region 1-AAA Offensive Player of the Year for football. Epps was also the state’s fifth-

leading rusher with 1,787 yards. ▲ A total of 13 football players were selected by Region 1-AAA coaches as All Region Players. ▲ The cheerleading squad placed fifth in Division AAA in the Georgia High School Association Cheerleading Championships. ▲ Jasmine Roberts and Casey Hadden were named to the second team of the AllStar Region Volleyball Team. ▲ Cierra Clark (first team), Emma Britt (second team), Mary Grace Manahan (second team) and Dallas McClellan (honorable mention) were named to the AllStar Region Softball Team. ▲ The chorus had a record 12 students selected for the Georgia Music Educators Association’s All-State Chorus. ▲ Lainey Forbes’ artwork was selected as the winning submission for the Red Ribbon Week Campaign sponsored by the Bulloch County Drug and Alcohol Council. Her artwork was featured on a local billboard during the campaign. ▲ Kristian Reinbold won first place in Junior Floral Design, Shelbie McLaughlin won fifth in Junior Floral Design, Jacob Proctor won third place in Interview, and Daniel Hammond won fourth place in Tractor Driving during the Region FFA skills event. ▲ Lauren Boddiford participated in the STEM Honors Camp at Columbus State University. ▲ Homecoming Queen Katie Nevil was selected as Georgia’s Homecoming Queen and represented Georgia in the America’s Homecoming Queen Pageant. ▲ Brock Mixon, Logan Hendrix, Jake Whitaker and Austin Hutchinson make up the Bulloch County 4-H Trap and Skeet Shooting Team. They won the Georgia Trap and Skeet Championship and advanced to the 4-H National Shooting Sports Invitational, where they won the Sporting Clay competition, placed sixth in the Skeet Competition, and finished eighth overall in the nation. Whitaker won first place as the highest individual shooter in the nation. ▲ Elijah Jewel won first place in Hardware and first place in Technology Literacy, and Tyler Collins placed second in Technology Literacy, at the 2014 Bulloch County Regional Student Technology Fair. ▲ The Beta Club collected more than 1,200 nonperishable food items for the Food Bank, made and donated 50 blankets to residents at Gentilly Gardens and Safe Haven, and raised $1,000 for the Kai Owens family. ▲ Nicholas Lewis, a 12thgrade student, was selected to feature his artwork, titled “Alexander,” in Southern’s Art Extravaganza at Georgia Southern University. The exhibit features artwork from kindergarten through 12thgrade students. The exhibit is housed on the second floor of the College of Education throughout the school year. ▲ Effie Manahan signed a letter of intent to play softball for the University of South Carolina. ▲ Ethan Perkins was named the winner of a $2,000 scholarship provided by the Exchange Club of Statesboro. Perkins was also the overall county winner of the DAR Good Citizen Award presented by the Archibald Bulloch Chapter, National Society Daughters of the American Revolution. ▲ Erik B. Anderson was presented a ROTC Award by the Archibald Bulloch Chapter, National Society Daughters of the American Revolution. ▲ Third-highest fundraising school for the American Diabetes Association’s annual Kiss-A-Pig Campaign. ▲ Kelsey Waters was awarded $1,500 from the Georgia Junior Livestock Foundation for her outstanding achievements at the Georgia Junior National Livestock Show. She won her class with her commercial heifer, and it was selected as the Division II Champion and Reserve Grand Champion Commercial Heifer from more than 200 cows. She also placed second in class with her percentage Simmental heifer, and it was selected as the third-highest overall heifer from all cattle in the show. ▲ Georgia Junior National Livestock Show Winners: Dalton Lance won his class

community pride 2014

statesboroherald.com | Statesboro herald — Sunday, February 23, 2014 — 7

Education with his Murray Grey Heifer and placed seventh with his Crossbred Steer in the Hereford Steer Class and third overall honors in this class; Jordan Gantt placed third in class with an Angus Heifer; Caroline Waters placed seventh in class with her Angus Heifer.

Statesboro High School ➤ Mascot: Blue Devils ➤ Principal: Dr. Marty Waters ➤ Assistant Principals: Dr. Ken LeCain, Tanita Peak, and Bobby Costlow ➤ School Achievements: ▲ SECME Inc. selected science teacher Richard McCombs as its 2013 SECME National Co-Teacher of the Year. McCombs shares the national title with Dawn DeWitt from Palm Springs Community Middle School in Palm Beach County, Fla. ▲ Statesboro High School’s SECME Team won its third National Bottle Rocketry Championship in four years during the 37th Annual SECME Summer Institute and National Student Competition Day at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University’s College of Engineering in Daytona Beach, Fla. Overall, the team placed in the top five in each of the national event’s high school-level engineering design competitions. This is the fifth year in a row the team has swept all of the state-level SECME events in their division to advance to nationals and achieved topfive national finishes. ▲ Izell Scott, a member of the school’s SECME state and national championship teams, was awarded the SECME Exxon Mobil Scholarships overall Academic Scholar. He revived a one-time scholarship for $4,000, which he will use at Georgia Southern University where he is majoring in computer science. ▲ Maya Van Wagenen received a two-book deal from Penguin Publishing and a movie deal from DreamWorks Pictures for her book “Popular Vintage: Wisdom for the Modern Geek.” Van Wagenen was also a featured author for Statesboro’s The Write Place Festival. ▲ Conor Baker, a senior and a local volunteer fireman, qualified to represent Georgia in the 49th Annual National Leadership & Skills Conference June 24-28, 2013, in Kansas City, Mo., after his first-place win at the state-level Skills USA Firefighting competition in Atlanta. ▲ Georgia Southern University’s Dr. Valentin Soloiu invited SHS senior Sherwin Davoud to author and present technical conference papers to industry professionals at the 2013 SAE International World Congress and the American Society of Mechanical Engineers’ Internal Combustion Engine Fall Technical Conference. ▲ Sherwin Davoud won first place in GSU’s Undergraduate Research Symposium for his project, “Optimization of Cottonseed Oil Transesterification and Analysis Abstract.” For the same project, he was selected as a presenter for both the Georgia and the National Junior Science & Humanities Symposium. ▲ As a dual-enrolled student at GSU, Sherwin Davoud was a member of the university’s engineering team. The team tied with Johns Hopkins University in the Ninth Annual EPA National People, Prosperity and the Planet Student Design Competition for Sustainability. The team advanced to the National Sustainable Design Expo in Washington, D.C., and won the American Institute of Chemical Engineers/Youth Council on Sustainable Science and Technology Award. The name of their project speaks to the high level of their expertise, “Low Temperature Combustion with Reduced PM and NOx Emissions, Achieved by n-Butanol in-Port Injected in an Omnivorous Diesel Engine.” ▲ Roz Goodson was selected by the Georgia Music Educators Association for its All-State Chorus. ▲ The GMEA selected 11 members of the Statesboro High School Blue Devils Symphonic Band for its District 1 Honor Bands and two members for its All-State Band. ▲ Former Blue Devil

DeAngelo Tyson, a defensive end for the Super Bowl XLVII champion Baltimore Ravens, visited SHS after his team’s victory. During his visit, he posed for a Real Men Read poster to help support reading campaigns in the school district, and he personalized a poster that features him in action against the Atlanta Falcons. It hangs outside the school’s gym to inspire students. ▲ Anji Li was selected for the 50th annual Governor’s Honors Program in mathematics. ▲ The school’s FFA chapter, its newly formed National Turkey Wildlife Federation chapter and its Ducks Unlimited chapter competed in the Regional Youth Hunter Education Challenge at Camp John Hope in Fort Valley. Competing in team and individual events, the students came away with top spots in nine individual challenges and one team challenge. The students qualified for the state event. The overall winner of the tournament was Andrew Dollar, with a total score of 38.5 in the Senior Division. The overall Junior Division champion was Jacob Deal. The FFA chapter finished first as a team, while Ducks Unlimited finished second, and National Turkey Wildlife Federation team finished third. At the Georgia competition, the Senior DU Team and Junior NWTF Team, along with senior-division individual Jacob Deal and junior-division individual Isaac Deal all claimed state titles. ▲ The Georgia High School Association awarded SHS the 2013 Region 3-AAAA Cooperative Spirit Sportsmanship Award. ▲ The Fourth Annual Broadway in the ’Boro student variety show raised funds for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. ▲ The Odyssey of the Mind team competed in the 34th Annual World Competition and placed 14th. ▲ Whit Van Tassell was selected by Stanford University to participate in its Education Program for Gifted Youth Summer Institute. ▲ Hosted the 37th Annual East Georgia Marching Band Festival. ▲ Piloted a farm-to-school program by partnering the school’s agricultural education and culinary arts programs with the school nutrition staff. ▲ D’Asia Lipsey, an 11thgrade student, was selected to feature her artwork titled “Peter the First,” exhibited in Southern’s Art Extravaganza at Georgia Southern University. The exhibit features artwork from kindergarten through 12th-grade students. The exhibit is housed on the second floor of the College of Education throughout the school year. ▲ The National Wild Turkey Federation chapter held its first Hunting Heritage Banquet and raised more than $27,000 for conservation and preservation of hunting areas throughout the country. The NWTF officers have been invited to speak to all the adult chapters and to a student forum from across the nation at the Annual NWTF Convention in Nashville, Tenn., on March 13-16, 2014. Students will address a large group audience of approximately 100,000 people and then will break out and lead sessions on how to start and develop a successful high school chapter for the NWTF. The National NWTF event wants to learn from our students in order to create more high school chapters throughout the nation. They will be the guests of honor with stars like Michael Waddell (“The Bone Collector”) and “Cuz” Strickland. These are TV stars in the hunting and conservation industry. This is a huge honor to be asked to represent our school, county and chapter to the nation to show off our skills at fundraising and conservation for the wild turkey. Officers are Jim Rogers, Blakely Brown, Andrew Dollar and Paxton Deal. ▲ Blue Devil fooball alumni DeAngelo Tyson of the Baltimore Ravens played in Super Bowl XLVII, and Jeremy Mincey of the Denver Broncos played in Super Bowl XLVIII. ▲ Ducks Unlimited chapter hosted its first skeet shoot, which raised $2,500. The money will fund the chapter’s

work with wild ducks, their habitats, wetlands and continued research on wood duck habitats at Fort Stewart. ▲ The Fine Arts Department hosted student matinees and public performances of plays such as “Sleeping Beauty” and “Charlotte’s Web.” ▲ Junior ROTC Drill Team was one of six teams out of 90 that participated in the JROTC State Drill Championships that earned five top five places. The Blue Devil Battalion earned Honor Unit with Distinction for the highest level of excellence for the eighth year in a row. ▲ The varsity and junior varsity math teams competed in the 25th Annual Georgia Southern University Math Tournament. The varsity and JV Teams both placed third overall in their divisions. ▲ Emily McNatt was presented an ROTC Award by the Archibald Bulloch Chapter, National Society Daughters of the American Revolution. ▲ Sarah Voiselle was presented with a DAR Good Citizen Award by the Archibald Bulloch Chapter, National Society Daughters of the American Revolution. ▲ Ria Mitra, first place in 3-D Modeling in Bulloch County Regional Student Technology Fair, advances to the State Technology Fair. ▲ Neha Aggarwal, first place in Multi Media Applications in Bulloch County Regional Student Technology Fair, advances to the State Technology Fair. ▲ Anji Li won the region title in Accounting I Competition for Future Business Leaders of America. ▲ Bennon Smith was selected for the Georgia Music Educators Association All-State Chorus. ▲ At the Coastal Georgia High School Swim Championships, the boys swim team placed first and the girls placed second, bringing home two trophies for the first time in the history of the swimming program. ▲ Eric Kollars made First Chair Georgia All-State Band. ▲ John Underwood, AAAA All-State, was selected to play in Georgia Athletic Coaches Football All-Star Game. ▲ Anthony Gore signed to play football at Kennesaw State University. ▲ Sherwin Davoud and Benjamin Elder, finished in second and third place respectively in the Georgia State Science Fair at the University of Georgia. ▲ Statesboro High School Chess Team finished first place overall in the Ogeechee River Scholastic Chess Tournaments Annual Series. Also, Josh Wright placed first, Thomas Costlow placed second and Nicholas Harvey placed third in the individual category. ▲ Statesboro High School Quiz Bowl Team placed seventh at the state-level competition and third in regional. ▲ Six wrestlers will move on to sectionals at Lanier High School: Grant Fowler, Jonathan Simmonds, Caleb Varnadoek, Dean Banyon, Dalton Ross and Ejare Wilson. ▲ Jackson Ware signed with Mercer University on a baseball scholarship. ▲ Sarah Jane Bowers signed with Brenau University on a golf scholarship. ▲ Sarah Jane Bowers had a piece of ceramic art accepted into Brenau University’s Young Women’s Art and Design Exhibit. This is a juried show. In conjunction with the exhibit, Bowers will attend an awards ceremony and reception. She will also participate in a daylong visual art handson workshop at Breneau. ▲ Annalycia Liston-Beck, Bela Bushan, Alex Clifford, Ben Lloyd, Ben Crawford, Eric Kollars, Nicholas Harvey, Shaye Sweeney and Jeremy Simmonds were named to the All District Band.

District-Wide ▲ Bulloch County’s 2014 Teacher of the Year, Jemelleh Coes, was selected as Georgia’s Teacher of the Year. ▲ Gov. Nathan Deal appointed Superintendent Charles Wilson to the Coastal Regional Commission. ▲ Conducted a threemonth community engagement process that gathered input from more than 700 citizens from all areas of the community by using school councils, a community

engagement advisory committee, focus groups, one-on-one interviews, online and paper surveys, and a community education summit. Participants prioritized the issues that they felt should guide the school system’s strategic direction and, from this, administrators and the Board of Education developed a 20-year strategic plan. ▲ Continued implementation of the new Common Core Georgia Performance Standards and provided teachers and administrators support by providing a CCGPS implementation specialist to direct training, coordinate resources and provide support across all grade levels. ▲ The Bulloch County Board of Education chose to adopt the Georgia Leadership Institute for School Improvement’s Leadership Framework for System Improvement, which is based upon the principles of the Kaplan-Norton Strategy Management System, to provide a performance culture across the school system and help give administrators and teacher-leader teams the necessary tools to effectively implement the school system’s strategic plan and their school-level improvement plans. Approximately 125 school system leaders, including board members, central office administrators, school administrators, and teacherleaders, were trained in this framework as of Dec. 31, 2013. ▲ These school leaders are learning how to create a performance culture, build teams, analyze data, analyze causes, develop solutions, and measure and monitor results to support a vision of change and strive for continuous improvement. These skills better enable these leaders to take community input and formulate strategic and school improvement plans. This continuous improvement training, coupled with the board’s vision for change, will provide the school system a foundation for a performance culture focused on student achievement. Team development, data analysis, rootcause analysis, solutions development, and measuring and monitoring are all components of this performance management system tailored for public education. ▲ Continued to strategically manage finances because of the economic recession and the reduction of nearly $10 million in state and local revenue, with longterm cost-reduction strategies, a strong reserve fund balance, federal stimulus funds and a staff attrition formula. The district will continue to find ways to reduce costs. Implemented the Gallup Teacher Insight Assessment to assist in screening job applicants and their skill levels for teaching positions. ▲ Reviewing current career pathways to ensure they are in line with local, regional and state employment needs. Looking at area labor studies and collaborating with the StatesboroBulloch Chamber of Commerce Education Committee. ▲ Piloted the state’s new Teacher Keys (TKES) and Leader Keys (LKES) Effectiveness Systems and prepared for full implementation during 2014-15 school year. The system will positively impact student achievement by providing teachers and leaders with meaningful feedback and support opportunities developed by the Georgia Department of Education. ▲ Began writing staterequired Student Learning Objectives (SLOs) that are linked to the new TKES initiative. These seek to improve student achievement at the classroom level and provide evidence of each teacher’s instructional impact on student growth. SLOs will be utilized to measure student growth in all non-tested subjects — that is, those courses not tested by the CRCT in grades four through eight or by End-of-Course Tests at the high school level. ▲ Began implementing professional learning communities at each of the district’s 15 campuses. PLCs provide an ongoing process in which educators work collaboratively in recurring cycles of collective inquiry and action research to achieve better results for the students they serve.

Teachers Honored

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Portal Elementary School Teacher of the Year Autumn Mallard, lower right, chuckles at comments by her kindergarteners read by Principal Paul Hudson during the Statesboro Herald Teacher of the Year Dinner in March 2013 at R.J.'s Steakery.

Youth of the Year

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The Exchange Club of Statesboro names Ethan Perkins of Southeast Bulloch High School, center, Youth of the Year in April 2013 at R.J.'s Steakery.

National Honor

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Statesboro High School science teacher Rich McCombs is all smiles as he learns he has been selected as the SECME National co-teacher of the year during a faculty and staff meeting in April 2013.

Soaring Past 1,000

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Portal's Cory Reese, left, muscles his way for a score against Savannah Christian defender Nick Bateman. Both Reese and teammate Stacy Morgan surpassed 1,000 career points during the game in January 2013. Portal eventually advanced to the state semifinals.

community pride 2014

8 — Statesboro herald — Sunday, February 23, 2014 | statesboroherald.com

▲ Began implementation of Google Apps for Education by piloting the technology at three campuses — William James Middle School and Julia P. Bryant and Langston Chapel elementary schools. Google Apps affords staff and students powerful opportunities for collaboration and sharing of documents and information in an efficient manner. The implementation districtwide is being led by a 20-member committee of teachers, principals and information systems engineers. It’s top benefits include the following: (1) cloud-based, so it creates a virtual 24/7 classroom where students can always have access to their work from any browser, any web-accessible device, or any software whether they are at home, school the local library or other location; (2) more reliable and secure way to store and back up information than most medium-sized K-12 school districts can offer, and it is better protected from spam; (3) eliminates need for flash drives and prevents the loss of work caused by damaged or lost drives; (4) allows students to easily collaborate online with students from their classes on projects and collaborate with postsecondary Google campuses such as Georgia Southern University. ▲ Board approved using $49,471.80 of a $106,000 Title I-A School Improvement Grant to purchase Chromebooks for Julia P. Bryant Elementary and William James Middle. The computers will provide identified students opportunities to use applications and programs for targeted instruction during intervention times, as well as bolster vocabulary in science and social studies. ▲ Began process to implement a benchmark assessment system for district- and school-level test creation to measure student achievement. ▲ Provided space for the Georgia Network for Education and Therapeutic Support’s Cedarwood facility to relocate from Evans County to Bulloch County, thus reducing the school system’s cost to transport students that are enrolled in the program. ▲ Hosted winter and spring Special Olympic Games for local students. ▲ Began hosting Neighborhood Parent University events to provide on-site workshops for parents on topics such as positive discipline and assist with math and language arts at home. ▲ Implemented a new policy on concussion management to help protect students participating in an extracurricular athletic activity. ▲ Received $101,717 in federal funds provided through the Carl D. Perkins Career & Technical Act of 2006 (Perkins IV) for the district’s Career Technical and Agricultural Education program for technology, materials and professional development for CTAE faculty. ▲ The State Board of Education approved the continuation of funding in fiscal 2014 for the 21st Century Community Learning Centers subgrants totaling $622,851 for Langston Chapel Elementar y School ($312,464) and Langston Chapel Middle School ($310,387). These funds are for the third year of a threeyear grant. The grants are primarily given to provide academic improvement activities, character education, drug and violence prevention, counseling, and recreational services for students attending high-poverty and/or lowerperforming schools. The funds can also provide literacy and related educational development services to the families of students served by the program. ▲ Superintendent Charles Wilson attended a REACH Georgia reception at the Governor’s Mansion on June 11, 2013. Bulloch County Schools was recognized as one of five school systems selected by the state to pilot the new program. BCS was awarded at total of eight $10,000 scholarships, five for 2013 and three for 2014. ▲ BCS hosted a signing ceremony May 23, 2013, at the Bulloch County Board of Education to announce the district’s first REACH scholars. Five seventh-grade females from three of the school system’s four middle schools were selected from 58 applicants. The 2013 recipients were Amaya Brown and Kailana Low of Langston Chapel Middle, Aisley

Education New Principal for a New Year

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New Sallie Zetterower Elementary School Principal Julie Mizell, right, joins David Brown's fifth grade class as they get to know one another on the first day of school in August 2013. Scarboro and Amonica Kirkland of Portal Middle High, and De’Neshia Jones of Southeast Bulloch Middle. The students and their parents signed agreements with REACH Georgia, and the scholarship funds will be held by the Georgia Student Finance Corporation until the students graduate from high school. ▲ Up with People, a nonprofit global education program that travels around the world performing shows, staying with host families and doing community service, visited Bulloch County Schools from March 4-11, 2013. The group is made up of 120 students ages 18-29 from 20 countries. ▲ Gov. Nathan Deal proclaimed November as Georgia Apply to College month, and Statesboro and Southeast Bulloch high schools were two of more than 100 sites statewide that hosted Georgia Apply to College events for their graduating seniors. Staffed with school counselors and specially trained postsecondary education and community volunteers, these events provided students a helpful, hands-on environment to apply online to college. ▲ BCS raised more than $3,000 for the American Diabetes Association’s Kiss-APig Campaign. ▲ Partnered with the Averitt Center for the Arts to help transport elementary and middle school students to the Averitt for fine arts education programs after school. ▲ One of six school districts selected for Georgia Southern University’s Real STEM. ▲ Participated in the first Georgia STEM Day with activities throughout our campuses that encouraged students’ interest in science, technology, engineering and math. ▲ All fifth-grade students participated in the Keep Bulloch Beautiful program’s annual Water Festival that helps teach about our natural resources and conservation. ▲ The Bulloch County Foundation for Public Education awarded more than $20,000 in grant funding to 20 projects that were submitted by teachers from Bulloch County Schools. ▲ Partnered with the Bulloch County Commission on Health and Human Services and local public safety to provide educational events to high school students to prevent drug and alcohol use and other risky behaviors. ▲ Seventy-five percent of teachers hold advanced degrees and average 15 years of experience. ▲ School district and all schools are accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Council on Accreditation and School Improvement, a division of an organization known as AdvanED. ▲ Bulloch County Schools bus drivers participated in the local annual Bus Roadeo. ▲ Implemented new United States Department of Agriculture Nutrition Standards across all schools. ▲ The board welcomed new members Cheri Wagner and Dr. LeVon Wilson. ▲ Bulloch County Schools’ middle and high school PRIDE teams will participate in National Kick Butts Day Wednesday, March 20, with events on each of the school system’s seven upper-grades campuses. Kick Butts Day is a national day of activism that empowers youth to stand out,

Portal Peanut Butter Power

SCOTT BRYANT/file

Portal High School quarterback Evan Street whips up a peanut butter sandwich. The Georgia Farm Bureau donated a pallet of peanut butter to help the football team. speak up and seize control against tobacco and other drugs. ▲ Members of the Bulloch County Board of Education, the District-wide Parent Advisory Committee, and the school system’s superintendent, federal programs director, parent involvement coordinators and other central office staff all gathered to honor 30 parent volunteers during a Parents in Education Parent Volunteer Celebration at the William James Education Complex. ▲ The Georgia Department of Education’s new accountability system for Georgia’s schools, the College and Career Ready Performance Index replaced the former Adequate Yearly Progress reporting tool used under the federal Elementary and Secondary Education Act. In the first released scores by the state, three of Bulloch County Schools’ elementary schools exceeded the state’s elementary average of 83.4 points on a 100-point scale. The school district’s highest-performing school and the highest-performing elementary school was Brooklet Elementary with an overall score of 89. All of the district’s four middle schools exceeded the state’s middle school average of 81.4. Two of the high schools exceeded the state’s high school average of 72.6. Portal High scored 74, and Southeast Bulloch High scored 75. ▲ Greg Parker, the president of The Parker Companies, presented Bulloch County Schools with a check for $1,000. Parker noted that this would be the first in a series of donations to the school system as part of the Savannah-based convenience store chain’s Fueling the Community program, which raises funds for area schools. ▲ As part of Georgia’s new school accountability system, conducted the Georgia Parent Survey, the Georgia Student Health Survey II and the Georgia School Personnel Survey. ▲ The City of Statesboro recognized the Rev. Julius Abraham by officially naming its newest walking and biking trail at Luetta Moore Park in his honor. Abraham served the Bulloch County Board of Education for 37 years as a teacher and administrator at four of its schools during his career. ▲ Participated with Bulloch County government entities to host a Bulloch County Legislative Breakfast to meet with the county’s state legislative delegation. ▲ Partnered with 14 local churches so that they could provide nearly 400 economically disadvantaged elementary schoolchildren with

weekend meals throughout the school year through the Backpack Buddies program. ▲ Our campuses provided multiple Parent Involvement Events such as Family Fitness Nights, Latino Family Nights, Family Movie Nights, Math & Science Nights, Fall Festivals and Family Reading Nights.

Charter Conservatory Mascot: Cheetahs Director: Corliss Reese Student Ser vices Director: J. Benji Lewis School Achievements: ▲ The school received the Title I Rewards distinction for “Highest Progress” for the second year in a row. ▲ Our school was ranked in the top 100 schools of Georgia in CriterionReferenced Competency Test performance index gains. ▲ Ande Spulick was nominated for the Governor’s Honors Program. ▲ School enrollment increased for the second year in a row, this time by 6 percent between May 2013 and July 2013. ▲ Ninety-three percent of CCAT’s parents attended all four Student/Parent/Teacher conferences. ▲ CCAT had a 90 percent pass rate on the Georgia High School Writing Test. ▲ Meagan Giannetti competed in the 2013 Dogwood Circuit Champion for short long stirrup Equitation and Reserve Champion for mini medal. ▲ CCAT exceeded the pass rate in eighth-grade physical science and high school physical science for total local and state district averages. ▲ Five-year cohort graduation rate was 90 percent. ▲ CCAT launched its own Charter Conservatory mobile app.

Bulloch Academy ➤ Mascot: Gators ➤ Head of School: Leisa Houghton ➤ Assistant Head of School: Chandler Dennard ➤ School Achievements: ▲ Celebrating 42nd year as an independent, collegepreparatory school serving the students of Bulloch County and neighboring counties. ▲ Enrollment of 498 students in grades PK4-12. ▲ Member of Georgia Independent School Association and dually accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools and the Southern Association of Independent Schools; accredited “with quality” by the Georgia

Accrediting Commission. ▲ All faculty members are fully certified or are in the process of certification through Georgia Professional Standards Commission; 15 have advanced degrees; and 27 teachers have 10 or more years of teaching experience. ▲ Five Advanced Placement classes — U.S. History, World History Government, Literature and Composition, Language and Composition, Calculus. ▲ Of the 44-student graduating class of 2013, most were awarded funds to help pay for their post-secondary education. Some of the scholarships received by students were: an appointment to the United States Military Academy (West Point), the National Merit Scholarship, the Zell Miller Scholarship, the HOPE Scholarship, and academic scholarships to Georgia Southern University, Mercer University and Auburn University. Other colleges and universities that graduating seniors are attending are the University of Georgia, the Georgia Institute of Clemson Technology, University, Pennsylvania State University, the University of Alabama, and Georgia College and State University. ▲ Forty-three of the 44 graduates are currently freshmen in various colleges and universities. One is working as a volunteer teacher/coach in South Africa. ▲ Fourteen students were eligible to receive the Zell Miller Scholarship, which pays full tuition at an in-state public university. Students must have a 3.7 grade point average, score at least 26 on the ACT and/or 1200 on the SAT (critical reading and math scores combined). Twenty-five more were eligible for the HOPE Scholarship. Four international students were not eligible for either of the Georgia residential scholarships. ▲ Other scholarship offers for the 2013 graduates were an appointment to the United States Military Academy, Auburn Presidential and Auburn College of Sciences and Mathematics, National Merit, University of Georgia charter, three University of Georgia Honors Program scholarships, two Georgia Southern housing scholarships, two Mercer Engineering, an Alabama Presidential, a Penn State University Honors Program scholarship, a Clemson University Honors Program scholarship, an award from Auburn, a Savannah College of Art and Design award, a Robert Morris Business, a Beta Sigma Phi and an Exchange Club of Statesboro. ▲ Class of 2013 scores on SAT averaged 1593. The national average was 1498. The state average was 1452. The Bulloch County school system average was 1417. ▲ Class of 2013 scores on the ACT averaged 24.1. The national average was 20.9. The state average was 20.7. The Bulloch County school system average was 18.4 ▲ International Student Program with students from (in 2013-14) China, Taiwan, Germany, Honduras and South Korea. This helps promote global diversity and understanding. Most students live in Statesboro with host families. ▲ Partnership with Oe Dae Language School in Seoul, South Koream, for English Language Infusion Program (Korean students live in Statesboro with host families and attend Bulloch Academy to help learn conversational English). These students have come over in July 2011, January 2012, August 2012, January 2013 and January 2014. ▲ Partnership with Georgia GOAL Scholarship Program and supporting taxpayers and businesses who helped 61 students (37 lowerschool students, 12 middle and 12 upper) receive partial scholarships. These partial scholarships total more than $100,000. ▲ Full-time art and music teachers. ▲ Strings program (violin) for elementary music program. Strings program (guitar) for high-school music program. ▲ SMART Boards in all classrooms. ▲ Three computer labs (lower, upper/middle and media center) ▲ CAMPS (Computer, Art, Music, Physical Education and Spanish) for all lowerschool classes on a daily rotation for 40 minutes per class ▲ AIM (Accelerating

Inquisitive Minds) for all lower and middle school classes. ▲ Major renovation project for primary and elementary school playgrounds, spearheaded by fourth-grade teachers Eileen Rice and Joie Roach, got underway in 2011 and was 95 percent completed by December 2013. ▲ Multipurpose building for wrestling, cheerleading and auxiliary physical education classes was completed in 2011. ▲ Weight room expansion, which almost doubled the size of the facility, was completed in 2011. ▲ Physical education teachers Barbara Conner and Jessica Fletcher developed a middle school archery team in 2011 through the National Archery in Schools Program. The team and several individual archers won regional and state competitions in 2012 and competed at a national competition in Louisville, Ky., in 2012. In 2013, the elementary and middle school teams won the regional competition, finished third in state competition and competed at the national competition in Louisville. ▲ High school science teacher Karen Whitten began a robotics team in 2011. In February 2012, the team finished eighth out of 64 teams in an international regional competition in Orlando, Fla., and was the top-ranked rookie team. The team is preparing for the 2014 event. ▲ Class AAA girls track and field state champions (2013), Class AAA state coaches’ duals wrestling champion (2014, 2012), Class AAA state competition cheerleading champions (2011), Class AAA state runners-up in wrestling (2013, 2011), shooting sports (2013), girls track and field (2011); Region 4-AAA softball champion (2012, 2011); Region 3-AAA wrestling champions (2013, 2012); Region 4-AAA girls basketball champions (2013, 2012), Region 4-AAA boys basketball champions (2013).

Trinity Christian School

➤ Mascot: Lions ➤ Headmaster: David Lattner ➤ Assistant Headmaster: Missy Lee ➤ School Achievements: ▲ Record enrollment for third straight year (230 students)Senior James Conners was named a 2014 National Merit Commended Scholar based on her score on the PSAT as a junior. ▲ Class of 2013 (11 members) SAT Average: 1719 (574 math, 568 critical reading, 577 writing); 274 points above Georgia state average of 1445. ▲ Senior James Conners has been named the STAR Student for 2014 and has chosen teacher Mr. Damon Scharff as his STAR Teacher. ▲ In 2013-2014, the school fielded teams in boys and girls cross country, girls volleyball, boys and girls swimming, boys and girls basketball, softball, boys soccer and cheerleading. ▲ The varsity boys cross country team won the Georgia Independent Christian Athletic Association state championship in 2013. ▲ The varsity girls swim team came in second place in the GICAA state meet in 2014. ▲ The JV girls volleyball team won the GCIAA South Region championship in 2013. ▲ Whitney Lanier (Class of 2013) won a four-year full tuition scholarship to Art Institute of Atlanta for winning first place in the Art Institute’s National Poster Design Competition. ▲ Trinity Techs Lego Robotics team advanced to the First Lego League State tournament at the University of Georgia in 2013-14. ▲ College acceptances for Class of 2013: University of Georgia, Georgia Institute of Technology, University of South Carolina, Covenant College, Art Institute of Atlanta, University of Louisiana at Monroe, Georgia Southern University and Savannah College of Art and Design. ▲ Senior Sky Kim was selected for the All-State Chorus for 2014. ▲ The Class of 2013 was awarded more than $540,000 in merit-based scholarships.

community pride 2014

statesboroherald.com | Statesboro herald — Sunday, February 23, 2014 — 9

Education

GSU opens state-of-the-art bio building By JEFF HARRISON Herald Staff Writer

State and local dignitaries, students and staff gathered on Aug. 27, 2013, on the campus of Georgia Southern University for what President Brooks Keel declared a “truly historic day.” In the morning hours, more than 100 people filled the new 158,000-square-foot Biological Sciences Building on Forest Drive for a ribbon-cutting ceremony to officially christen the science haven. The $41.4 million, state-funded building is home to classrooms, laboratories and offices for faculty and undergraduate and graduate biology students. “(The building) serves as the nexus where teaching and research converge to form south Georgia’s most comprehensive center for biological science and research,” Keel said. SCOTT BRYANT/file “The facility will not only Onlookers watch from every level of the new Georgia allow us to meet our eduSouthern University Biological Sciences Building as President cational expectations and Brooks Keel and other dignitaries participate in the ribbon provide state-of-the-art training for the future cutting ceremony in August 2013.

workforce of this great state, but will also greatly e n h a n ce Georgia Southern’s research capabilities.” The sleek, modern building replaces the Department of Biology’s former home, which was constructed in 1968, for a student population of fewer than 5,000. The older biology building will still be used for undergraduate biology classes, and other math and science courses. The new three-story facility houses 10 teaching labs, 15 research labs, faculty offices, and classrooms modeled after those at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and other leading research universities. “Words cannot adequately express what this new building means to us. It was time for new digs,” said Dr. Stephen Vives, the chairman of the Department of Biology. “It is a great-looking building that combines beauty with function to allow for scientific research. We have laboratory space that encourages students,

transforming them into scientists and inspiring imagination.” Dr. Martha Abell, the interim dean of the College of Science and Mathematics, thinks the high-tech learning center will go a long way in accomplishing a university (and nationwide) goal to graduate more students in the areas of science, technology, engineering and mathematics. “The key to meeting this goal is to retain the students who are on our campus and interested in this kind of study,” she said. “This building, with its state-of-the-art labs and technology, will definitely support the effort.” The university’s Center for Sustainability will also be based in the new Biological Sciences Building, a fitting home. The new academic building will be submitted for a LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) “Gold” rating from the U.S. Green Building Council — its second-highest honor for buildings designed and

constructed to be environmentally friendly. Power for the Biological Sciences Building is supplemented by solar panels, and massive windows allow natural light to illuminate most offices and rooms. Some interior lighting is designed to turn off automatically when enough light enters from outside. Construction of the building began in July 2011. Money for the project was allocated in two state budgets. State Sen. Jack Hill, R-Reidsville, whose District 4 boundaries include Bulloch County, attended the ceremony. “This is a proud day for Georgia Southern and the Georgia Southern family,” said Hill, the chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee. “We have all known of the tremendous need for a new biology building for years as the university has grown.” The building officially opened when the fall semester began at Georgia Southern.

OTC breaks ground on Natural Resources Building By AL HACKLE ahackle@statesboroherald.com

When completed, the $12.6 million Natural Resources Building will be the second largest of five major classroom buildings on Ogeechee Technical College's main campus. Along with the new Health Science Building, already in use, the Natural Resources Building prepares the campus for what OTC officials envision as a new growth phase. "The new structure that will be built here will be much more than just brick and mortar," OTC President Dr. Dawn Cartee said. "It will be the catalyst for expanded knowledge, enhanced employability, greater selfsufficiency and a better quality of life, not only for our graduates but for their families and the citizens of this state who will benefit by the services they will provide." Ron Jackson, commissioner of the Technical College System of Georgia, and Sen. Jack Hill, R-Reidsville, joined Cartee and local officials Nov. 14, 2013, for the shovel-turning ceremony for the Natural Resources Building. This was combined with a belated ribbon cutting for the $6.1 million Health Science BuildingNorth, which opened for classes in January 2013. Architects with James W. Buckley and Associates have

drawn plans for the Natural Resources Building, and OTC faculty members are still being consulted about interior details. Pope Construction Company, based in Statesboro, is general contractor, and the building is projected to be finished summer 2015 for use beginning that fall. The latest construction could be seen as running counter to a recent trend in overall enrollment. Ogeechee Tech's enrollment reached its peak thus far, more than 4,000 students, in 2010. Then, as at other TCSG colleges, enrollment dropped with the tightening of HOPE Grant eligibility and the change from the quarter system to semesters in 2011. But enrollment has stabilized, essentially unchanged from 3,220 students two years ago to 3,223 last year, according to OTC Vice President for Student Affairs Dr. Ryan Foley. These are unduplicated counts of all students during the entire year, but enrollment for 2013-14 is running ahead of the same point last year, he said.

time." Ogeechee Tech officials are planning to add some completely new programs. They also hope the college will receive an additional type of regional accreditation in 2014. Meanwhile, the college is building on existing strengths. Of Ogeechee Tech's four general program areas, Health Science now has the largest enrollment and most graduates each year. Natural Resources programs rank third in total enrollment, but now have the second largest number of graduates, having pulled ahead of Business/Computers in that regard, said OTC Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Charlene Lamar. By the time the Natural Resources building is ready, enrollments in the programs it will house is expected to grow to about 850 students, an increase of about 50 percent from the current level, Lamar said. At two stories, Natural Resources will be the school's first classroom building with more than a single floor. It will also be the first on the main campus built outside the perimeter defined by Joseph E. Kennedy Boulevard. The new structure will stand on a 32-acre tract provided to the college by the Development Authority of Bulloch County.

Renewed growth "By the time that building comes on line, I'm hopeful that we will have 5,000 students in a year," Foley said. "We have a pretty impressive plan for growth for the next couple of years, so that definitely could come at a good

Guests and dignitaries put their shovels to use as Ogeechee Technical College hosts a groundbreaking ceremony for its new Natural Resources building in November 2013.

SCOTT BRYANT/file

BULLOCH COUNTY SCHOOLS

Congratulates Our 2015 Bulloch County Teacher of the Year Lawanda Allen of Langston Chapel Middle School

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10 — Statesboro herald — Sunday, February 23, 2014 | statesboroherald.com

community pride 2014

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2 – Statesboro herald — Sunday, February 23, 2014 | statesboroherald.com

Health Care

East Georgia Regional Medical Center places on state Quality Honor Roll Special to the Herald

ATLANTA — East Georgia Regional Medical Center in Statesboro, Georgia, has been named to the Georgia Hospital Association’s (GHA) Partnership for Health and Accountability (PHA) Core Measures Honor Roll. East Georgia Regional is one of 23 hospitals in Georgia to be placed in the Presidential category, one of the highest on the list. The honor roll is based on clinical data provided by the federal Centers for Medicaid & Medicare Services (CMS), which administers the nation’s Medicare and Medicaid programs. The data was collected from July 2012 to June 2013. Hospitals are required to submit care data to CMS, which details how well a hospital’s caregivers adhere to a list of Value-Based Purchasing (VBP) core measures.

These measures are the clinical processes of care that are known to be the most effective methods of treatment for surgical patients and patients who have suffered heart attacks, pneumonia and heart failure. For instance, a recommended treatment to help prevent a heart attack is to take aspirin either before or upon arrival at the hospital, as well as at discharge. A suggested treatment for pneumonia is to administer an antibiotic within four hours of a patient’s arrival. It is recommended that surgery patients are given an antibiotic one hour prior to surgery to prevent infection. The VBP core measure is a composite measure that determines whether or not a patient received the right care at the right time. A hospital’s adherence to these recommended clinical practices usually leads to better out-

comes. “We are pleased to recognize East Georgia Regional Medical Center’s commitment to patient safety,” said Earl V. Rogers, president of GHA. “Compliance with these important core measures ensures that every patient receives the best, most effective health care possible.” “We constantly strive to maintain the highest standard of patient care,” said Bob Bigley, chief executive officer of East Georgia Regional “This honor validates that and is a tribute to the dedication of the staff members who ensure that great patient care is made even better.” About East Georgia Regional Medical Center Built in 2000, East Georgia Regional Medical Center is a 150-bed acute care hospital located in Statesboro and is accredited by the Joint Commission. EGRMC offers a

24-hour physician-staffed emergency department, a Level II neonatal center, outpatient services including same day surgery and ambulatory care, a pain management center, a wound care clinic, a cardiac catheterization lab, inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation, and state-of-the-art diagnostic procedures including digital mammography, MRI, CT, PET/CT, nuclear medicine, and interventional radiology. The hospital is also home to one of the only da Vinci® robotic surgical systems in Southeast Georgia. East Georgia Regional was recently named a top performer on key quality measures by the Joint Commission and named to the quality honor roll by the Georgia Hospital Association’s Partnership for Health and Accountability. For more information, please visit www.eastgeorgiaregional.com

Herald File

East Georgia Regional Medical Center recently was named to the GHA Honor Roll for quality.

Newborns in Statesboro receive GSU Eagle blankets By HOLLI DEAL BRAGG hbragg@statesboroherald.com

A partnership between Georg ia Southern University and East Georgia Regional Medical Center to provide a new “Eagle Nation” blanket to every child born there could bring new meaning to the phrase “lifelong Eagle fan.” Starting in May 2013, the Georgia Southern Athletic Foundation

joined the hospital to supply all babies born at the East Georgia Women’s Pavilion with a Georgia Southern University baby blanket, said GSU Athletic Foundation Eagle Fund executive director David Beaubien. “It is a joint effort between our foundation and the hospital. We just want everybody to be an Eagle. We are very excited. … This program is a way for us to welcome the

newest members of our community and to plant the seed of passion that will grow into a lifetime of embracing the university that we all love so deeply here in Statesboro.” Each year, more than 1,500 babies are born at the East Georgia Women’s Pavilion, said Bob Bigley, the hospital’s president and CEO. “This is a great way to welcome each and every one of them,” he said. “We

are proud to partner with the Georgia Southern University Athletic Foundation on this great community initiative.” New mother Kelley Burns looked on as nurses swaddled her newborn, Grayson Andrew Burns, born May 3, in his new GSU Eagle blanket. As she reached to help her son with his pacifier, Burns spoke softly: “Say, ‘Georgia! Southern!’ ” The baby blankets are white with the GSU athletic logo printed in navy blue. The logo print is a special fabric to match the

softness of the baby blanket, said Sally Scott, the GSU Athletic Foundation Eagle Fund program coordinator. “I think it’s great,” Burns said about the program to provide all newborns with the blankets. “It’s the perfect gift!” Burns also was presented with a gift bag filled with more GSU Eagle baby attire as a special gift for being the first new mom to receive a blanket. One of the gifts was a bib reading, “I drool blue.” Will this help inspire

baby Grayson — born a month early at 6.6 pounds and 20 inches long — to become a GSU Eagle? “Most likely,” Burns said. “I was.” She graduated from Georgia Southern in 2002. Grayson was a bit fussy when met with the small crowd Tuesday but soon settled down after being tucked into the blanket. “He’s premature, but this blanket came along and made him a little stronger,” Burns said. Burns’ husband, Grayson’s father, is Ryan Burns.

Will You Be Eligible For Medicare Part D this year? We will be glad to talk with you face-to-face about any concerns or questions you may have about Medicare Part D for yourself or your family.

SCOTT BRYANT/staff

❈

Georgia Southern alumna Kelley Burns and newborn son Grayson receive the first Eagle Fund baby blanket from the Georgia Southern Athletic Foundation at the Women's Pavilion of East Georgia Regional Medical Center in May 2013. Every child born at the center from now on will receive an Eagle Fund blanket.

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community pride 2014

statesboroherald.com | Statesboro herald — Sunday, February 23, 2014 – 3

Health Care

An Evolution of Care: Ogeechee Area Hospice Special to the Herald

The year 1994 marked the creation of the first and only not-for-profit Hospice in Georgia’s southeast region of Bulloch and surrounding counties — Ogeechee Area Hospice. Since inception two decades ago, the philosophy of Ogeechee Area Hospice has remained constant — to live life fully, peacefully, and without pain. Resting on the land once occupied by the historic Bulloch Memorial Hospital, a 10,000 square foot addition to the 12 bed 2005 inpatient facility is complete. Aside from rendering inpatient care to those with acute needs, Ogeechee Area Hospice now has the ability to care for 13 additional patients who require around-theclock care for weeks or months. “It is not typical to find a hospice inpatient facility outside of a metropolitan area," said Nancy Bryant founder and executive director. "With completion of this expansion, we are the second inpatient facility in Georgia with beds devoted to individu-

Special

Ogeechee Area Hospice completed an expansion in 2013. als who need ‘residential hospice care.' " Comforting family areas and courtyards bring a sense of peace to all who enter, and a core of devoted volunteers greet arriving friends and relatives while ensuring that their needs are met. Bryant said she is proud to that guests

from around the country visit ill friends and relatives and voice amazement that a community in rural Georgia has such a place. She gives credit for this to the incredible partnership with the community. With a reputation of excellence in the region and in the State, Ogeechee

Area Hospice cares for approximately 450 patients each year in homes, nursing homes, assisted living facilities and the beautiful inpatient center. During two decades of service thousands of patients and their families throughout the region

have been given the opportunity to be at home during the final weeks or months of life. Many may be surprised to know of the positive influence on the economy. Aside from the recent construction Ogeechee Area Hospice has a $5 million dollar annual operating

budget and employs 85 workers, including nurses, social workers, chaplains, clerical workers, cooks, housekeepers and supervisors. Business with pharmacies, medical equipment providers, insurance agencies, food vendors and other merchants adds to the positive financial impact on the community. "It was said by a County Commissioner during the public discussion to donate the hospital property for the recent construction, 'Ogeechee Area Hospice is one of the best things that has ever happened to this community,' " said Bryant. Governed by a nine member board of directors, including president Trish Tootle, CPA Leo Parrish, Lawyer Lovett Bennett, Arthur Howard, Officer Tom Woodrum, Chap Cromley, Reverend Bill Perry, Jamey Cartee and Sylvania representative Bill Hawkins. Bulloch County takes great pride in the ability to care for residents from birth through the end of life, with Ogeechee Area Hospice being a key element in this continuum.

Hubbard brings new treatment for receding gums to 'Boro Special to the Herald

Chao Pinhole Gum Rejuvenation requires no cutting, no sutures and virtually no downtime. "This is a revolutionary alternative to gum grafting," says Dr. Larry G. Hubbard. Chao Pinhole Gum Rejuvenation is a new minimally invasive treatment for receding gums without the invasive surgery and recovery time required with gum grafting. Hubbard is among the first group of dentists and periodontists to be trained in the new technique, invented by los Angeles dentist Dr. John Chao. The treatment is also known as the Chao Pinhole surgical Technique. "The conventional treatment for receding gums is gum grafting surgery, an invasive procedure in which a section of gum tissue must be cut out of the palate, and then sewn on to the affected area," says Hubbard. "Because of the surgery and recovery time, dentists will usually treat only one or two teeth, and then

wait for the patient to heal before treating additional teeth. For a patient with Hubbard s e v e r a l recessions, the treatment process could take months or even years." Chao Pinhole Gum Rejuvenation takes just a few minutes per tooth treated and most importantly multiple teeth may be treated at the same time, allowing patients to have healthy, normallooking gums with a minimum of inconvenience. Receding gums can affect people of all ages. Symptoms can include sensitivity to cold temperatures and if left untreated gum recession can lead to eventual tooth loss. Receding gums can be caused by excessive tooth brushing, gum disease or the normal aging process. "Many people are unaware of the condition until their teeth become sensitive while others are concerned by the unsightly appearance of their gums," says Hubbard.

The Chao Pinhole Gum Rejuvenation treatment process: The area of gum recession is numbed with a local anesthetic. Depending on the number of recessions to be treated, one or two small entry points about the size of the tip of a ballpoint pen are made in the gum area near the tooth or teeth to be treated. A small, specially designed dental instrument is inserted into the entry point to loosen the gum tissues and move them back into a normal, healthy position. Then tiny collagen strips are placed through the entry point under the gums. The collagen helps to keep the gums in place during the healing process. The treatment takes about 20 minutes to an hour or so, depending on the number of teeth treated. The entry site quickly heals and the pinhole is virtually undetectable the next day, with no downtime needed for healing. Some patients may experience mild swelling, which dissipates in a few days. A 33-month study of

43 patients with 121 gum recessions using the Pinhole Su r g i c a l Technique was published in the October 2012 issue The Internatianal Journal of Periodontics and Restorative Dentistry.

The results of this study were as successful as traditional gum grafting procedures which require cutting and sutures, while patients who underwent the Pinhole Surgical Technique reported virtu-

ally no pain, no bleeding and high satisfaction with a rapid transformation of the defective gum line. For more information or to schedule a consultation, call Hubbard at (912) 764-9891.

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4 – Statesboro herald — Sunday, February 23, 2014 | statesboroherald.com

community pride 2014

this hospital is partially owned by physicians

East Georgia Regional Medical Center 1499 Fair Road Statatesboro, GA 30458 www.EastGeorgiaRegional.com (912) 486-1000 VOLUME • 1464 Babies Delivered • More than 66,000 Patient Interactions

OUR PEOPLE • 650 Associates • 100 Physcians on Medical Staff • 70 Volunteers • 143,000 Total Volunteers Hours in 2013 EGRMC has invested over $12 million dollars in capital improvements over the past year. • Vascular lab • DaVinci Robot • 2nd Cardiac Cath Lab • Statesboro Imaging Center • Telemetry System Upgrade • PACS System Upgrade • GE CT Scanner- SIC

OUR FACILITY • GHA Quality Honor Roll- placed in top categories three years in a row for quality measures. • Breast MRI Accreditation • Wound Care Center of Distinction • Ultrasound Accreditation • Sleep Lab Accreditation • GHA Hospital Engagement Network Patient Safety Leaders Circle Award Recipient

GIVING BACK Raised $62,000 for Charity in 2013, including: • American Cancer Society • Boys and Girls Club • United Way • Joseph’s Home For Boys • Statesboro-Bulloch County Breast Cancer Foundation Donated $70,000 in Sponsorships in 2013 including: • Georgia Southern Athletics • Georgia Southern UniversityA Day For Southern Campaign • iGot (Ogeechee Technical College) • United Way • Boys and Girls Club

One of our fundamental values at East Georgia Regional Medical Center is our commitment to our local community. We maintain this commitment both collectively as an organization and individually in our personal contributions. East Georgia Regional Medical Center is extraordinarily proud to have served our community since 1937. Our associates, physicians, and hospital volunteers continuously seek ways to offer the highest quality care available to our patients and to take important health education and awareness information out into our community. East Georgia Regional is committed to providing our region with new cutting edge technology and procedures. We were the first hospital in the region to offer Single Site DaVinci robotic surgery for minimally invasive procedures and endoscopic ultrasound guided marker placement to help with radiation therapy for esophageal cancer patients. A new vascular lab was opened to perform specialized procedures, such as abdominal aortic aneurysm repairs (Triple A). Our cardiac cath lab team consistently exceeds the national benchmark time for getting patients having heart attacks to the cath lab. EGRMC will continue to provide superior services as well as offer new services, while striving to be the primary hospital of choice.

ECONOMIC IMPACT - $107 Million • 650 Associates • More than $38 million in employee wages and benefits in 2013 • Provided $65 million in uncompensated care in 2013 • Paid in excess of $3.7 million in taxes in 2013

Our Commitment to Quality East Georgia Regional Medical Center brings quality health care to this community with comprehensive services and an experienced team of physicians and caregivers. As the only comprehensive hospital serving our community. East Georgia Regional is committed to meeting the ever-changing needs of our physicians and patients by investing in modern technology and expanding the services we provide. Over the past few years, we have invested $12 million for facility and service improvements. Our associates and physicians are dedicated to providing the highest quality care in the safest environment possible. A reflection of their determination of these two important areas of health care is exemplified by East Georgia Regional Medical Center being honored with multiple awards and certifications over the past three years.

community pride 2014

statesboroherald.com | Statesboro herald — Sunday, February 23, 2014 – 5

Our state-of-the-art catheterization and vascular laboratory allows our surgeons to treat abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) and perform other lifesaving interventional procedures. Local patients have local access to world-class cardiovascular care and the support of family and friends. East Georgia Regional Medical Center has invested more than $16.6 million in capital improvements over the past five years because we never forget whose heart it is or where we live.

Call 912-486-1510 for physician referral or for more information.

This hospital is partially owned by physicians

“Superior equipment, personalized service and quality care” Superior technology, personalized service, and quality care

StateSboro ImagIng Center

8 Lester Road │ Statesboro, GA 30458 912.764.5656 │ www.statesboroimaging.com A department of East Georgia Regional Medical Center. This hospital is partially owned by physicians.

community pride 2014

6 – Statesboro herald — Sunday, February 23, 2014 | statesboroherald.com

Health Care

The gift of mobility Local boy with neurological condition receives specially made bicycle with help from Boro businesses By JULIE LAVENDER Herald Writer

Santa Claus made an early

appearance to surprise a special young man by granting his greatest Christmas wish. Brooklet Elementary student Jason Michael Carpenter received his very first bicycle, an AmTryke, from Savannah AMBUCS at The Therapy SPOT in Statesboro on Thursday. Se ven-year-old Jason Michael, the son of Jason and Christie Carpenter, walks with the assistance of leg braces and a walker and was born with a rare disease that affects his muscular system, CharcotMarie-Tooth, type 1E. Jason Michael is the youngest patient in the United States to be diagnosed with CMT-1E. But the disorder didn’t stop this little boy’s dream of riding a bicycle just like his friends. Jason Michael receives therapy at The Therapy SPOT, which stands for “Speech, Physical, and Occupational Therapy,” twice a week and aquatic therapy at Splash in the Boro once a week. Not long ago, occupational therapist Kirsten Patterson and physical therapist Katie Rich began looking into starting a local chapter of AMBUCS to serve Bulloch County and surrounding counties. AMBUCS is a national, nonprofit service organization with the mission of creating mobility and independence for people with disabilities. Familiar with the organization from her work in other parts of the country, Patterson, along with Rich, began the process to start a chapter here and became certified to do fittings for the adapted bicycles. “The bike provides a therapeutic component, but it’s recreation, too,” Patterson said. “It gives an individual the chance to connect with family and friends, like everyone else.” Each bike is specially designed to meet the needs of the individual, and the recipient must be fitted for the bicycle. The therapists spoke with Savannah AMBUCS about the possibility of Jason Michael receiving a bike and wanted to surprise him with the gift. Jason Michael was measured, fitted and had the opportunity to try out an AmTryke in Savannah a couple of weeks ago, though the family didn’t

know for sure if it would work out. “He kept asking, ‘Can I have one?’” his mom, Christie said, and we had to tell him, “We don’t know. He’s asked for a bike ever since we left Savannah.” And his dream came true this week. Jason Michael thought he was going to The Therapy SPOT for a session. Once he was settled in the clinic with a therapist, Therapy SPOT owners Caroline Bowman and Lea Lanier, other staff, family, friends — and Santa — gathered outside with the bicycle and waited anxiously. When the crowd of more than 50 people assembled, Jason Michael zoomed down the ramp with his walker, quickly cast it aside, and climbed aboard the bike. Barely able to contain his excitement, Jason Michael squirmed to take off. While Santa Claus held onto the back of the bike, a therapist strapped Jason Michael’s feet into the pedals and placed a helmet on his head. With a quick release of the brake, Jason Michael was off, with Santa Claus following closely behind for guidance. Even though the youngster had never ridden a bike before, he rode like a pro. Santa could only keep up for a couple of laps, and then turned the job over to a much younger assistant. The crowd heard the man in the red suit exclaim, “Brake! Left hand turn! Wait!” as Jason Michael drove out of sight. Onlookers wiped tears from their eyes and steered clear of the new driver. Jason Michael slowed down just long enough to say he loved his new bike and looked forward to “riding down the dirt rode” when he got home, but then he was gone again for another lap. AMBUCS bicycles and trikes are given away free to adults, children and wounded military veterans. Chapters across the country hold fundraisers and accept donations to furnish the bikes to recipients. Locally, Swim Bike Run has volunteered to assemble all of the bikes donated in Bulloch County; Jason Michael’s bike was its first venture. Savannah AMBUCS representative Kevin Sheehan attended the presentation and said he is excited about a local Bulloch County chapter. He added, “It’s great to be a part of changing someone’s life. And this mobility can do just that.”

SCOTT BRYANT/file

While getting strapped in by physical therapist Katie Rich, left, occupational therapist Kirsten Patterson, right, and Santa, Jason Michael Carpenter, 7, prepares for his inaugural ride on a brand new AmTryke bicycle at The Therapy Spot in December 2013. Carpenter has a neurological condition called Charcot-Marie-Tooth that affects his extremities and the bicycle, prepared by SwimBikeRun of Statesboro, provides both therapeutic and recreation activity. Funds for the AmTryke were provided by AMBUCS, a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping people with disabilities become more mobile and independent. The Therapy Spot would like to create a local chapter of AMBUCS for Statesboro and surrounding communities. Those interested in becoming members or contributing can call The Therapy Spot (912) 681-7768.

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community pride 2014

statesboroherald.com | Statesboro herald — Sunday, February 23, 2014 – 7

Health Care

‘There was nothing else that I could do’

Hearts & Hands receives grant

Clinic, a new United Way partner, helps woman at just the right time By JEFF HARRISON jharrison@statesboroherald.com

As Christmas neared in 2012, Joyce Wilson-Lanier could think of only one wish for the holiday season. She wanted the pain to go away. Wilson-Lanier, 48, knew something was amiss with her health but, out-of-work and without insurance, had no way to find out the cause of her trouble. So, she turned to the only place she knew she could: Statesboro’s Hearts and Hands Clinic. “I lost insurance benefits when I lost my job in 2004, found out about Hearts and Hands, and began going there to receive the health-related help that I needed,” Wilson-Lanier said. “The clinic became instrumental to me last Christmas when I became very sick, from what turned out to be my gall bladder. I called officials with Hearts and Hands and told them that I could not take the pain any longer, but had no money to have tests done — that would qualify me for emergency surgery — and there was nothing else that I could do.” So, the local nonprofit stepped in. “I came into Hearts and Hands and visited with a doctor, who some kind of way, had the tests ordered. It was determined that I needed my gall bladder removed,” she said. “The organization was able to find a grant and have me travel to Metter to have the bladder removed in January. If not for Hearts and Hands, the bladder would have exploded inside of me.” United Way of Southeast

Georgia's 2013-14 fundraising campaign, benefited Hearts and Hands Community Clinic. Opened in 2010, Hearts and Hands offers free health treatment to Bulloch County residents that have no other health insurance and a family income that is 200 percent or less of the federal poverty level. The clinic relies entirely on private donations — by individuals, businesses and foundations — and is led and operated primarily by community volunteers. The organization provides medical, dental and vision services, as well as women’s health services and gastroenterology work. “When people lose a job, and lose their insurance, there is not much out there for them — in terms of options. The Hearts and Hands clinic has been instrumental in my life,” said Wilson-Lanier, who has also received dental treatment and blood pressure medication thanks to the nonprofit. “These people care. These people are people who will help you get where you need in terms of health care. I am very grateful to them.” She is not alone in her appreciation. According to Jordan Wilburn, the director of operations for Hearts and Hands, the clinic provides treatment to more than 400 local residents — nearly 1,000 total medical visits — each with their

The strength of one person supporting an organization such as United Way can have a tremendous impact on the life of a person or family, especially when that person is joined by others that choose to do the same.”

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Hearts & Hands Clinic of Statesboro was awarded a $24,921 grant from the Coastal Georgia Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure last spring to help pay for mammograms for uninsured Bulloch County residents.

own unique story. Now, United Way of Southeast Georgia has taken notice, and patients have even more reason to be thankful. “Support from United Way has allowed Hearts and Hands to grow, caring for more patients and meeting greater needs for those with untreated diabetes, hypertension and a host of other chronic illnesses,” Wilburn said. “Specifically, United Way funding has allowed our patients to receive critical medical care in ways that would not have otherwise been possible.” United Way hosts its yearly campaign — contributions areConnecting also accepted students to careers, professionals to communities, and co Connecting students to careers, professionals to communities, and communities year-round — to raise funds that support numerto better health. to better health. ous community service organizations in Bulloch www. magnoliacoastlandsahec.org County and the surrounding region. www. magnoliacoastlandsahec.org “United Way gives funding to agencies and organizations that provide our community with programs and services that assist people with critical needs and help improve their overall quality of life. These programs inspire hope, encourage others, 912-764-3724 and change the lives of the individuals and families 915 E. Inman St. Statesboro, GA that they work with,” said Bob Olliff, the executive director of United Way of Dr. Marz office has Southeast Georgia. “Whether you believe it or a small home town not, one person can make a atmosphere with a difference — whether it is $1 a week, $5 a week or, staff that cares about possibly, $10 a week, those gifts make a difference. each patient, their

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United Way partners ➤ United Way of Southeast Georgia partners with Bulloch County agencies that include: A.C.T.S., American Red Cross, Boys & Girls Club of Bulloch County, Bulloch Alcohol & Drug Council, Bulloch Med Connection, CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate), Concerted Services, Statesboro Food Bank, Girl Scouts of Historic Georgia, Georgia Southern University Senior Companion Program, Hearts and Hand Clinic, Homebound Services, Library Literacy Services, Parent to Parent, Prevent Child Abuse Bulloch, Safe Haven and Whitesville Community Resource Center.

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community pride 2014

8 – Statesboro herald — Sunday, February 23, 2014 | statesboroherald.com

Health Care

Bringing health care to rural areas Magnolia Coastlands Area Health Education Center serves southeast Ga. Special to the Herald

Magnolia Coastlands Area Health Education Center (MCAHEC) provides the opportunity for more than 2,000 high school students from communities in 39 counties in Georgia, to see firsthand the value of pursuing careers in health professions in underserved communities. Magnolia Coastlands AHEC is a private, non-profit, communi-

ty-based organization governed by a Board of Directors. MCAHEC is committed to providing high quality, accessible, educational programs and services designed to meet the specific needs of the health care practitioners, students, and health professional faculty members residing and working in its 39 county service area through community and academic partnerships. AHEC has received multi-

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ple awards such as Outstanding Rural Health Program for the Farmworker Health project in 2012. Magnolia Coastlands AHEC‘s mission is to support the recruitment, training, and retention of diverse healthcare professionals within the workforce a 39 county southeast Georgia area. Magnolia Coastlands AHEC’s goal is to increase access to primary care services in rural and urban underserved areas through the recruitment, training and retention of primary care health professionals. The AHEC is an educational program for health professionals with specific objectives: 1. Recruit students from underserved, remote, rural, inner city and minority communities to consider a career in primary health care fields, including medicine, nursing, social work, allied health and other health professions. 2. Train students in primary health care professions at community based sites throughout both rural and urban underserved communities and expose those students to the needs, challenges and career opportunities in these medically underserved areas. 3. Retain by providing education and resource programs such as: continuing education and distance learning options with Health Tecdl. Magnolia Coastlands

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Dr. Don G. Aaron receives the Georgia Rural Health Association “Outstanding Rural Volunteer Award” from Mary Kate Pung, director of Magnolia Coastlands AHEC. MCAHEC nominated Dr. Aaron because of his dedication to providing experience to high school students to enable them to explore opportunities in medicine. For the past four years, Dr. Aaron, along with two staff members, have spent an afternoon at a MCAHEC Health Careers Camp for 25 high school students. Every student had the opportunity to put on and remove a cast from a partner. They also learned to suture pigs' feet. Students rated this activity as the high point of the camp. In addition, Dr. Aaron volunteers with 10 high school baseball teams and provides free physicals to the team members. He practices in Optim Healthcare in Statesboro and travels to clinics in Metter and Sylvania. AHEC receives 15 percent of its funding from the Federal government, 83 percent from the state of Georgia, and 2 percent from private donations. Since 1996, MCAHEC has been located on the campus of Georgia Southern University. It is a program in cooperation with the College of Health and Human Sciences and is a member of the Statewide AHEC Network which is a partnership coordinated by Georgia Regents University. The MCAHEC program office is the Morehouse School of Medicine AHEC. MCAHEC has impacted the lives of students in the community through diverse programs like physician job shadowing. Dana Sylvester is a beneficiary of the jobshadowing program and she shared her experience, “I really enjoyed this program and am very thankful

for this opportunity from AHEC. This experience will definitely help me stand out in applying to medical school. All of the doctors were insightful.” This was one student experience among others who benefited from the job shadowing program. MCAHEC also organizes events such as the Health Career Camp which brings together 9th-12th grade students. Pankti Patel, a senior from Statesboro High School, shared her experience following last year’s camp, “the past four days have been an incredible experience. I really enjoyed the camp and all the activities we were able to participate in. The camp was much better than I had previously assumed, and I will definitely recommend it to other students at my school. I am especially grateful for

Aquatic therapy at Splash in the Boro

Although home is the primary setting for Hospice care; When being at home is not possible Ogeechee Area Hospice now offers residential care in our beautiful, home like Impatient Center. Many families call too late to receive the greatest benefits of care. Studies show that Hospice Care, begun when the patient’s prognosis is weeks or months, will improve life’s quality and, at times, length of life! Patients eligible for hospice care in their home, nursing home or assisted living facility, are often diagnosed with: • Heart, Lung, Kidney and/or Liver Disease • Stroke, Cancer, Parkinson’s Disease, Multiple Sclerosis Your Loved One May Be Eligible for Hospice Care if One or More of the Following is Present: • Unintentional weight loss • Multiple hospitalizations or ER visits • Decline in activities and self care • Increased shortness of breath or pain • Recurrent infections • Increased confusion

Services Include • Home visits by Registered Nurses • RNs on call 24 hours a day • Assistance with personal hygiene by nurse’s aides • Physical and speech therapy as needed • Support of social workers, volunteers and chaplains as desired

• Payment for medications for symptom management • Supplies and equipment at no cost to the patient • Short-term care in our Inpatient Center when needs are complex or when caregiver respite is needed.

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the opportunity to visit Mercer’s medical school campus in Savannah. After hearing the panel discussion, my decision to enter the medical field was enforced and I am absolutely sure I want to enter medicine now.” MCAHEC works with local physicians to supervise medical, physician assistant and nurse practitioner students on clinical rotations. This gives the students the opportunity to train in local communities and form relationships which may lead to them returning to practice upon graduation. For health professionals who are already working, Magnolia Coastlands AHEC offers continuing education programs. This is accomplished by conducting conferences, webinars, and partnering with other organizations.

SCOTT BRYANT/staff

Jason Michael Carpenter, 7, works with physical therapist Katie Rich, left, and occupational therapist Courtney Fickling during an aquatic physical therapy session at Splash in the Boro in September 2013. Carpenter has Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease, which affects the peripheral nervous system. He was prescribed aquatic therapy to help him strengthen his body and limbs and to improve his motor skills. Splash and The Therapy Spot in Statesboro teamed up to offer pediatric aquatic physical therapy on Wednesdays. For more information, call (912) 681-7768.

community pride 2014

statesboroherald.com | Statesboro herald — Sunday, February 23, 2014 – 9

1,000th and Counting Innovative Treatment Performed to Cure Sleep Apnea Step hen son

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“Today, the prevents the tongue approximately 1 inE15 from blocking the is t Sleep Apnea Americans afflicted enhoairway wer while one sleeps, Dr and virtually Treatment Centers with this disorder can reducing of America (SATCOA), forego CPAP masks eliminating sleep we are proud to have and invasive treatment apnea. Through the use reached and surpassed because we have an of SATCOA’s innovative a milestone by available alternative” RFA procedure, performing our 1,000th stated Jeffrey L. patients are receiving treatment to cure sleep Silveria, MD, Founder care, which enhances apnea. With a location and Chief Executive their quality of life in a in Statesboro as well Officer of SATCOA. convenient, less painful SAVANNAH as multiple locations “Sleep apnea sufferers manner. across the country, we are treated with a “One hundred offer an innovative, radiofrequency ablation percent of our patients in-office treatment (RFA) procedure in an see an improvement option to the nearly 18 in-office setting.” and over 72% with million Americans who Dr. Silveria took this mild sleep apnea have suffer with sleep apnea. advanced procedure been cured within This disease is defined from an inpatient, 6 months of RFA as pauses in breathing hospital operation to treatment,” added Dr. that can be just a few an outpatient, in-office Silveira. “Our sleep seconds to minutes, and procedure that takes apnea procedure has occur as little as 5 to as only 2 to 5 minutes resulted in an infection many as over 30 times over the course of 5 to 8 rate of less than 1% per hour. Traditionally treatments. RFA works compared to a 4% people with this disease by directing small industry average and were only given the amounts of targeted in addition, we have choice between widely energy to the base of seen less than 1% in unpopular masks and the tongue in the back complications. We are devices including the of the throat. Following thrilled to have helped continuous positive the procedure, the so many patients and airway pressure (CPAP) treated area heals, look forward to helping machine for sleeping tissue is tightened many more find a cure and invasive surgeries and thus reduced in for the debilitating to correct obstruction size. This tightening effects of sleep apnea.” in the throat. and reduction directly

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10 – Statesboro herald — Sunday, February 23, 2014 | statesboroherald.com

My journey with dieting began when I was 8 years old. I have had a long history with overeating and being addicted to food. Throughout my life, I have tried a variety of diets which have left me hungry and frustrated. MEDI has worked for me because I am able to eat real food and feel full. I have also been able to eat out in restaurants during my weight loss journey. Through MEDI I have realized that it is okay if I am particular about what I eat and how I combine my food. My cravings have not gone away but I am able to control them. This is a way of life that I can follow and be healthy. - M. Shelkoff Statesboro, Georgia

I have progressively gained weight over the past 20 years. At first it was only 1-5 lb a year. It got worse after the death of my son. I gained 30 lbs in 4 yrs. On a routine visit to Dr. Hiller he discussed the Medi weightloss program. I decided that January 2013 I would try to lose weight on my own. One month later I did not lose anything. In February I started medi weight loss. I have lost a total of 64 lbs. thus far. I am thankful for the encouragement and tips I receive weekly from the staff. The program has changed my eating lifestyle. I feel healthier. I was able to get off 2 blood pressure medicines and knee medicine. I am more active today than when I was 25! I can walk 4-6 miles a day and not have knee pain. At 54 I would have never believed you could lose so much weight. My goal is within reach and I believe I will get there. I have found healthy ways to eat out and still lose weight. I started in a tight size 18 ½ . I am now in a size 12 hopefully soon to be a 10! - M. Anderson Statesboro, Georgia

Weight was never a concern for me as a teenager and young adult. I was very comfortable around 125 pounds. In my mid-thirties and early forties my weight began to age as I did! In my late 40’s, I was an average of 175 pounds; size 14-16 was my comfort zone. I finally reached a point where enough was enough! I was tired of feeling bad, no energy, unhappy with my appearance and I knew I had to make a change. I had received a brochure from my physician about the Medi Loss program and I gave them a call. I made my appointment with my physician and he took the time to really talk to me and listen. He explained the program and told me “It only works if you do not cheat”. I was determined I could do this and he introduced me to the Medi-Weightloss team! What a great day! They took the time to listen, did not rush me and they explained the program. A light bulb went off as I realized this was not a diet, this was a change in lifestyle! I felt empowered and I was determined this would work for me. My first weigh in 172 pounds, and so my journey began. The support I received was invaluable. The Medi team empowered me, my family supported me and I began to incorporate what I was learning about healthy choices into our meal plan. I followed the program, began an exercise regimen, and stayed focused and determined. I reached my goal of 125 in May. Since that time I am enjoying my new life, healthy and happy and maintaining at 120 pounds! I have energy, I feel better about myself and I know without a doubt that Medi-Weightloss works! Together my husband and I have lost a total of 125 pounds! If you truly want to lose weight and have not been successful then this is the program for you. The support, guidance, and encouragement you receive will truly change your life! - A. Jersey Statesboro, Georgia

community pride 2014

Medi Weightloss has been the greatest thing I have done for myself. It has helped me successfully make a lifestyle change that is obtainable. I tell people that this program is awesome, I feel wonderful. Thank you Medi for helping me look and feel GREAT. - C. Hill Statesboro, Georgia

Medi Weightloss gave me my life back. It’s as simple as that. When I weighed my lifetime highest at a pre-employment health screening in September of 2011 I knew I had to do something. With a family history of high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and cancer I vowed to get healthy before I turned 50. I lost 8 pounds over the next several months on my own but got stuck. I knew I needed professional help. My cousin told me about Medi and I was intrigued. I finally decided to give it a try and lost 9 pounds the first week! Other than the weightloss I’m most excited about my new outlook on food and nutrition. I truly no longer crave the high fat, fast food I used to enjoy. It’s truly been a transformation in many ways. Kim and Jennifer are so incredibly supportive. I was never made to feel embarrassed or ashamed if I strayed from the plan. We just talked about what went right and wrong and got back on track. As a physical therapist I can finally advise my patients about healthy living without feeling hypocritical! This is definitely the best decision I’ve ever made for my health. I would recommend it to anyone! - Mildred Statesboro, Georgia

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community pride 2014

2 – Statesboro herald — Sunday, February 23, 2014 | statesboroherald.com

Industry

Apartments remain strong Multifamily construction still a bright spot in economy By JAN MOORE jmoore@statesboroherald.com

Student and multifamily housing developments are hot, both in Statesboro and across the nation. Cal Evans, a regional appraiser for Synovus Financial Corp. in Athens, Ga., addressed two separate groups in March 2013 in Statesboro as part of Sea Island Bank’s “Invested in You” business banking series. Sea Island is a division of Synovus Bank. First, he spoke to developers at a luncheon, and then he addressed a larger group of real estate professionals in the afternoon. This is the second seminar presented by Evans in Statesboro. His first was in 2010, when more than 350 people attended. Evans is responsible for reviewing several aspects of the bank's regional real estate interests, including collateral review, appraisal review, property tax issues, education and market research. In his first presentation, Evans spoke specifically on the relationship that he and his staff have uncovered between the development and rents being charged for student housing and the development and rents being charged for multifamily housing (apartments

SCOTT BRYANT/staff

Construction continues at the Monarch301 complex Monday. Student housing is strong in local real estate markets. not designated for student living). Given the large amount of student housing currently under development in Statesboro, his topic was of keen interest to local developers attending the lunch presentation. "Cal gave us market projections that surprised me somewhat," local developer Donald NeSmith said. "Based on his research, per-bed student rents could get as high as $600 per month in the next five years or so. Right now, we are averaging rents in the range of $300 to $450 per bed. So, we will see if that comes to fruition."

Evans said his research shows that student debt is at record levels, driven in no small part by the amount that his being loaned to cover living expenses. "There is over $1 trillion in student debt in this country right now," Evans said. "Financial aid allotments take into account what it cost a student to live on campus in student housing. Those costs have increased 15 to 20 percent since 2009. In same cases, students are paying much more to live in antiquated facilities. Of course, they are going to pay an extra $50 to $100 more per month to have a

nice apartment with amenities. This is the formula that developers of student housing complexes use when projecting revenue." Evans said a circular relationship is evolving. As the cost of living while attending postsecondary institutions is increasing, subsequent student debt is increasing to cover it. When students graduate, they find that their debt prohibits them from buying a home, so they turn to multifamily (or apartment) housing to live in. Evans pointed to the data to support his claim. "In quarter four of 2009, the

national vacancy rate for multifamily housing was 8 percent," he said. "It was 4.8 percent in 2012. These properties are very hot right now. It is where investors are going." Local Realtor Jack Conner said he has seen increased demand for high density zoned residential property. "The demand for that property has most definitely increased, and in this area it is from developers around the country," he said. "I certainly can't predict how long this intense demand will last but, overall, I see some very positive signs with our real estate market here."

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community pride 2014

statesboroherald.com | Statesboro herald — Sunday, February 23, 2014 – 3

Industry

Pavlov a 10-gig upstart Ultrafast broadband to be put in select off-campus housing By AL HACKLE ahackle@statesboroherald.com

Pavlov Media built its success in university towns wiring offcampus apartments for Internet access and has begun marketing ultrafast 10 gigabits per second (10 Gbps) broadband in Statesboro. The company plans to invest about $500,000 installing a four-mile ring of fiber optic cable by summer 2014. A 10 Gbps download speed is 400 times that of the fastest regular residential service available from the major local providers. However, it won't be available to everyone in Statesboro anytime soon. Nor will every resident of every Pavlov Media-served complex necessarily receive 10 Gbps downloads. The company offers a range of services to apartment owners and businesses. But even the slower options, 1 Gbps and 2 Gbps, are still much faster than the 24 megabits per second (Mbps) fastest regular residential download speed of established local providers. For comparison, 1 Gbps = 1,000 Mbps, so 10 Gbps = 10,000 Mbps. For those whose buildings do get the top-of-the-line service, not everything on the Internet arrives at a 10 Gig rate, either. However, Pavlov Media's trademarked Tesseractiv network will deliver the majority of the Internet's content at the maximum speed for each property, said John Crutcher, Pavlov Media vice president of sales. Crutcher and VP of marketing Christopher Hunt state confidently that Pavlov Media's services are unlike anything seen before in Statesboro. "We do not believe there's anything else quite like it in your area and — if I may, I don't mean to be immodest, but — not much else like it in the United States," Hunt said.

College-town roots Mark Scifres — it's pronounced "Cyphers" — started the company in 1992 while an engineering student at the University

PAVLOV MEDIA/File

A Pavlov Media crew member pulls fiber optic cable from a spooler during an installation project in Bloomington, Ill. of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. He and a few other engineering students began wiring off-campus houses for something that was new then, data access. Still headquartered in Champaign with Scifres as its CEO, Pavlov Media has grown to serve 140 markets in 38 states. The company now has collocation hubs in New York, Philadelphia, Indianapolis, Tallahassee, Dallas, Phoenix, Chicago, Champaign and Atlanta. One is being developed in Los Angeles.

"We primarily focus on student housing, but we also do some business-to-business services as well," Crutcher said. In early 2012, the company introduced its Tesseractiv content delivery network, enabling the move into multi-gigabit speeds. Still more recently, Pavlov Media completed an upgrade of its Atlanta hub, allowing the rollout of Tesseractiv service to Statesboro and other Georgia cities. "What Tesseractiv is, in a nutshell, is a combination of capturing the most popular content that

users use and pre-downloading it into our system so we're actually hosting a lot of the content that is popular; and also it's peering relationships," Crutcher explained. In other words, Pavlov Media pre-hosts popular content so that it does not have to be located on the Internet at-large before being downloaded. This reduces latency, also known as ping time, the delay between a device's request and receipt of data. Speed is especially desirable for video streaming and online game playing, popular pursuits among college students. Netflix videos alone comprise about 50 percent of Pavlov Media's web traffic, Crutcher said. The company is able to capture 50-75 percent of total Internet traffic into its system for downloading at the highest speed, he said. Less popular content is not pre-hosted but arrives at speed chosen for each property. He cited 100 Mbps and 50 Mbps as examples. Another Pavlov Media innovation, called WebSnap, allows a user a two-second burst of the circuit's full available speed for downloading ordinary web pages. Pavlov Media also offers managed service for owners of multiunit housing. This service focuses on maintaining the fastest available speed to all residents, preventing individual end-users from doing things that harm the service for everyone and protecting against viruses and similar threats. The planned fiber optic loop will be installed in an area of concentrated off-campus student housing, including portions of Lanier Drive and U.S. 301 South. Pavlov Media is looking at winter and spring build times to have the system running by the summer 2014 leasing season. The company has hopes, but no immediate plans, for further expansion in Statesboro.

Established providers The local providers checked for the fastest available residential download speeds are Frontier Communications, Northland

Communications and Bulloch Telephone. Bulloch Telephone, which serves mainly rural areas outside Statesboro, offers a regular residential service with a 15 Mbps download speed, a customer service rep confirmed. Both Frontier and Northland, which serve customers inside Statesboro and beyond, offer regular residential customers download rates up to 24 Mbps, but spokespersons for both companies noted that they can provide individual customers — this is mainly focused on business customers — virtually any speed. "Depending on needs, customers can select the speed that meets their business requirements, from 10 Mbps to 1000 Mbps and beyond," said Northland Communications Vice President H. Lee Johnson. Johnson's emailed response also mentioned that Northland maintains a 50-mile fiber optic system in the area and plans to double the 24 Mbps residential speed in the near future. The 24 Mbps rate, his statement said, is enough to ensure "significant bandwidth to simultaneously serve all" members of a household. Karen Miller, a Frontier Communications media spokesperson for 12 states in the company's 27-state range, noted that, as an incumbent local exchange carrier, Frontier has different responsibilities than a company like Pavlov Media. As an ILEC, Frontier is required to provide phone service to every customer in its market areas and does not "have the luxury of handpicking which customers we want to serve," Miller said. The company, she added, serves many rural communities and is focused expanding broadband to everyone in its markets. Frontier can also provide customized service, especially for business customers, but theoretically for residential ones as well. "In terms of speed, we can provide any level of service that a customer is asking for, depending on what they need," Miller said.

Bulloch Fertilizer turns 50 By JAN MOORE jmoore@statesboroherald.com

Bulloch Fertilizer Company celebrated an impressive milestone in February 2013 — its 50th year in business. Founded in 1963 by Bill Mikell, John Cobb and Raybon Anderson, Bulloch Fertilizer was created in conjunction with a sister company East Georgia Liquid Feed Service. Anderson served as the managing partner, and liquid nitrogen and liquid feed were the main items offered for sale. First year sales were approximately $100,000. Anderson said at the time the company opened, competition was plentiful with 12 companies offering fertilizer and farm supplies in the area. "Initially, we had one full-time employee: Frank Smith," he said. "There were two part-time employees, and my wife Janelle answered the phone for no pay at home. In year two, we added bagged fertilizer and seed for sale. We also purchased a new mixing plant where liquid fertilizer was mixed. It was the first of its kind in the southeastern United States." By the company's 10th anniversary, it had grown to 16 employees with a large fleet of trucks and vastly increased storage. "By this time, we were offering seeds, fertilizer, farm chemicals, feeds, farm hardware, limestone, and other supplies farmers needed," Anderson said. "In 1974, Ralph Lawhorn, Everett McBride

The Bulloch Fertilizer plant today (above) and in the 1960s (left). Photos courtesy Bulloch Fertilizer

and myself formed Georgia Agricultural Chemical in Swainsboro to focus on the agricultural chemical supply side of the business. In 1982, United Agriproducts purchased the company, and it is still in business today."

Anderson bought the business outright in 1975 from Cobb. Mikell had passed away three years prior. "We had also purchased Statesboro Farm Supply, and moved the retail store to 201 West Main Street," he said.

In 1985, Anderson's son-inlaw Dr. Stan Lee joined the company, and in 1987 the Westside Vet Clinic was opened next to the retail store. Anderson's son Mike Anderson joined the company in 1988 after graduating from the University of Georgia.

"The last 25 years have been challenging, but my dad has been real good about giving me room to grow," Mike Anderson said. "He has been very supportive, and overall, it has been really rewarding. I think some of what we have done to grow the company has been my idea, and dad has let me do that." Mike Anderson said he encouraged his father to get into the golf and turf markets. "In the late 1980s, we began applying fertilizer on golf courses and on turf farms," he said. "We also expanded the plant to include a bagging operation to bag fertilizer. I don't know that dad would have gotten into that end of the business at his age if I hadn't really wanted to do it." Westside Vet came under Lee's sole ownership in 1991, and he sold his interest in Bulloch Fertilizer to the Andersons at that time. In 1993, a new business office was constructed on West Main Street, and in 2004 the Andersons decided to relocate their retail operation to Highway 80 East. The decision was made to call the new store Anderson's General Store. "Purina came out with a program called their premier stores, and one thing led to another, and we decided to open one of our own," Mike Anderson said. In 2013, he said there are 15 employees at the fertilizer plant and 23 at the general store. Mike Anderson serves as the company's president, and Raybon Anderson continues as chairman of the board.

4 – Statesboro herald — Sunday, February 23, 2014 | statesboroherald.com

community pride 2014

Industry

I-16/301 making progress By AL HACKLE ahackle@statesboroherald.com

Yes, those pipes that were laid along U.S. Highway 301 near Interstate 16 are Statesboro water and sewer mains. Nearby, a million-gallon water tower is rising. Expect to see more this year, but for the payoff in businesses and industries, think 2015 and beyond. Bulloch County voters backed a vision of the I-16 interchange as a new center for commercial, industrial and residential growth with a double referendum in November 2011. The vote authorized both the creation of a Tax Allocation District, or TAD, and a six-year extension of the Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax. A $9-10 million portion of SPLOST revenues is allocated to the project. For now, the county is paying the larger share of the extension of city utilities, using $6 million of the county’s SPLOST. Unless a further arrangement is made, the city will fund an extension of natural gas on its own. Talk to officials at the county, the city and the Development Authority of Bulloch County, and you hear an emphasis on careful planning rather than speed or speculation. In an interview, Development Authority CEO Benjy Thompson wouldn’t predict completion dates or business types. “A big part of our job is to manage expectations,” Thompson said. “I want to make sure everybody knows that we’re doing this the right way.” He did say that the plan is to extend utilities as quickly as can be done correctly to the southeastern quadrant, where the authority’s industrial park, a little more than 200 acres, is located. A water main in the current phase of construction will extend through the park to the 1 million gallon, elevated composite water tank. A sewer main also is being laid, though a pump station in a further phase is required to make it work.

with development, tax revenue is projected to top $1 million per year. Meanwhile, the six-year extension of SPLOST, which took effect just this fall, is supplying what Couch calls “seed money” for the water, sewer and more. A $9 million bond sale authorized in the referendum supplied immediate cash. The water and sewer project will leave the county at least $3 million. The county may put some of it to work right away on industrial park site work and preliminary engineering for roads, Coach said.

18 months

SCOTT BRYANT/Herald file

An 18-wheel truck turns onto Interstate 16 East from U.S. Highway 301 North. A redevelopment plan projects that 1,400 housing units will be built in the vicinity of the interchange over the next 30-40 years, in addition to millions of square feet of industrial and commercial space. “Whatever it takes to get water, Manager Tom Couch. “Therefore, The I-16 interchange TAD, wastewater and natural gas out it’s critically important that we which took effect at the beginthere in a reasonable and respon- have a balanced plan to try to gen- ning of 2013, is the first. The sible way for the community is erate commercial development.” redevelopment plan uses projecwhat we’re hopeful for, and so far He mentioned truck stops, tions that 1,400 housing units it seems like progress is going real- motels and restaurants as likely will be built there over the next ly well,” Thompson said. projects for which private develop- 30-40 years, in addition to milBesides the tank and pipelines ers will approach private landown- lions of square feet of industrial through the industrial park, the ers. and commercial space. $10 million build-out will stub A TAD does not increase tax However, industries would crewater and sewer, including 12-inch ate more jobs. They could also rates. What it does, is dedicate water mains, to all four corners of spark interest in restaurants and any increase in tax revenue the interchange. The other three other businesses that serve com- resulting from higher property corners remain private property. muting employees, Couch noted. values — whether from new But all four quadrants are part of So plans call for a mix. construction or land being sold the 1,800-acre Tax Allocation “I think we’ve got a really good at higher prices — to infrastrucDistrict. redevelopment plan,” Couch said. ture improvements within the Because industries often get tax “We’ve just got to be realistic about district. advantages as incentives, commer- timing and we’ve got to be able to The TAD has a maximum life cial development on private land possibly sustain three to five years of 30 years, but can be concludin the TAD could supply money before we see any significant devel- ed sooner when all of the needed for future infrastructure develop- opment down there. But if it comes infrastructure — including ment faster. roads as well as utilities — is early, hey, that’s a great bonus.” “We’re kind of discounting the built. At that point, all revenue How TAD works amount of money that’s going to from the district would revert to be created in the industrial park by The 2011 referendum gener- the county’s general fund. about 50 percent due to incen- ally empowered the county to Right now, the TAD is protives,” said Bulloch County establish Tax Allocation Districts. ducing little, if any, revenue. But

The city awarded contacts for the first phase of the water and sewer extension in July. CB&I is building the water tank on a $2.09 million contract. Complete Sitework Services won a $2.25 million contract for the initial water and sewer extension, but according to Van Collins, assistant director of the city’s Water and Wastewater Department, Complete Sitework subcontracted the pipeline construction to Tyson Utilities. That phase of pipe installation is nearly 50 percent complete, Collins said. He estimated the storage tank would take another eight to nine months. However, that’s only Phase 1. Collins projected that the city should be able to put Phase 2, which includes the pumping station for the sewer system, out for bids in January. Phase 3, including water and sewer stubs to the northwest and southwest quadrants, could follow in February or March. “So most likely in about 18 months, we should have all the infrastructure in and stubbed out to all four quadrants at that interchange,” Collins said. “We’re hoping it will take place within 18 months and we’ll be able to serve any development that goes out there.”

Great Dane's first 'baby' Gateway Park plant produces first trailer for Celadon By JAN MOORE jmoore@statesboroherald.com

Great Dane completed production of Celadon Group's first refrigerated trailer last year, part of a 200-reefer order being built in Great Dane's newest manufacturing facility, located in Statesboro’s Gateway Industrial Park. A reefer is a refrigerated trailer with insulated walls and a selfpowered refrigeration unit. These reefers represent the first refrigerated trailers that Celadon, one of North America's largest truckload carriers, has purchased from any manufacturer. "As a long-time supplier of Celadon's dry freight trailers, we're especially honored that Celadon selected us for its initial order of refrigerated trailers," said Dave Gilliland, Great Dane's vice president of national accounts. "These trailers will enable Celadon to expand its customer service by hauling temperature-controlled freight in addition to its already wide range of services.” Statesboro plant manager Kevin Black said that like the Celadon order, each order the plant processes is unique. “We are one of three Great Dane plants that is dedicated to building

SPECIAL

An illustration of the first Celadon refrigerated trailer is shown leaving Statesboro's Great Dane manufacturing plant. ‘specialty’ orders,” he said. “Each order is different, and our employees have to be able to adjust to the needs of the client. They do a wonderful job.” Black said the Statesboro plant employs 250 people producing 35 trailers each week. “We plan to increase our level of production in three weeks to 40 trailers per week remaining at one shift,” he said. “We then plan to increase to 50 trailers per week per shift. When we are producing at full capacity, we will be manufacturing 100 trailers per week and employ between 400 and 500 people over two shifts.” Black said manufacturing of a trailer involves two distinct phases. “First, we have to engineer the trailer that they are requesting and

then order and receive the materials,” he said. “Once we have configured the assembly line for a particular order, it takes about six days to produce a trailer.” The unique nature of the orders that are received makes standardized training difficult. “Because our manufacturing is custom, very few of our employees do the exact same thing every day,” he said. “Therefore, most of the training for the jobs that we have is done in-house. For our assembly jobs, we are mainly looking for individuals that have a good work ethic.” Great Dane's state-of-the-art Statesboro plant encompasses 450,000 square feet, including office space and a 3,000-square-foot climate-controlled, noise-free cus-

tomer preview center. This particular facility is dedicated to manufacturing the company's all-new Everest refrigerated trailers, the TL model reefer for truckload carriers and the CL model reefer built especially for the unique needs of multi-temp and food-service operations, especially those in the Southeast. Joining a network of seven other strategically located Great Dane manufacturing plants, the Statesboro facility was designed and built to be the most modern and efficient in the world. Breakthrough technologies incorporated include the use of robotic welding, automated production processes, computer-controlled foaming operations and an optimized material handling system for

quality and efficiency. Great Dane is a manufacturer of dry van, refrigerated and platform trailers. The company is headquartered in Chicago and has additional corporate offices in Savannah with manufacturing plants and a parts distribution center strategically located throughout the United States. Celadon Group Inc., through its subsidiaries, provides long-haul and regional full-truckload freight service across the United States, Canada and Mexico. The company also owns Celadon Logistics Services, which provides freight brokerage services, less-than-truckload services and supply chain management solutions, including warehousing and dedicated fleet services.

community pride 2014

statesboroherald.com | Statesboro herald — Sunday, February 23, 2014 – 5

Industry

Brodie a star in Bulloch Co. From staff reports

Brodie International Co. LLC, has been a star in Bulloch County for the past 11 years. The company provides liquid flow meters and equipment for the petroleum and industrial markets, specializing in producing high precision meters and valves that are used in the custody transfer of petroleum products. In 2003, a group of 10 local investors purchased the company

from Emerson Electric. The industry operated in earlier years under various names; it began in 1956 as Rockmart and when Emerson purchased it in 1970, the business operated as Brooks Instruments. Brodie International has grown to employ 80 people, and has seen positive growth over the last year, with the addition of several machines to the line, said Johnny Parrish, company vice president.

About 45 percent of Brodie Meter’s business is export. “We sell to all the major oil companies,” Parrish said. Part of the company’s success is that it believes in building long-term relationships with customers, employees and selling partners. Brodie’s product portfolio includes positive displacement meters, control valves, electronic totalizers, strainers and air eliminators, calibration and reconditioning services and engineered

systems. Each of these products is very successful and is globally recognized and respected throughout the industry, according to Parrish. The company’s design, engineering and manufacturing facilities are all located in Statesboro at the U.S. Highway 301 North location. The service center specializes in the repair and conditioning of meters and valves from all major manufacturers. Brodie has the

largest calibration center in North America, with flow rates up to 20,000 barrels per hour on water and 12,000 barrels per hour on mineral spirits, he said. Brodie Meter touts itself on the company website as being a “world-class production facility in the flow measurement market.” Products and services are sold and distributed worldwide and are used by numerous international oil and pipeline companies, he said.

Boro is booming Census: Local area among fastest-growing in nation From staff reports

Statistics released last week identify Statesboro as a fast-growing city, and part of one of the most rapidly expanding regions of the country. According to estimates by the U.S. Census Bureau, the City of Statesboro’s population experienced an approximate 4.8 percent increase since the release of 2010 Census figures — up to 29,779 residents. During the same time, the population of Bulloch County increased to 72,694 — a 3.5 percent increase. The growing trend was experienced region-wide, and has placed Statesboro and Bulloch County among elite company. Based on the estimates released, the Savannah-HinesvilleStatesboro Combined Statistical Area is the sixth-fastest growing,

by percentage of growth, in the United States, edging out places like Dallas-Ft. Worth, Texas; Denver-Aurora, Colo.; and Orlando-Daytona Beach, Fla.; and finishing just below RaleighDurham-Chapel Hill, N.C., and Houston-The Woodlands, Texas. “It is excellent news and it is very encouraging,” said Phyllis Thompson, the president of the Statesboro-Bulloch Chamber of Commerce. “These estimates are evidence that people have liked what they’ve seen about Statesboro and Bulloch County. The sustained growth will continue to support and build the economic status of this city, and promote additional growth moving forward.” The Savannah-HinesvilleStatesboro CSA grew by more than 4 percent since 2010, becoming the second-fastest

growing region in Georgia, behind Columbus-AuburnOpelika, which straddles Georgia and Alabama, and was the thirdfastest growing CSA in the nation. The U.S. Office of Management and Budget defines CSAs based on social and economic ties, measured by commuting patterns between adjacent cities and towns. Overall, OMB recognizes 166 CSAs throughout the country. In Bulloch County, it is estimated that every municipality increased its population since 2010. Reports indicate that Brooklet gained nearly 30 residents, Portal, eight, and Register, three. According to estimates, Statesboro added nearly 1,400 people to its population. “Both the city and the county

Since opening in 1965, the Plastics Group of the Loxcreen Co., employs 60 men and women to operate its 75,000 square foot facility. Headquartered in Oklahoma City, OK, Loxcreen also manufactures aluminum extrusions and building products that are sold across the U.S. and Canada.

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From parts that protect your children’s fingers from slamming doors to weather strip that keeps your entry doors sealed, the Loxcreen Company’s Plastics Division in Brooklet, Georgia has delivered quality plastic extrusions to homes across America and Canada for over 45 years.

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The Plastics Group of Loxcreen manufactures fifteen million pounds of flexible and rigid plastic profiles annually. Extruded in every color, size, and shape imaginable, the custom profiles and component parts are utilized by the Industries such as, commercial refrigeration, window, door, and golf cart. Look for our new Casa Verde product line at Homedepot.com and coming soon to a retailer near you.

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National retail stores such as those at Statesboro Crossing are just one of the signs of population growth in the Statesboro/ Bulloch area. SCOTT BRYANT/staff

really strive to appeal to people who are coming in for the day, or to reside here permanently,” Thompson said. “It seems to me that Statesboro and Bulloch County continue to offer a qualify-of-life that is seldom seen in other communities our size.” The City of Statesboro ranked 31st among 586 Georgia cities in terms of population size, according on the 2010 Census report; its population increased by more than 24 percent since the

previous survey in 2000. A continued driving factor for the growth has been Georgia Southern University, Thompson said. “Georgia Southern University has continued to grow,” she said. “This community, for many years, has enjoyed having an institution that can bring people from all over the state and country to Statesboro, where they have a good experience and sometimes decide to stay.”

6 – Statesboro herald — Sunday, February 23, 2014 | statesboroherald.com

community pride 2014

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2014 Community

Pride Pride

Lifestyles

Deal's Furniture and Mattress a growing, family business

community pride 2014

2 – Statesboro herald — Sunday, February 23, 2014 | statesboroherald.com

Lifestyles

Deal's Furniture and Mattress: A growing family business From staff reports

Shoppers searching for antiques and decorative items, new or used furniture, a top-brand mattress or a myriad of unique gifts have two Deal’s locations to explore. After 36 years growing in business, Deal’s Furniture and Mattress Outlet opened a second store in June 2012. Deal’s Downtown, in the former Plunderosa location off East Main Street, offers a greater concentration of antiques and used furniture, as well as new mattresses and a sampling of Deal’s gift line. But it has taken nothing away from the company’s long-established home base, the store

beyond the bypass on Georgia Highway 67 South. A landmark amid the sprawl of new businesses and residential development, Deal’s offers 25,000 square feet of display space for customer browsing, backed by 45,000 square feet of storage from which the staff may retrieve items upon request. The brother-sister duo of Craig Deal and Gail Deal Nesmith maintain the business founded more than three decades ago by their father, the late John E. Deal. Today, Craig Deal is the owner, while Nesmith serves as secretary and treasurer of the company and manages the gift shop. Added to the mix is Matt Deal, Craig’s

son, whose specialty is product knowledge with furniture and matresses. “For the 38th year in a row we’ve had growth as a business,” Deal reported. And for a decade now the company has consistently won Best Mattress Store and Best Antique Store honors in “Best of the Boro” surveys. The store was also recognized as Best Furniture Store in 2012 and 2013. “That’s all because of customer service,” Deal said. “We’re second to nobody.” Furniture delivery and setup are always free, he said. That day the delivery team — Jordan Holloway and Michael Pearce — were making a delivery to Whitemarsh Island. Deal’s

January

Statesboro Film Festival

Christian Washington, far left, notched the Best Director award for "Chance", Alayna Baer, center left, AnnNell Byne, center right, and Jake Taylor, right, accepted the People's Choice award for "Provenance," and Nelson Miller, center, cleaned up with awards for Best Cinematography and Best Film for "Beautiful Things" during the 2013 Statesboro Film Festival at the Averitt Center for the Arts. Now is the time to get your cameras rolling for this year's festival on April 17. Entries are due by April 4. For information on the 2013 Statesboro Film Festival, go to www.statesboro filmfestival.com.

Photos by SCOTT BRYANT/Herald staff photographer 912-764-9151 23805 Highway 80 E SUNDAY: 9:15 am Bible Study

Sunday School

10:30 am Traditional Worship Sanctuary

Contemporary Worship

Family Life Center Gym

BLAST Children’s Worship

WEDNESDAY: 5:00 pm Family Dinner Fellowship Hall

6:00 pm AWANA

Family Life Center

U--Turn & Zone

(Youth Programs) 2nd Floor, Family Life Center

Life Groups/ Bible Studies

Williams Building

6:00 pm Worship Service Sanctuary

➤ Gun permit requests sky-rocketed in Bulloch County during the last two months of 2012, with the Bulloch County Probate Court receiving 125 weapons carry permit applications in December 2012. Bulloch County Probate Judge Lee DeLoach said the election and recent violence are reasons why gun permit applications more than doubled over the past year’s count during that month. ➤ Statesboro City Council welcomed its newest member. District 1 representative Phil Boyum, who won a runoff election in December 2012, was sworn in to his new post. In November 2013, Boyum was elected to a new fouryear term. ➤ Statesboro resident Lori Durden was appointed by Gov. Nathan Deal to the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia, representing the 12th Congressional District. Durden was to be one of only two women serving on the 18-member board, and would be its youngest member. Durden is the vice president for economic development at Ogeechee Technical College. ➤ A Georgia Southern University student collapsed in class in the College of Business Administration building and later died, the university said in a statement. Cory Wilson, 21, a junior management major from Savannah, was “immediately transported to East Georgia Regional Medical Center where he was later pronounced dead,” GSU’s Christian Flathman said. ➤ A tanker carrying several thousand gallons of gasoline overturned after colliding with other vehicles, spilling about 2,000 gallons of fuel into Lower Lotts Creek. Georgia State Patrol Capt. Kirk McGlamery said the accident occurred just before 8 p.m. Sunday, when a “bobtail” tractor trailer truck (one not hauling a trailer) was traveling north on U.S. Highway 301 South near Georgia Highway 46. The driver of the tanker, Ricky Byron Bryant, 56, of Moore Road in Vidalia, was cited with following too closely. ➤ A middle school student wearing a fake grenade around his neck was disciplined by school authorities. The life-sized replica of a grenade was suspended by a chain around the youth’s neck when a Langston Chapel Middle School teacher noticed it around 2:45 p.m. while the student was in her class, said Hayley G. Greene, Bulloch County Schools spokewsoman.

February visit www.ehbcstatesboro.org for information

offers and that Marilyn has now become the store’s greeter. But the shawl she was wearing was for sale. For gifts — for oneself or others — Deal’s boasts the area’s largest selection of Tervis tumblers and sizeable collections of Georgia Bulldogs and Georgia Southern Eagles items and fashion jewelry. RedNek brand party glasses include Mason-jar mugs and plastic-cup stemware. They also have an extensive selection of initial wall décor and trivets — special order or instock. Serta mattresses are Deal’s premier line, and they have the area’s largest selection, Deal said. They also carry Corsicana, as

well as other mattress makes in overstock purchases. Among other new furniture, Deal’s carries Catnapper recliners sofas, loveseats and VaughnBassett bedroom furniture. Both lines are U.S. made. Ed Wilson operates the downtown store, which encompasses about 12,000 square feet. Deal’s Downtown puts a sharper focus on antiques and used furniture, but also stocks new mattresses and many of the same gift items as the original store. “Happy Everything” platters and cookie jars, with attachments for holidays, sports and special occasions, are a gift line exclusive to the downtown store.

In 2013

2012 Kiwanian of the Year

The Kiwanis Club of Statesboro named Jim Phelps Kiwanian of the Year during the group's 53rd Anniversary Celebration in February 2013.

also does catalog special orders at no extra charge and offers financing for purchases. The Deals, Nesmith and employees will show you any merchandise you ask to see, but pressure sales aren’t their way. “No pressure sales at all,” Deal said. “We just let them do their thing and if they need some help, we’re glad to help them.” From mirrors to beds to antique cabinets, from Georgia Bulldogs mugs to sock monkey slippers, just about everything is for sale — expect possibly the life-size Marilyn Monroe doll lounging just inside the front entrance of the Highway 67 store. NeSmith said her brother constantly turns down

➤ DeAngelo Tyson, former Statesboro High School standout, played in Super Bowl XLVII at the Mercdes-Benz

Superdome in New Orleans. Tyson played first at the University of Georgia and was selected by the Baltimore Ravens in the seventh round of the 2012 NFL Draft. He made the Ravens’ roster and gained more playing time as the 2012 season progressed. His rookie year came to a fairy-tale ending as he recorded a tackle and assisted on three more in the Ravens’ 34-31 victory over the San Francisco 49ers. ➤ Pope Benedict XVI announced his resignation, saying he lacked the strength to do his job. He became the first pontiff to step down in 600 years. ➤ Former President Jimmy Carter and former first lady Rosalynn Carter visited Georgia Southern University, speaking at Hanner Fieldhouse as part of the university’s leadership lecture series, geared toward providing students a chance to hear leaders from around the world. ➤ After being trapped for hours in a grain bin filled with tons of soybeans, two men were freed and airlifted to a Savannah hospital. Statesboro High ➤ School’s boys’ basketball team captured the region 3-AAAA championship after defeating Butler by a score of 82-77. This was SHS’ first region title since the 20082009 season. ➤ A Sylvania man scratched a lottery ticket worth $1 million after taking his wife to a romantic Valentine’s Day dinner. He stopped at the Ace Stop N Shop on Frontage Road in Sylvania and bought the $20 instant game Millionaire Jingle Jumbo Bucks scratch-off lottery ticket.

March ➤ More than 110 performers from 20 countries, part of international youth group Up with People, arrived in front of the Averitt Center for the Arts to continue an 18-city world tour performing shows and tackling community service projects. ➤ Charlton Young, Georgia Southern’s men’s head basketball coach for the past four seasons, was fired after a meeting with GSU Athletics Director Tom Kleinlein. ➤ Argentine Jorge Bergoglio was elected pope and chose the papal name Francis, becoming first pontiff from the Americas and the first from outside Europe in more than a millennium. ➤ Georgia Southern announced it will make the move to the Football Bowl Subdivision by becoming a member of the Sun Belt Conference along with Southern Conference rival Appalachian State, during a press conference featuring GSU President Brooks Keel, Athletic Director Tom Kleinlein,

student government president Dominique Quarles, and Sun Belt Commissioner Karl Benson.

April ➤ Local businesswoman Trish Tootle was selected as the Statesboro Herald Humanitarian of the Year during the 2013 Deen Day Smith Service to Mankind Awards. Other honors included Barbara Martin, Keith Hickman, and Raybon Anderson being named Lifetime Achievement recipients at the annual, invitationonly gala. ➤ Twenty people, mostly Statesboro residents, were charged in a federal tax fraud scheme. More arrests occurred later in a massive case that involved people stealing victims’ identities via medical records and using them to file tax returns. ➤ The Statesboro Kiwanis Club brought back the annual spring rodeo for its third year, with sellout crowds packing the stands as Hedrick Rodeo Company of Tennessee brought national champions to the area. The event is one of the club’s annual fund raisers, with money going back into the community through donations throughout the year. ➤ The Boston Marathon bombing killed three and injured more than 260. Brothers Dzhokhar and Tamerlan Tsarnaev, ethnic Chechens who emigrated to the United States as children, used pressure cookers to create the deadly bombs, which exploded near finish line of the popular race. While authorities sought them during the next few days, a Massachusetts Institute of Technology police officer was shot and killed. Eventually, in a shootout with police, Tamerlan Tsarnaev was killed, and Dzhokhar Tsarnaev was captured and could face the death penalty. ➤ There was no explanation for a mysterious boom that shook walls and rattled windows in the Statesboro area. Several military sites denied the noise was caused by a sonic boom from a speeding aircraft, but that possibility was investigated, although never proven. ➤ Former Bulloch County jailer Michael Wayne Griffin, 37, of Sandy Way, was accused of sexual assault against a female inmate. The assault allegedly occurred in 2009. ➤ Charles Minshew, a Georgia Southern University graduate and former Statesboro Herald intern, won the Puliltzer Prize for coverage of the Aurora, Colo., movie theater shootings from summer 2012. ➤ A Statesboro High School teacher, Richard McCombs, was recognized nationally as the 2013 coteacher of by SECME (for-

merly Southeastern Consortium for Minorities in Engineering).

May

➤ Jemelleh Coes, a special education English language arts and reading teacher from Langston Chapel Middle School, was named the Georgia Teacher of the Year. ➤ Georgia Southern’s softball team clinched its second consecutive Southern Conference championship. The Eagles battled through extra innings in the semifinal before winning the title game on a walk-off home run. ➤ A tornado ripped through Moore, Okla., killing 24, including many children whose school was destroyed. ➤ Construction crews took down the scoreboard at Paulson Stadium in one of the first major steps of the renovation and expansion of the stadium.

June

➤ Georgia Southern University held a groundbreaking ceremony at Paulson Stadium for the construction of a $10 million Football Operations Center and an expansion of the seating on the north side of the facility. ➤ Former Sardis police officer and Screven County jailer Winard Dwayne Burke, 34, of Burke County, known by his co-workers as “Robocop,” was fatally shot when a Sardis police officer on patrol caught him breaking into the police department and armed with an ax. ➤ After going missing for more than 18 hours, 65-yearold Hank Alvin Dutton, of Georgia Highway 46, was found waist deep in the waters of Lower Lotts Creek behind Meinhardt Vineyards. ➤ Cortney Antwan Cooper, 25, of Oak Street, pleaded guilty to killing Orlando Quentin Hamilton, 23. Cooper was sentenced to life for the charge of murder, as well as five years to serve concurrent for concealing the death of another. Hamilton’s body was found under a North College Street house four years after he went missing.

July

➤ Statesboro police arrested Antoinette Brady Riley, 48, of Greenbriar Trail, on felony murder charges in the death of her husband, Michael Anthony Riley, 51. A few days later a second suspect, Tarell Mormon, 34, a prison inmate, was also charged with murder. On July 20, it was reported that Terrance Ray Griswould, 28, of Augusta also was charged with murder. On July 24, it was reported that Travis Lorenzo Berrian, 29, of Augusta, fired shots inside the state probation office in Augusta when probation

community pride 2014

statesboroherald.com | Statesboro herald — Sunday, February 23, 2014 – 3

Lifestyles

All photos by SCOTT BRYANT/Staff

Wouter Aalberts of Dronten, Netherlands, on guitar, left, and Kinsey Scholl of Washington, D.C., on bass take center stage during an Up with People performance for Statesboro High School students in March 2013.

Up With People Cast of 120 performers from 20 countries stop by the 'Boro From staff reports

ore than 110 performers from 20 countries arrived at the Averitt Center for the Arts last March to continue their 18-city world tour with Up with People, a nonprofit organization designed to provide travel, cultural, art performance and community service experiences for its students, who pay tuition. During their weeklong stay in Statesboro, Up with People cast members stayed in the homes of local host families. Throughout the week, the cast spread out to participate in

various community service projects — assisting Habitat for Humanity, visiting the Boys & Girls Club and working with children at the library and Averitt Center — and performed multiple live shows to raise money for the Averitt Center. Other projects included sorting food items at the Food Bank Inc., cleaning the river with Ogeechee Riverkeeper and meeting elders at the Parks and Recreation Department senior center. The group also hosted a cultural fair on GSU's campus. Other tour cities for the group included Atlanta; Geneva, Switzerland; and Mexico City.

The cast and staff of renowned international performance and educational group Up with People laughs and claps with sponsor Russ Lanier's Elvis Presley impersonation during a welcoming ceremony at the Averitt Center for the Arts in March 2013.

In 2013 officers tried taking him into custody in the slaying. Berrain was shot and killed by officers. Antoinette Riley’s daughter, Katrina Denise Ledford, 29, of Davisboro, also was charged with murder. ➤ Michael Scott, 29, was sentenced to life in prison in the death of death of Ebony Waters, 23. Scott pleaded guilty to striking and killing her with a car. ➤ A Bulloch County grand jury indicted five women in the county clerk office after an investigation that began almost three years ago when the GBI received a complaint regarding records and collection of traffic ticket fees and fines. They were: Bulloch County Clerk of Courts Teresa Tucker, former clerk Sherri Akins, deputy clerk Leatha Deloach and former deputy clerks Amanda Smith and Marion Williams. ➤ Heavy rains caused a Screven County pond dam, which held at bay approximately 80 acres of water 24 feet deep, to collapse, sending large trees and other debris across Georgia Highway 17, washing out parts of the road and emptying the pond. Luckily, the damage was less than officials had feared.

August ➤ Community Health Systems Inc. announced that the company has entered into a merger agreement with Health Management Associates Inc., East Georgia Regional Medical Center’s parent company, for approximately $3.9 billion — $7.6 billion counting assumed debt. ➤ Bulloch County and Statesboro fire crews rescued a Bulloch County man after he fell about 20 feet down a vertical grain elevator shaft. While helping construct the elevator, on a site just off

Nevils Groveland Road in Nevils, a millwright identified by a co-worker as Charles Edward Thomas, 64, plunged from a steel I-beam that stretched across the top of the shaft, face-first, to the metal floor. ➤ Caleb Jamaal Clemmons, a former Georgia Southern University student, pleaded guilty to issuing terroristic threats via computer. Under the plea deal, Clemmons, 20, was sentenced to six months in Bulloch County Jail and five years probation. He was credited with the six months he spent in jail because he was unable to make $20,000 bond after he was charged with posting a threat against the Georgia Southern campus on his Tumblr blog in February. He was prohibited from being in Bulloch County or anywhere else in the Ogeechee Judicial Circuit, and banned from the GSU campus. ➤ A 7-foot tall, 150-pound steel fork that once stood at the fork of West Main and Johnson streets was stolen. It was found several weeks later on Veterans Memorial Parkway. ➤ Bulloch County 911 announced plans for a major overhaul of addresses along Northside Drive as a way to make emergency response efforts more efficient. By the start of 2014, nearly every building on the busy highway will sport a new numerical address, according to Kelly Barnard, the director of Bulloch, Evans and Candler County Emergency 911. ➤ A Bulloch County sheriff’s deputy was awarded the Lifesaving Medal for his role in the rescue of two kayakers on the Ogeechee River on Aug. 14.

September ➤ Former GSU Eagle J.J. Wilcox, who was drafted in

the third round last spring by the Dallas Cowboys, lined up at strong safety in his first NFL game as the Cowboys escaped with a season-opening 36-31 win over the visiting New York Giants. ➤ The Averitt Center for the Arts celebrated its 10th season of bringing the arts to Statesboro with “10 Days Marking 10 Years,” a series of events that included musical productions, a film screening, a two-night run of locally produced musical theater and lessons in visual arts and dance. ➤ Three defendants — deputy clerk Leatha Deloach and former deputy clerks Marion Puckett Williams and Amanda Kay Smith — pleaded guilty in the case against the Bulloch County Clerk of Courts office. The women, along with then-suspended Clerk of Courts Teresa Tucker and former clerk of courts and part-time deputy clerk Sherri Akins, were indicted on July 8 by a Bulloch County grand jury on charges of felony theft by conversion and violation of oath by public officer. Williams and Smith also were indicted on public records fraud charges. Under a plea deal, Deloach, Williams and Smith were each sentenced to 10 years probation and ordered to pay $6,000 restitution. ➤ Four suspects in the June 30 killing of Michael Anthony Riley, 51, of Greenbriar Trail, were indicted: Riley’s wife, Antoinette Braddy Riley, 48; her daughter, Katrina Denise Ledford, 29, of Davisboro; Tarell Momom, 34, an inmate in Jackson State Prison; and Terrance Ray Griswould, 28, of Augusta. A fifth suspect, Travis Lorenzo Berrian, 29, of Augusta, was killed in late July when he resisted arrest by probation officers on murder charges stemming from Michael Riley’s death. Berrian

shot and wounded a probation officer and was killed by return fire. ➤ About 515 people attended the eighth annual Steak & Burger Dinner to hear from “Miss Kay” Robertson, matriarch of the family featured on A&E’s “Duck Dynasty.” About $65,000 was raised from the event, which benefits the Boys & Girls Club of Bulloch County.

October ➤ Statesboro civil rights attorney and pastor Dr. Francys Johnson, 34, was elected the newest leader of the Georgia State Conference NAACP. Johnson is the youngest president in the organization’s history. ➤ Administrators with Charter Conservatory, a charter school serving middle and high school students, announced their plan to petition the state for creation of a second charter school in Bulloch County — one that would provide an alternative option for elementary school parents and teachers. The Statesboro STEAM College and Career Ready Academy would serve kindergarten through fifth-grade students and place emphasis on science, technology, engineering, mathematics and the arts. ➤ Statesboro High School’s Marching Blue Devils Band hosted 13 bands in the 37th East Georgia Marching Band Festival and Championships at Womack Field. Southeast Bulloch High School took this year’s top honors. ➤ Two Statesboro officers — a police officer and a code enforcement officer — were placed on administrative leave after George Pryor, 61, of Rackley Street, was shot and killed at his home during a civil matter that turned violent. Witnesses said the dis-

agreement was over a disabled van city officials had been trying to get Pryor to move for some time.

November ➤About 90 minutes before the shots were fired that killed one man and wounded a second outside one Statesboro nightclub, shots were fired in a separate incident outside another, nearby nightclub in which no one was injured, police said. Johnnie L. Benton, 25, of Rincon, was killed and Jamal Heard, 21, also of Rincon, was seriously injured after an unknown black male opened fire around 2:30 a.m., on the morning of Sunday, Nov. 10, at Primetime Lounge on Northside Drive West, Statesboro Public Safety Director Wendell Turner said. Shortly after 1 a.m. Sunday, shots were fired at the Platinum Lounge on Proctor Street, but no one was injured. Two days later, both clubs were shut down by Bulloch County Superior Court Judge John R. Turner. ➤ 2013 truly saw a turnaround for Southeast Bulloch football, as the Yellow Jackets recorded their first winning season since 2005 and earned their first state playoff berth since 2003. SEB finished with a 7-3-1 record, a third-place finish in Region 1-AAA and optimism about the program’s future moving forward. The Jackets lost in the playoffs in Louisville against Jefferson County. ➤ For the first time in program history, the Georgia Southern Eagles defeated a program from the Football Bowl Subdivision with a 26-20 win over the Florida Gators in The Swamp on Saturday, Nov. 23. It was the last game for GSU as a member of the Football Championship Subdivision. The Eagles will transition to the Football Bowl Subdivision

Sun Belt Conference in 2014.

December

➤ Bulloch County became ground zero in the national discussion on religious liberty in public schools. Bulloch County Citizens for Religious Liberty formed on Facebook in reaction to a complaint earlier in the year by Americans United for Separation of Church and State, which submitted photographs appearing to show school employees praying with football players, and the subsequent reaction to that by the school system. Confusion arose over what employees were required to do, and prohibited from doing, leading some to believe the schools were singling out Christianity. More than 250 people attend a school board meeting Dec. 5, and the group presented a petition asking for employees’ religious rights to be respected. Liberty Institute threatened to sue the school system, but backs away from that after receiving a letter from the school board attorney clarifying its position on employees’ rights to religious expression. ➤ Jan Moore won a mayoral runoff election over Jonathan McCollar, meaning she will become Statesboro’s first female mayor when she is sworn in on Jan. 7. ➤ Nelson Mandela, who became one of the world’s most beloved statesmen and a 20th-century giant after emerging from 27 years in prison and negotiating an end to white minority rule, and apartheid, in South Africa, died at age 95. ➤ The U.S. Military Academy announced that it has hired Georgia Southern head football coach Jeff Monken to hold the same position for Army’s football program. The announcement prompted a search by GSU for Monken’s replacement.

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6 – Statesboro herald — Sunday, February 23, 2014 | statesboroherald.com

Lifestyles

Our Statesboro

Snooky's restaurant regulars Norman Wells, far right, and Charlie Chrismas, second right, engage in lively conversation at RJ's Steakery during an informal reunion one year after the closing of Snooky's in February 2013.

The Exchange Club of Statesboro names Ethan Perkins of Southeast Bulloch High School, center, Youth of the Year in this April 2013 Herald file photo.

Blake Arp of Aragon, Ga., manages to stay in the saddle despite some spirited bucking during the the saddle bronc competition during in the Hedrick Rodeo at the Kiwanis Ogeechee Fairgrounds in April 2013.

▲

Freda Smith, left, helps Aubrey Gilbey, 4, enjoy the felling of grapes squishing between her toes during last Meinhardt Vineyards & Winery Annual Grape Stomp Festival in September 2013.

Lottie Johnson, right, helps Freida Street celebrate her 100th birthday with friends and family in June 2013 at the Honey Bowen Building. ▲

▲ Border Collie Rhapsody soars above the water to snare a toy from the air tossed by owner Sam Gentsch of Cartersville, Ga. in the Big Air event during the Dock Dogs competition at Anderson's General Store in May 2013. ▲

Occupational therapist Courtney Fickling of The Therapy Spot elicits a big smile from patient Shyla Foster, 13, during an aquatic physical therapy session at Splash in the Boro last September.

▲

Valencia Houston, 6, center, gives brother Dorian, 4, a sip of her drink while enjoying last October's annual Scare on the Square with fellow siblings Jaylen Brunson, 2, front of stroller, and Madison Pearsall, 1. ▲

Harry Raith, 89, a U.S. Army veteran who served in the European Theater during WWII, salutes as the names of Bulloch County residents who lost their lives during various conflicts while serving in the military are read out loud during the annual Memorial Day Community Observance at the Averitt Center for the Arts.

Photos by SCOTT BRYANT/Herald staff photographer

community pride 2014

statesboroherald.com | Statesboro herald — Sunday, February 23, 2014 – 7

Lifestyles

All photos by SCOTT BRYANT/Staff

Georgia Southern University President Brooks Keel, right, introduces former President Jimmy Carter and first lady Rosalynn Carter at Hanner Fieldhouse in this February 2013 Herald file photo.

A Presidential Visit Former President Jimmy Carter visits Statesboro with wife Rosalynn

By JASON WERMERS jwermers@statesboroherald.com One enduring trait that people remember about President Jimmy Carter is his honesty and forthrightness — some would say to a fault. Perhaps the most famous example of that came in an interview with Playboy magazine in 1976 when, as a presidential candidate, he said, “I’ve committed adultery in my heart many times.” That trait was on full display in February 2013 when Carter and his wife, Rosalynn Carter, spoke to a packed Hanner Fieldhouse as part of Georgia Southern University’s Leadership Lecture Series. When he was asked what it was like to return to private life after serving as president for four years, he drew laughter from the audience when he quipped, “I was not nearly as unhappy as my wife was.” Rosalynn Carter confirmed that she took his defeat to Ronald Reagan in the 1980 election much harder than her husband did. “He was right about me, I grieved,” she said, drawing more laughter. “But he was my husband and he had been hurt. I think it was natural for me to grieve about that.” True to her husband’s statement that she is “much more of a politician than I am,” Rosalynn Carter gave her take on where the country was headed at the time. “We had the country going in the right direction,” she said. “We were at peace. He was working on environment, he was working on education. It just seems that now we are bringing it up again after all of this time, so I just knew he would have been a better president than the one that followed.” Jimmy Carter noted that he only spent 12 years in public office — four as state senator, four as governor of Georgia and four as president — which amounts to a small fraction of the 88 years he has lived. “When I left the White House, I didn’t know what I was gonna do,” he said. “I did do an analysis and I realized at my age, 56, my life expectancy was 25 more years, and what was I gonna do with my life? And I must say that the best time of my life has been since I left the White House, and part of that was

mother or if the pregnancy was caused by rape or incest,” he said. “When I was elected president, I was sworn to uphold the laws of America as interpreted by the Supreme Court. And as you know, Roe v. Wade permits unlimited abortions in the first trimester or until the baby is viable. “Well, I had to enforce the law,” he continued. “So how did I reconcile it? I can’t say that I did a good job. So I did comply with the law, but I tried to do everything I could to minimize the need for, or desire for, abortions.” He explained that he introduced the Women, Infants and Children program to help women provide for their children who otherwise might not have the resources, and that he did what he could as president to try to make adoptions easier. “I never felt comfortable with laws that permitted abortions just as a means of contraception too late,” Carter said. “So that’s been a conflict in my life. I think it’s the only one I remember that has bothered me between my own religious beliefs and moral values what my duties were in public office.” History remembers 1979–1980 as a challenging time for the U.S. — the ongoing Iranian hostage crisis and the spike in Former first lady Rosalynn Carter takes questions from gas prices, both of which were effects of the Iranian revolution, the local news media with husand and former President along with the Soviet Union’s invasion of Afghanistan, which Jimmy Carter before a February 2013 appearance at escalated Cold War tensions between the U.S. and USSR and led to an American-led boycott of the 1980 Summer Olympic Georgia Southern University's Hanner Fieldhouse. Games in Moscow. Carter said the hostage crisis was what likely helped him because I was in the White House.” He explained that being in the White House — with the lose to Reagan in 1980. That started in November 1979 when access to world leaders and other key players, such as scientists, more than 60 Americans were taken hostage after Iranian that serving as president provides — has gone a long way revolutionary militants took over the U.S. embassy in Tehran toward allowing him and his wife engage in the humanitarian and held more than 50 of them captive until minutes before work they have for the past 30 years through the Carter Center. Reagan took the inaugural oath of office in January 1981. “The last three days I was in office, I never went to bed, I It also put him in a position to talk with people that others in American government won’t talk to, such as the leaders of never went to sleep,” Carter said. “I just negotiated with the Iranians through intermediaries to bring about the release of Cuba and North Korea, he said. In fielding a question about meshing his personal beliefs the hostages. On Inauguration Day, when I left the White with his responsibilities as president, Carter brought up the House — I say involuntarily retired because of the 1980 elecsensitive issue of abortion. He explained that he used this illus- tion — I found out the hostages were on the airport in an tration “not to be bragging about myself, because I don’t know airplane ready to take off at 10 o’clock in the morning. And the if I made the right decision, but because it illustrates a point.” flight took off at noon, five minutes after I was no longer “I’m a Christian. I never have believed that Jesus would president. And I can say that was one of the happiest days of approve abortions unless the birth endangered the life of the my life.”

Living Art

Dancing with the Statesboro Stars

Summer fun

Natasha Liston-Beck, left, can't hold her Mona Lisa smile while being teased by fellow Statesboro High students Dorothy Terrill and Nidhi Aggarwal, far right, during the Main Street Statesboro Farmers Market in September 2013. About 30 students participated in "Statesboro High Day," which included 14 living art exhibits where students dressed like famous artists and became parts of famous art works.

Marci Crosby lets partner Randall Norman of the Bulloch County Sheriff's Office take the lead during their routine for Dancing with the Statesboro Stars at Georgia Southern University's Performing Arts Center in October 2013. Crosby and Norman took the crown for their performance in the annual fundraiser for Safe Haven of Statesboro. James "Bubba" Revell and partner Alana Smith won the People's Choice award for the couple raising the most money for the cause. The event raised over $80,000.

Joshua Sommer, 6, right, and brother Phillip, 4, of Newington, are joined Daniel Livingson, 7, of Savannah, left, for some fun on a muddy infield after a rain shower during last July's Firecracker Fest Independence Day celebration at Mill Creek Regional Park.

Photos by SCOTT BRYANT/ Herald staff photographer

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8 – Statesboro herald — Sunday, February 23, 2014 | statesboroherald.com

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community pride 2014

2 – Statesboro herald — Sunday, February 23, 2014 | statesboroherald.com

Public Service

Focusing on drugs in Bulloch 2013 investigation nets 29 arrests in one Nov. morning By HOLLI DEAL BRAGG hbragg@statesboroherald.com

A joint effort between city and county law enforcement netted 29 arrests one morning in November. Drug agents seized large quantities of cocaine, marijuana and Ecstasy was well as cash and an assortment of guns. The collaboration between Statesboro Police Department Crime Suppression Unit and Bulloch County Sheriff 's Office Drug Suppression Team is a joint investigation into drug trafficking that began in September. Both departments combined to make the arrests Thursday as part of the investigation, which targeted high drug traffic areas, according to a joint news release issued Tuesday by Statesboro Public Safety Director Wendell Turner and Bulloch County Sheriff Lynn Anderson. “There is no grand scheme behind” the arrests, said Bulloch County Sheriff ’s Chief Deputy Jared Akins. The arrests are not connected or related to an organized group, but are simply part of a roundup of separate offenders, he said. “We all just got together in neighborhoods where we have been getting a lot of complaints.” After executing eight

search warr a n t s Thursday, officers seized a l a r g e amount of cash, 2 pounds of marijuana, 2.1 ounces of Ecstasy, 2.5 ounces of powder cocaine, 1 ounce of crack cocaine and seven handguns, the release says. "More arrests (were) anticipated," Anderson and Turner said in the statement. "The agencies have active warrants in reference to drug-related charges on 20 identified suspects." The 29 individuals arrested, and their charges, are as follows: ➤ Martavious Hobbs, 23, Mikell Street; sale of marijuana and possession with intent to distribute marijuana ➤ Thomas Brinson, 42, Ivory Street; four counts sale of cocaine ➤ Dartarian Braziel, 29, Morris Street; two counts each sale of marijuana and sale within 1,000 feet of housing project, one count each possession with intent to distribute marijuana and possession of drug-related object

Chaqika Wilson, 23, South College Street; possession with intent to distribute marijuana and possession of drugrelated object ➤ Tobias Gadson, 27, Morris Street; two counts each sale of marijuana and sale within 1,000 feet of housing project ➤ Shinte Thompson, 41, Institute Lane; purchase of cocaine, obstruction of law enforcement officer and probation violation ➤ Donald Young, 56, Ivory Street; sale of cocaine, possession of firearm by convicted felon, misdemeanor possession of marijuana, possession of drug-related object, possession of Schedule IV controlled substance and maintaining a disorderly house ➤ Al Christopher Deon Ponder, 27, Pine Street; sale of cocaine, possession of marijuana and possession of drug-related object ➤ Charles Clifton Torrence, 41, Johnson Street; sale of cocaine, sale within 1,000 feet of a housing project, posses➤

JAMES W. DEAL Bulloch County Tax Commissioner 115 North Main Street P.O. Box 245 Statesboro GA 30459 Telephone: 912-764-6285 Fax: 912-489-4108 Office Hours: 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Monday – Friday DEADLINE TO FILE HOMESTEAD EXEMPTION FOR 2014 IS APRIL 1, 2014. Contact the Bulloch County Tax Assessors office for more information. 912-764-2181 EFFECTIVE JANUARY 1, 2011 – Both Registration and Title for a newly pur¬chased motor vehicle from a source other than a registered dealer must be applied for at the owner’s County Tag Office no later than seven business days after the Date of Purchase. (O. C. G. A. 40-2-29) This seven day requirement replaces the former thirty day rule. REAL and PERSONAL PROPERTY TAX – You can pay your real, personal property, and mobile home taxes online by going to www.bullochtaxcommissioner.com and clicking “pay taxes online”. A convenience fee of 2.50% is charged by the company (not Bulloch County) that processes online tax payments. All 2013 and prior taxes owed should be paid as soon as possible to avoid tax sale and the filing of a lien (FiFa) which will affect your credit for many years. After March 3, 2014, a one-time 10% penalty will be applied to all 2013 real and personal property tax bills not paid by the due date (12-01-2013). This penalty does not apply to property claiming homestead exemption where tax due is less than $500.00. Interest at the rate of 1% per month or fraction thereof began the day after the due date. VEHICLES – REMEMBER your registration EXPIRES ON YOUR BIRTHDAY for individuals. INSURANCE on your vehicle must be submitted to the state insurance data base by your agent to enable the renewal of your tag/decal. Vehicles covered by a fleet policy are an exception to this rule and your fleet card must be provided. If there is a lapse in your insurance, lapse fees will be placed on the tag system by the state and must be paid timely with cash or certified funds to prevent further fees and possible suspension of your registration. Penalties on regular re¬newals begin the day after your birthday and are by law added automatically by the computer. Businesses renew according to the first letter of the title for their vehicle (A & B in January, C & D in February, etc.) and are due by the last day of your month. Late registrations will by law require that penalties be added. ***Title ad valorem tax (TAVT) replaced sales tax on vehicles beginning March 1, 2013 and applies to persons moving to Georgia from another state and also applies to sales between individuals. 6.75% times the value of the vehicle must be paid to our office in cash or certified funds. If you purchased a vehicle between January 1, 2012 and February 28, 2013 there is an opt in provision whereby you may be able to only pay the decal fee in the future on your vehicle. This opt in opportunity expires February 28, 2014 so please call our office NOW for details. MOBILE HOMES – Purchase your 2014 decal by May 1, 2014 to avoid interest and penalty. Failure to display a current decal can result in a citation and fines through the Magistrate Court. Our goal is to assist the taxpayers and citizens of Bulloch County with services rendered by our office in an efficient and professional manner while being governed by many laws, rules, and regulations. PLEASE CALL US WITH YOUR NEEDS AND QUESTIONS. Our website www.bullochtaxcommissioner.com provides information regarding taxes, exemptions, vehicle registrations, etc. Web site is currently being updated for new laws and regulations

sion with intent to distribute cocaine and possession of drugrelated objects ➤

A r e l l Hobbs, 3 0 , Johnson Street; two counts each sale of cocaine and sale of cocaine within 1,000 feet of a housing project, one count each possession with intent to distribute cocaine and possession of drug-related objects ➤ Edwin Stewart, 33, Lanier Drive; wanted person ➤ Dennis Eugene Smith, 21, East Jones Avenue; two counts each sale of marijuana and sale of marijuana within 1,000 feet of a park, one count each possession with intent to distribute marijuana, possession with intent to distribute marijuana within 1,000 feet of a park, wanted person for simple battery (family violence), theft by taking and criminal trespass (family violence) ➤ Gloria Elliott, 25, East Jones Avenue; sale of marijuana, sale of marijuana within 1,000 feet of a park, possession with intent to distribute mari-

juana and possession w ith intent to distribute marijuana within 1,000 feet of a park ➤

F r a n k Hancox, 25, Church Street; sale of marijuana ➤ Vincent D. Peterson, 35, Johnson Street; sale of cocaine, tampering with evidence and misdemeanor possession of marijuana ➤ Darrell Key, possession of marijuana ➤ Jeremy Key, two counts sale of marijuana ➤ Anthony Roberson, two counts sale of marijuana ➤ Alfonzo Tippins, three counts sale of cocaine, one count possession with intent to distribute cocaine ➤ Micah Drummer, two counts sale of cocaine ➤ James Clark, three counts each sale of cocaine and sale of MDMA, two counts possession with intent to distribute cocaine, one count each possession with intent to distribute MDMA, possession with intent to distribute marijuana and tampering with evidence

➤ Gary Allen, possession with intent to distribute MDMA and possession with intent to distribute cocaine ➤ Larry Hendrix, two counts sale of cocaine ➤ Marilyn Robers, three counts sale of cocaine, one count each possession with intent to distribute cocaine, possession of firearm during commission of a crime and possession of cocaine ➤ Willie Stone, sale of cocaine, possession with intent to distribute cocaine and possession of firearm during commission of a crime ➤ Georganna Noe, obstruction of a law enforcement officer ➤ William Cone, sale of marijuana ➤ Javarus Whitefield, possession with intent to distribute cocaine, possession with intent to distribute marijuana and possession of firearm during commission of a crime ➤ Thomas Reese, possession with intent to distribute cocaine, possession with intent to distribute marijuana, possession of firearm during commission of a crime and possession of firearm by convicted felon

Holli Deal Bragg may be reached at (912) 4899414.

Bulloch county Magistrate court

Guy Sharp, Constable; Deputy Clerk, Linda Jones; Deputy Clerk Maria Mock; Chief Magistrate, June B. Braswell; Deputy Clerk, Brittany Dyches; Deputy Clerk, Melody Grant

Deputy Clerk, Lynn Sapp; Deputy Clerk, Becky Hart; Magistrate, Karen Jones; File Clerk, Kortney Messer; Clerk of Court, Brenda Cross Not pictured: Ricky Stringer, Constable

we are here to serve you.

Monday through Friday, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm 101 Oak Street, P.O. Box 1004, Statesboro, GA 30459 912-764-6458 • Fax: 912-489-6731

community pride 2014

statesboroherald.com | Statesboro herald — Sunday, February 23, 2014 – 3

Public Service

Joining forces to fight crime Statesboro-Bulloch Crime Suppression Team gets off to a fast start with arrests From staff reports

A new joint unit with Bulloch County sheriff’s deputies and Statesboro police officers was formed in 2014, and it didn’t take long to make its presence known. The Statesboro-Bulloch Crime Suppression Team formed after Sheriff Lynn Anderson and Public Safety Director Wendell Turner signed a memorandum of understanding. The team is a consolidation of the sheriff’s Drug Suppression Team, the Sheriff ’s Targeted Enforcement Patrol and the Police Department’s Crime Suppression Unit. Fully staffed, the Crime Suppression Team consists of five sheriff’s investigators; three sheriff’s deputies, including a K-9; and four police officers. The new unit “exists to put unceasing pressure on criminals of all types who prey on the innocent citizens of Statesboro-Bulloch County,” according to a Crime Suppression Team news release issued. By its second day of operation, the unit already had con-

ducted three investigations that resulted in nine arrests. The highest-profile of these incidents started when investigators tried to purchase marijuana at The Avenue at Southern on G e o r g i a Avenu e . They initiated a traffic stop on the seller, later identified as Te r r e l Roberson, 25, of Jenk Hill Road in Sylvania, but he fled the stop, striking two law enforcement vehicles, causing “very minor damage to both,” according to the news release. Law enforcement vehicles gave chase, and the pursuit ended when Roberson fled on foot into El Jalapeno Mexican Restaurant, 711 S. Main St., and tried to blend in with customers, the release says. Crime Suppression Team members Jared Shababy, Mark Guarino and Marcus

Nesmith apprehended Roberson, according to the release. Roberson was charged with criminal attempt to distribute marijuana, aggravated assault on a peace officer (four counts), aggravated assault with a motor vehicle, possession of marijuana w i t h intent to distribute, fleeing and attempting to elude officers, and leaving the scene of an accident. Also arrested was Sharece Woods, 20, of Rucker Lane, whom officers described an associate of Roberson’s. Woods also was apprehended inside the restaurant, and was found with less than 1 ounce of marijuana, the release says. She was charged with possession of marijuana (less than 1 ounce.) Crime Suppression Team members then served a search warrant for an apartment in

Mission Statement Our mission is to provide law enforcement services at the highest standard of excellence by partnering with the citizens of Statesboro to create a betterquality of life. We shall hold ourselves accountable to the citizens and each other in order to succeed in our mission. The Statesboro Police Department consists of 66 sworn law enforcement officers serving in patrol,investigations, and administration that work ceaselessly to protect the City of Statesboro’s citizens and businesses. The Department also staffs 13 citizens employed as Communications Officers, Records, Accreditation, and Administrative Assistants, all of which are vital to the success of the Department’s mission. The Statesboro Police Department believes that in order to successfully accomplish its mission, it must develop a collaborative partnership with the community’s neighborhoods, residences, and businesses. In an effort to foster a cooperative relationship between the police and the public, thepolice department utilizes a number of community programs to increase citizen awareness as well as several technology systems to supply the public with timely and accurate information about calls for service, criminal incidents, significant events, and crime trends. The Statesboro Police Department has developed excellent working relationships with all law enforcement agencies in the area including Bulloch County Sheriff’s Office, Georgia Southern University Police, Georgia State Patrol, and all local Federal agencies. Through these relationships the agencies have come together to create task forces, information sharing, active crime prevention, and increased criminal apprehension.

Core Values of the Statesboro Police Department Core Values Commitment Compassion

Leadership Integrity Professionalism

Call 911 for Emergencies Statesboro Fire Department

24 West Grady Street • 1533 Fair Road (912) 764-3473 Chief Tim Grams Public Safety Director Wendell Turner

Fire protection in Statesboro is provided by a full-time fire department with 36 career firefighters and 20 volunteer firefighters. The Statesboro department also extends fire protection to an area around the city. Homeowners in this fire district are assessed an additional millage rate but receive a discount on their homeowners insurance. The department has two stations and plans to add at least one more.

Bulloch County Fire Department

17245 U.S. 301 N. • (912) 489-1661 Chief Christopher Ivey Bulloch County Public Safety Director Ted Wynn

Thirteen volunteer fire stations serve the rural areas of Bulloch County, including substations in and near Portal, the 100 block of Rucker Lane, Stilson, Brooklet and Register. where marijuana, cash and two firearms were recovered, according to the release. Also located in the apartBulloch County ment were J’Vaughn Payne, Sheriff’s office 19, of Rucker Lane; Bianca Pittman, 24, of Sunset Court U.S. 301 North • (912) 764-8888 in Decatur, Ga.; and Phillip Sheriff Lynn Anderson Walton, 18, of Noketchee Drive in Athens, Ga. Patrol Car: White with reflective green striping All three were charged Ticket info: A ticket from the Bulloch County Sheriff ’s with possession of marijuana Dept. can be paid at the Bulloch County Sheriff ’s Office on with intent to distribute, and U. S. 301 North. If the ticket isn’t paid on time, it could be Payne and Walton were also assigned to one of various courts, where additional fines charged with possession of a may be levied. firearm during the commission of a crime. In a separate incident, investigators working near Statesboro Police Dept. the Georgia Southern 25 W. Grady Street • (912) 764-9911 University campus saw three Public Safety Director Wendell Turner men apparently smoking marijuana in a vehicle. Deputy 1st Class Randall Patrol Car: White with reflective blue striping or black Norman conducted a traffic and grey stop on the vehicle on Fair Ticket info: Statesboro Police Department tickets must Road, and a felony amount of be paid at the Statesboro Municipal Court, located near the marijuana was discovered, the police station in a beige house-turned-office. on the corner of College and Grady streets. If tickets are not paid in a release says. Arrested were Michael timely manner, you will be summoned to police court where Johnson, 24, of Davis Street in late fines may be applied in addition to the original traffic Sylvania; Matthew Gatson, violation fine. 26, of Waters Grove Road in Sylvania; and Cornelius Roberts, 22, of Cab Road in Georgia State Patrol Sylvania. All three were charged with possession of U.S. 301 South • (912) 688-6999 marijuana with intent to dis- Sgt. 1st Class Josh Lamb tribute. Johnson was also charged with driving with an Patrol Car: Royal blue and gray expired tag, and Gatson and Ticket info: If you receive a ticket from a GSP Trooper, Roberts were each charged pay it at the Bulloch County Sheriff ’s Office on U.S. 301 with a probation violation. North. State Troopers have statewide jurisdiction, except Investigators also conduct- for military installations. They primarily patrol the intered a “knock and talk” at an state and provide SWAT responses to rural areas. State apartment in Copper Beech troopers focus on traffic violations such as D.U. I., erratic Townhomes and obtained a driving and speeding, as well as investigate traffic accidents search warrant. The search on county roads as well. revealed marijuana, cash and Remember that the state of Georgia has a “super-speedpackaging material for the er” fine. Drivers traveling 85 mph or more on divided marijuana, the release said. highways or 75 mph or more on two-lane roads will be Raymontye Barlow, 22, of subject to an extra $200 fine above the regular citation Copper Beech Townhomes, amount. Drivers who don’t pay within 90 days risk license was charged with possession suspension. Monies raised from the super speeder fines are of marijuana (misdemeanor) to assist funding Georgia’s network of trauma care hospiand tampering with evidence. tals. The news release says the tampering charge came from Barlow trying to flush the marijuana down a toilet. The Emergency Medical Services investigation into this apartWest Grady Street ment continues, according to (912) 764-6188 (business line) the news release. Anderson and Turner said Emergency Medical Services (E.M.S.) are dispatched in the release that they believe by the Bulloch County 911 Call Center. The call center the activities of the Statesboro- fields an average of 5,700 calls per month. Bulloch Bulloch Crime Suppression County EMS operates six ambulances and responds to Team “will continue to an average of 500 calls per month from the 911 Call improve the safety of the citi- Center. Approximately 445 of these calls result in emerzens of Statesboro and gency transportation. EMS/Rescue provides services Bulloch County in the future.” seven days a week, 24-hours a day.

Town of BrookleT CiTy Hall would like to recognize it’s Public Service Representatives.

CiTy Hall PuBliC works PoliCe DeParTmenT mayor & CiTy CounCil rePresenTaTives Planning & Zoning Commission

community pride 2014

4 – Statesboro herald — Sunday, February 23, 2014 | statesboroherald.com

Public Service

Firefighting reaching new heights New ladder truck helping city battle blazes in taller buildings By JEFF HARRISON jharrison@statesboroherald.com

The Statesboro Fire Department gained a new tool in October to combat structure fires and other emergency scenarios, and it’s a force to be reckoned with. After a nearly yearlong wait, a 100-foot platform aerial fire truck reached town, ready to take on the challenges of a growing city. The custom-built, 40-foot-long behemoth is equipped, among other things, with a 100-foot ladder and equipment that will allow for more efficient rescue efforts — be they needed — at an increasing number of three- and four-story buildings located throughout the city, Deputy Fire Chief Ronnie Shaw said. A bucket at the ladder’s end that’s large enough for five firefighters, controls that allow for in-air maneuverability, and water and air lines that run from the truck to the platform will give rescue workers the ability to do things that, until now, have not been possible in the sky. “(The new truck) will allow us to do much more in the air thanks to the bucket, and equipment therein, located on the end of the ladder. We can actu-

ally deploy fire suppression operations and rescue operations from that point, two stories and more up,” Shaw said. “We can put the bucket up to a third- or fourth-story window and do everything we need to do from right there. We can deploy resources, hand lines, hoses, and ventilations apparatus all from that point.” The new truck, Tower 1, will take over as the primary aerial rescue machine next month, once crews have been fully trained in its operation. A current 100-foot ladder vehicle, one without the same level of aerial maneuverability, will become the reserve truck. “We can do so much more compared to what we have been able to with our other truck. There are just so many advantages to having a platform,” Shaw said. “It is absolutely going to be a huge benefit. It will save us a lot of time, allowing us to do much more, much quicker. Shaw said the new truck could be crucial to protecting a growing number of apartment buildings and Georgia Southern University structures that have been built in recent years. From Statesboro Fire Department Station 1 on

West Grady Street, where the truck will be based, the vehicle is within a 2½-mile radius of approximately 86 percent of the city’s three- and four-story buildings, he said. According to a department report, two-thirds of rescues made for structure fires during the past three years have been in multistory residential buildings. “All of those new challenges that have come with the growth of Statesboro made this truck a necessity,” Shaw said. “There is no doubt about it.” The platform vehicle was paid for using Special Purpose Local Sales Tax dollars, as was another new fire engine schedule to arrive in Statesboro next week. The two new engines, combined, cost $1.3 million. The platform truck was purchased for about $940,000. The Fire Department was able to save more than $100,000 by purchasing the trucks together, Shaw said. The new engine will go into service immediately, and eventually move into a new fire station — when constructed — in the near future. “The firefighters are real excited about the new trucks,” Shaw said. “They SCOTT BRYANT/staff know the challenges that we face, and know what Firefighter Chris Page climbs aboard the Statesboro Fire Department's new platform ladder this will mean for our truck which was placed in service Nov. when personnel were fully trained. Page has been on the ladder crew for 1½ years. operations.”

03 18803 1

City of Statesboro The city of Statesboro’s mission is to provide the most responsive and progressive public services so that our residents, businesses, and visitors can enjoy the highest quality of life Statesboro has to offer.

Announcement of Intention to Run for

Clerk of Court of Bulloch County

Jan Moore, Mayor

Phil Boyum

City Councilman - District 1

A 34 year Bulloch County native, Heather graduated from Georgia Southern University with a degree in Justice Studies, as well as a Master’s Degree in Public Administration. Over the past 16 years, Heather has worked in various capacities in the Court system and local government to include:

Gary Lewis

City Councilman - District 2

Will Britt

Mayor Pro Tem - District 3

•Deputy Clerk for the Superior and State Courts •Assistant to the Solicitor-General •Court Administrator for State Court •Human Resources Director for the Bulloch County Board of Commissioners Heather also is an Adjunct Instructor for GSU and currently serves as the Coordinator for the Bulloch County DUI Court.

John Riggs

City Councilman - District 4

Travis Chance

City Councilman - District 5

Heather has dedicated her career to the service of Bulloch County and its citizens. She lives on her family farm in Statesboro with her husband Ryan and their 3 year old son Charlie. She appreciates your support in the upcoming election. Paid for by the Candidate

community pride 2014

statesboroherald.com | Statesboro herald — Sunday, February 23, 2014 – 5

Public Service

Firefighter for a day 7-year-old leukemia victim gets a treat By JEFF HARRISON Herald writer

Standing at about 4 feet tall, with a waist no larger than the hydrant next to him, 7-year-old Aaron Oliver doesn’t look like the average firefighter. Then again, Wednesday, Nov. 20, 2013 was no average day for the diminutive firstgrader. While his peers were sitting in school, Aaron was more than two stories in the air, wielding a spraying hose; he was behind the wheel of a fire engine, radioing to dispatch; and he was checking safety gear, ensuring its availability at a moment’s notice. At least for a day, Aaron Oliver was the Statesboro Fire Department’s newest cadet — battling fires and performing as the hero he always wanted to be. And on the day, he was given a reprieve from another fight — one that has made him the hero he already is. On May 26, Aaron was diagnosed with leukemia. The always energetic young man had shown only slight signs of feeling ill, and the sudden, surreal discovery caught his family completely off-guard. “We couldn’t believe he had leukemia,” said Sandra English, Aaron’s grandmother.“Nothing seemed very wrong. He played baseball this year and had done many other activities completely fine.” Even so, according to English, Aaron took everything in stride. He began treatment, received a favorable prognosis — his family hopes he can return to school in a couple of months — and never changed his demeanor. “He’s doing well so far. After treatments, he’s been back to himself,” English said.“He is the same kid he has always been. He is energetic and very inquisitive; really great and very smart. And, as always, he loves anything to do with fire trucks and firefighters.” It is Aaron’s interest in fire trucks and the men who operate them that led his father, William “Buddy” Oliver, to stop by a Statesboro fire station recently. Oliver hoped his son could see the trucks up close, maybe go on a ride, and have a memorable experience. Members of the Statesboro Fire Department, though unable to deliver at the moment, decided to do him one better.

“While the Statesboro Fire Department was not able to grant him his wish that day, the department wanted to make sure that he got his ride one day,” Statesboro Fire Chief Tim Grams said. “As soon as Aaron left the station, the Fire Department went to work on the idea, and within a short time, created the ‘Firefighter for the Day Program.’ The program is intended to help make life a little better for children that are facing difficult challenges at a young age.” Through the efforts, championed by firefighter Chris Page, who met Aaron during the first visit, the young man with dreams of becoming a firefighter would have his wish and be the first to participate in the new program. Wednesday morning, Aaron was officially sworn into his new position. He raised his right hand and recited a “special” oath given by Public Safety Director Wendell Turner. “I, Aaron Oliver, do solemnly swear to be the best firefighter ever; and to do a much better job than Chief Grams,” he said — seriously, while Turner laughed. Next, the youngster was presented with a uniform and beanie cap, to match the outfits of his new co-workers. Then, the fun began. Aaron wasted no time in hopping into the driver’s seat of the first truck he saw. He found the horn, the siren, and inspected every nook, cranny and compartment. He was shown air tanks, hoses and various controls. “It is fun being a firefighter,” he said. Later, firefighters ignited a controlled fire — in a barrel — and let him douse it. Aaron also took a ride into the sky, in the bucket of the department’s newest ladder truck, and fired water onto the ground below. “He has been great. He has really enjoyed it, and we have really enjoyed having him here,” said Page, about halfway through Aaron’s day on the job. “It is truly an honor to do something like this for children in the community who have had unfortunate circumstances fall upon them. We just want to remind him that we are here for him — and also help to get his mind off of other things going on in his life. We want him to focus on being a kid, enjoying the day and having fun as a firefighter.”

Aaron gets some real firefighting experience with Chris Page at Fire Station #2.

Photos by SCOTT BRYANT/staff

While hopping back into the fire truck with firefighters Jason Mongold and Chris Page, Aaron gets to make the radio call notifying the dispatcher of the false alarm. Aaron called it a "fake" alarm.

BULLOCH COUNTY PROBATE COURT 912-489-8749

www.bullochcounty.net/probate Lee DeLoach, Judge

Michelle Sawyer (Chief Clerk; Petitions, Guardianships, Conservatorships)

Brenda Hendrix (Clerk; Firearms Licenses, Accounting)

Sally Anne Deal

(Clerk; Marriage Licenses, Petitions, Receptionist)

Krystal King

(Clerk; Petitions, Filing/Recording)

May We Help You...

• Administration of Estates of Deceased Persons • Guardianships of Minors and Incapacitated Adults • Commitment Hearings • Hearings on Land Line Disputes

• Records Management • Probable Cause Hearings in Certain Instances • Marriage Licenses • Firearm Licenses

community pride 2014

6 – Statesboro herald — Sunday, February 23, 2014 | statesboroherald.com

Public Service

City moving to cleaner fuel 2 garbage trucks using compressed natural gas rolled out in 2013 By JEFF HARRISON Herald writer

Statesboro’s Public Works Department intends to roll out a pair of vehicles this month that will be the first in a plan to save big dollars for the city. One year ago, City Council, with the recommendation of department leaders, purchased from First Transit Inc. a compressed natural gas, or CNG, fueling station located on U.S. Highway 301 South. The station had been the natural gas provider for buses operated by Georgia Southern University. With the station relocated to the public works facility on Braswell Street, the city agreed to purchase two trash collection trucks engineered to run on the clean-burning, affordable energy alternative. The large blue trucks, adorned with the city of Statesboro insignia and advertisements for the new fuel, are currently undergoing final inspections and will hit city streets sometime in the next few weeks, said Jason Boyles, the senior assistant city engineer. Because the cost of compressed natural gas — that will be paid to the city’s Natural Gas Department, which purchases the fuel wholesale — is much lower than that of diesel fuel, each truck is estimated to save the city approximately $18,000, in fuel costs alone, for every year it is on the road. According to Steve

cent less of the black crap you have blown in your face, when behind a normal truck,” said City Councilman Phil Boyum. “We, as a city, are willing to be creative if we can be efficient with our tax dollars. With CNG, we are getting a reduced fuel cost, likely reduced maintenance costs, and something friendlier to the environment,” he added. “We have a situation here where we’ll be saving thousands over just a short amount of time. If you can save $10,000-plus a year, reduce maintenance costs and run a cleaner burning engine that leads to a better quality of life, then this is a no-brainer.” Department officials say they will transition more of the city’s fleet — heavy vehicles like garbage trucks and street sweepers, and some PHIL BOYUM/special medium-duty pickup trucks that accumulate high mileage The City of Statesbsoro's two garbage trucks that run on compressed natural gas began — to CNG, as current vehitrash collection in 2013. cles drop out of service. According to Darren “When a truck is burning practical. It makes sense, and Hotchkiss, the superintendent Prather, the city’s purchasing of the city’s Natural Gas about 30 gallons of fuel every you get a return on investdirector and safety coordinaDepartment, public works day, running eight to nine ment in less than five years.” The environmental aspects tor, local leaders are also will be able to purchase com- hours, it will not take but two pressed natural gas “at a cost or three years to get our of the swap are also positive, interested in the prospect of purchasing police cruisers of about $1.25 per gallon, investment back. Everything he said. “Emissions are much that run on the cheaper fuel. compared to $4 per gallon for beyond that point is all savUltimately, department ings,” Boyles said. “This sys- cleaner. Compared to diesel, diesel.” you’re looking at a 25 percent heads hope to establish a “That is a significant sav- tem works.” City leaders say a switch to reduction in carbon dioxide, public fueling station, someings when one truck fill-up is natural gas, for certain vehi- 75 percent reduction in car- where in the city, that would 75 gallons,” he said. Purchasing CNG-ready cles, is a growing trend across bon monoxide, 50-75 percent serve individuals, area comreduction in nitrogen oxide, panies, or even long-haul trucks cost the city $41,000 the country. “In 2013, about 60 percent 55 percent reduction in vola- drivers — with a station more than two diesel-burning trucks would have. It is an up- of all garbage trucks shipped tile compounds, and a 95 per- located at the Highway 301 charge that the department and manufactured in the cent reduction in particulate and Interstate 16 interchange believes will be more than United States were CNG,” matter with CNG,” Boyles — according to Robert Cheshire, the city engineer. made up for in fuel cost sav- Hotchkiss said. “People are said. “I’m very excited about In layman’s terms, “95 perdoing it now because it is ings.

(the project). Every year we have to bid fuel contracts and buy new vehicles. Since I’ve been on council, gas has tripled in price,” City Councilman Will Britt said. “I think we, as elected officials, have the opportunity and ability to try out some new technologies to see if it works, and can benefit the city. All of the research shows that this is something that will save us money in the long term. And it will expose our community to compressed natural gas. We are very excited about the opportunity to put the technology in place. I see, in the future, people in town purchasing vehicles that will operate on alternative fuels like this one.” The infrastructure currently in place at the public works facility can support up to 12 trucks and smattering of smaller vehicles, according to Hotchkiss, and is expandable. “The city will generate, if we run these trucks for six or seven years, enough money to completely break even — from buying the trucks and the station. And that’s with only the two trucks,” he said. “We can’t lose big on this thing.” Citizens will have an opportunity to get an early look at the trucks — one of them, at least — during this month’s First Friday. According to Boyles, a truck will be on display at the event; and a city employee will be available to discuss the new vehicle.

COES for CLERK! Alvie Coes, III

Wants to serve as your next Clerk of Court for Bulloch County! 17257 HWY 301 NORTH STATESBORO, GA 30458 (912) 764-8888 FAX (912) 764-2917 www.bullochsheriff.com

SHERIFF

LYNN M. ANDERSON

BULLOCH COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE SHERIFF LYNN ANDERSON The Office of Sheriff began over nine centuries ago in England, was transplanted to America in 1634, and was established in Bulloch County in 1796 with the election of Sheriff Charles McCall Jr. Since that time 62 elected Sheriffs and their deputies have served the people of Bulloch County. Sheriffs in Georgia are constitutional officers of both the state and county. The Sheriff of Bulloch County is the chief law enforcement officer of the county and performs numerous functions mandated by state law including law enforcement, operation of the county jail, and acting as an officer of the court. Sheriff Anderson took office in 2001 and has been re-elected three times since. The Bulloch County Sheriff’s Office is a full-service law enforcement agency consisting of the following divisions: Patrol, Jail, Criminal Investigations, Court Services, Training, Communications, and Professional Standards. The Sheriff’s Office also supervises the activities of the Statesboro-Bulloch Crime Suppression Team, a multijurisdictional task force dedicated to the suppression of street crime and drug activity. Today’s Sheriff’s Office uses training and technology in combination with tried and true methods of policing to provide the highest level of service to the people of Bulloch County. Sheriff Anderson believes that the spirit of community policing, began in 1796, is as valid today as it was then and even more so when combined with modern techniques.

• 2011 State GOAL Winner and proud graduate of Ogeechee Technical College with an associate’s degree in funeral service education. • Graduate of Georgia Southern University with a bachelor’s degree in business administration and a double master’s degree in higher education and business administration. • Human Resources Assistant – Viracon Glass • Human Resources Generalist – EMD Chemicals • Former Executive Director – The Hearts and Hands Clinic, Inc. • Administrative Coordinator – Georgia Southern University • Adjunct Instructor – Ogeechee Technical College

“The Sheriff shall keep and preserve the peace of his county.”

Alvie and his wife Jemelleh are the proud parents of an 11-month old baby girl, Gabrielle. The citizens of our community deserve the best and that is what Alvie has to offer. We appreciate your support in the upcoming election

764-8888 • Fax 764-2917 www.bullochsheriff.com Chief Deputy Jared Akins

COES for CLERK – “A Fresh Start” PAID FOR BY SUPPORTERS OF ALVIE COES FOR CLERK www.coesforclerk.com

The Constitution of the State of Georgia provides that “The Sheriff shall keep and preserve the peace of his county.” Sheriff Anderson and his staff stand ready at all times to do so.

2014 Community

Pride Pride Business

Farmers & Merchants Bank leaders optimistic, ready for future growth

2A – Statesboro herald — Sunday, February 23, 2014 | statesboroherald.com

COMMUNITY PRIDE 2014

Business

FMB's leader is optimstic By JAN MOORE Statesboro Herald

In December 2013, Statesboro-based Farmers & Merchants Bank hosted a reception for Ricky Nessmith, shortly before he retired from day-to-day operations of the bank at the end of the year. Nessmith is an experienced banker whose career in the field of banking and finance has spanned more than 44 years. After Nessmith announced his intent to retire, the bank searched for a new president and CEO. Brett Morgan was hired in August 2012, and Nessmith remained with FMB during the transition period, serving as the bank's chief operating officer, vice chairman of the Board of Directors, and president of the bank's holding company, FMB Equibanc Inc. "I am really going to miss the employees of the bank and our customers, just people in general," Nessmith said. "I said I wanted to retire when I turned 66, and that is what I am going to do. I will miss it, however." He served as a director and executive vice president of the bank from 1995 until 2002, when he was named president and CEO. He will continue to serve on the boards of the FMB Equibanc and the Farmers and Merchants Bank. Nessmith said he is very proud to have worked for three different banks in Bulloch County, allowing him to spend his entire career here.

"I moved each time because they were getting bigger and becoming more of a regional bank," he said. "I really wanted to spend my career working in a community bank, and I have been able to do that. Also, I have had three different sets of customers, and that has been gratifying as well." Nessmith is a former chairman of the StatesboroBulloch Chamber of Commerce, former chairman of the Bulloch County Zoning Commission, a member of the Ogeechee Technical College Foundation board, a member of the Rotary Club of Statesboro and a member of the Kiwanis Club of Statesboro. He served in the Georgia Army National Guard, retiring after 35 years with the rank of colonel. Morgan expressed confidence that the bank is headed in the right direction. Since falling under a consent order issued by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation in February 2012, FMB has made significant strides in addressing regulator concerns and returning to profitability. In a summer 2013 letter to shareholders, FMB President and CEO Brett Morgan cited many of the areas in which the bank has seen improvement. "We are pleased with overall improvement in virtually all categories that we monitor, but our greatest improvement has been in the following areas," Morgan said. "We have experienced an overall

improvement in credit quality with three consecutive quarters of decline in our Non Performing Assets (Other Real Estate / Foreclosed Properties & Non Accrual Loans), plus a three year low in past due loans over 30 days delinquent. "The decline in problem assets and improvement in credit quality has been accomplished with the bank being profitable in the first and second quarter of 2013. Our stable core deposits and interest margin are positioning the bank for future consistent profitability." Morgan came to FMB with a wealth of experience, including 33 years with First Alabama Bancshares/ Regions Bank in southern Alabama before moving to SCOTT BRYANT/Herald file Carrollton, Ga., to ultimately serve as CEO of Farmers & Merchants Bank President and CEO Brett Morgan is shown in the bank's lobby First Georgia Banking on North Main Street. Company. Morgan said the move to situation was such that the and deposits and felt very become profitable again, Carrollton pulled him out bank simply couldn't work comfortable that the insti- reducing the amount of of retirement, allowing him its way out from under the tution was on the right brokered deposits it has on and his wife to be closer to position that it was in, and path. hand and "cleaning up" its their daughter, son-in-law the FDIC forced its closure "The board was very open loan portfolio. It now has and grandchildren. The in May 2011." with me, and I feel that they assets totaling approximove did not come without FMB was still under an are doing the things that mately $190 million. difficulty as the bank was FDIC consent order when need to be done to meet the "We, like most other considered distressed at the Morgan arrived in 2012. It directives of the FDIC, to banks in Georgia, have had time Morgan was hired. was issued as the result of serve the bank's customers, to return to the basics," "I initially came to First an examination of the bank its shareholders and this Nessmith said. "We have a Georgia Banking Company by regulatory agencies in community," he said. "I am great core business with after the bank had experi- August 2011. Under the very confident that the great core deposits. We feel enced rapid growth, order, the bank agreed to financial condition of the very comfortable that we expanding to 12 offices," he strengthen its financial bank will continue to have identified all of the said. "My primary role was condition through written improve; however, the potential issues with the to work on standardizing plans that targeted improve- economy will dictate how loans that we have on the lending procedures and ments in capital, liquidity, quickly the bank can com- books and are prepared to continue posting a profit. processes, as well as review- earnings and asset quality. pletely recover." ing existing loan policy. The Before moving to FMB, As with other banks Obviously, the economy is CEO of the bank resigned, Morgan said he did a thor- across the state, Farmers very important and someand I was asked to take his ough analysis of the bank's and Merchants has been thing that we cannot conplace. Unfortunately, the condition, loan portfolio forced to "shrink" to trol."

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COMMUNITY PRIDE 2014

statesboroherald.com | Statesboro herald — Sunday, February 23, 2014 – 3A

Business

Fuzzy's Taco Shop opens in the Boro By JAN MOORE Statesboro Herald

Crowds packed Fuzzy’s Taco Shop for its opening day April 15, 2013, on the site that used to hold Sonny’s BBQ on Veterans Memorial Parkway. The Statesboro location is the second Fuzzy’s in Georgia and the 65th restaurant systemwide across 11 states. The other Georgia-based restaurant is in downtown Athens. “Fuzzy’s isn’t just another SCOTT BRYANT/file Mexican restaurant, which is pretty obvious the minute Patrons stand in line and peruse the menu while waiting to you step inside our doors,” be served April 15, 2013, at Fuzzy's Taco Shop in Statesboro said George Lebus, the owner on the chain's first day of business. of the Statesboro franchise. “If you haven’t tried one of our tacos, or salads, or our garitas and other drink spe- check you just wrote!” chips and queso, you don’t cials. According to Lebus, the know what it means to be a Lebus said to make the restaurant received more ‘Fuzzy’s fanatic.’ ... I have no Fuzzy’s experience as easy as than 1,000 applications for doubt the Statesboro com- possible for people on the go, employment. munity is going to embrace the Statesboro location will "We have been so us with open arms." feature a pick-up window. impressed with the pool of Like other Fuzzy’s loca- Customers can simply call in applicants to choose from," tions, the new Statesboro res- and their meal will be ready he said. "The quality of applitaurant features a full bar, in just 7-10 minutes. cant is the best that we have multiple televisions, a cov- “No more fast-food night- ever had. It is very important ered patio that wraps around mares, and you won’t have to that our employees have fun the building, and lively, color- talk to us through one of working here." ful décor with local commu- those ridiculous speakers,” he The Statesboro location is nity accents. Lebus said ener- said. open Sunday through getic background music gives Lebus said opening the Wednesday from 11 a.m. to the eatery a cool, fun vibe. Statesboro restaurant on 10 p.m., and Thursday The restaurant chain is April 15 was intentional. through Saturday from 11 known for its generous help- “We thought we’d open a.m. to 11 p.m. It is on the ings of uniquely flavorful on tax day so people could bypass across from Millhouse Baja-style Mexican fare. drop by and enjoy a great Steakhouse in the former Expanding rapidly across the meal along with their favorite Sonny’s BBQ location. nation, Fuzzy’s menu features drink to ease the pain after For more information, visit its original take on the Baja seeing how much money Fuzzy’s online at www. taco, along with a wide array they paid to the IRS,” he said. FuzzysTacoShop.com, on of handmade enchiladas, sal- “Once you walk inside, our Facebook and on Twitter. ads, nachos and burritos. The warm and Fuzzy atmosphere Fuzzy's was founded in 2001 restaurant is open for lunch will make everything a little near the Texas Christian and dinner and has a wide better … and it won’t cost University campus in Fort selection of beer, wine, mar- you an arm and a leg like that Worth, Texas.

40 Years Experience Since 1973.

Owners: Lewis Spivey, RCDD & Arthur Allen, Jr.

Integrity + Quality + Experience = Your Most Professional Choice Certified, Licensed & Insured Unrestricted Low Voltage Contractors 405 South Zetterower Avenue • Statesboro, Georgia 30458

4A – Statesboro herald — Sunday, February 23, 2014 | statesboroherald.com

COMMUNITY PRIDE 2014

4-FMB-Pride-DT_Layout 1 2/14/14 2:54 PM Page 1

YOUR ONE STOP FOR LOANS. FMB is locally owned and operated; we have the ability to take care of your financial needs quickly. We offer a full range of commercial, agri-business and personal loans. FMB has the products, expertise and flexibility to help you choose the right solutions to meet your specific monetary requirements.

• Business Loans FMB’s wide-range of products can support your business. We take the time to understand your goals, both now and into the future. Whether your needs are for working capital, equipment and machinery or inventory and receivables, FMB is ready to help.

• Commercial Real Estate • Construction Loans • Agricultural Loans • Business Lines of Credit • Small Business Administration Loans (SBA) • Personal Loans FMB recognizes that ‘one size fits all’ does not apply to personal loans. We are a locally owned bank, we know and can understand your indi vidual needs and circumstances. Come in today and talk to one of our loan officers about a personal loan.

• Installment Loan. The right financial solution for almost any need.

• Personal Line of Credit. Flexibility to draw money when you need it.

• Automobile Loans. Competitive rates and flexible terms. • Education Loans. Let us help you make your dream come true. • Marine Loans. We can help you get out on the water with our competitive rates.

Farmers & Merchants Bank 201 N. Main Street Statesboro, GA 30458 www.fmbnk.com 912-489-2600

COMMUNITY PRIDE 2014

statesboroherald.com | Statesboro herald — Sunday, February 23, 2014 – 5A

Being Local Means…

LOCAL DECISIONS ON LOCAL LOANS. FMB understands that when it comes to loans “one size” does not fit all. No matter the type of loan you need: a personal or business line of credit, commercial, agricultural, automobile, marine, or educational - our loan officers look beyond facts and figures. We look at each individual because at FMB…You Matter to Us!

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COMMUNITY PRIDE 2014

6A – Statesboro herald — Sunday, February 23, 2014 | statesboroherald.com

Business

UGA salutes Colonial By AL HACKLE ahackle@statesboroherald.com

Just a year and a half after Christy Hulsey took over a long-established Statesboro business in Colonial House of Flowers, her company was saluted as one of the 100 fastest-growing businesses owned or led by University of Georgia graduates. AL HACKLE/staff The awards are called the Bulldog 100. A UGA Alumni Colonial House of Flowers owner Christy Hulsey, right, cred- Association staff member its the shop's rapid growth to her employees. nominated Colonial House

of Flowers, and Hulsey followed up by submitting financial information. The association has Warren Averett CPAs & Advisors review the companies’ financial records. Hulsey said she was surprised when a followup call for tax returns meant she was still in the running. Christy Hulsey and her husband, Brian, attended the 2014 Bulldog 100 celebration Jan. 25 at the Marriott Marquis in downtown Atlanta. By then they knew

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she had placed, but Christy says Brian was ready to take her picture as the 100th or 99th-ranked business operator. In fact, Colonial House of Flowers was recognized as the 62nd fastest growing business from more than 800 nominated. “I think we just have been working so hard and so fast — we work seven days a week most weeks, we work holidays into the night — that we really didn’t realize how much we were growing,” Hulsey said. She didn’t grow up in the flower business or set out to become a florist. But she did grow up in Bulloch County and knew about Colonial House. “They had an established reputation that was fabulous,” Hulsey said. “I mean, when I was a child, the Colonial House was the hallmark of flowers. You knew if you got something from the Colonial House, it was the nicest in Statesboro.” Elmer and Carolyn Phillips established Colonial House of Flowers in 1968 in a Colonial-style house on Savannah Avenue. But today, Colonial occupies the corner building facing Fair Road at 100 Brampton Ave., near East Georgia Regional Medical Center. It moved there several years ago, before Hulsey became the owner. Then Christy Griner, she graduated in 1993 from Southeast Bulloch High School, as did Brian Hulsey, although they didn’t date until meeting again several years later. She went to the University of Georgia, where she studied journalism with advertising as her major,

graduating in 1997. Afterward, she worked in billboard sales and for a printing company. The Hulseys purchased Colonial House of Flowers from the Phillips family, relatives of Brian’s, in July 2012. Christy is 51 percent owner, while Brian owns the rest. They also own his electrician business together. Hulsey went into the florist business hoping that all the employees would stay and that she could do marketing work for the company, handling social media and advertising while “learning wedding flowers in the back — you know, so relaxed,” she said. But she quickly learned that wouldn’t work. The company retained its brand appeal but had been struggling financially. “I guess the hardest thing to me is I didn’t just have to come in and learn how to arrange flowers,” Hulsey said. “I’ve had to learn how to manage people, and how in the world we have been growing is, like, amazing. It’s a miracle.” She surrounds herself with people who are more talented than she is and pushes them to do better at whatever they’re best at, Hulsey said. She sends her shop’s designers to gather fresh ideas from famous designers at events sponsored by organizations such as Georgia State Floral Distributors. Colonial House of Flowers employs just a small group of full-time designers. Besides Hulsey, these include Betty Martin, who is known for her dozen-rose arrangements, Tonia McElveen and Michelle Chastain, who also does bicycle deliveries.

P hilliP Myhand

Store Manager

o re m d Fin ings sav e at ™ in onl t.com r lma a W

All the Brands You Count On At Everyday Low Prices 147 Northside Drive East • Statesboro, GA • 912-489-1910

COMMUNITY PRIDE 2014

statesboroherald.com | Statesboro herald — Sunday, February 23, 2014 – 7A

Business

Small cafe, big catering Cafe's business goes beyond Brooklet By AL HACKLE ahackle@statesboroherald.com

David Coleman and Greg Frost have made their Old Post Office Café in Brooklet the base for a catering business known to wedding and event planners from Statesboro to St. Simons. Neither has the resume of a born restaurateur. Coleman worked 26 years as an accountant and earned his master's of business administration, and his bachelor's as well, from Georgia Southern University. A graduate of Southeast Bulloch High School, Frost studied at Gupton-Jones College of Funeral Service and has put in about 20 years as a funeral director. In fact, he recently returned to that profession as manager at Hodges-Moore Funeral home, while remaining active in the café, where Coleman is full-time. But they always shared a fascination with food. While working those other jobs, they were collecting recipes and creating their own. "We'd experiment and try to duplicate things we had at restaurants," Frost said. The results show in a catering menu that features jalapeno poppers and spinach sun-dried tomato torta, roasted red pepper cheese cake and brown-sugared bacon. But the meltingly rich chewycake that is their bestknown sweet is Frost's

AL HACKLE/staff

Business owners Greg Frost, left and David Coleman maintain the folksy feeling of the Old Post Office Cafe but cater events far beyond Brooklet. mother's recipe. They have shipped chewycake on special orders as far as Virginia, vacuum sealing whole pans-full. Other Southern favorites that are more traditional than experimental - sour cream pound cake, red velvet cake, divinity and pecan pie, for example, appear on the desserts portion of the menu. Coleman and Frost bought the Old Post Office Café as an existing business eight years ago. At the time, it was a sandwich place where the only oven was a microwave. They began operating the restaurant Sept. 1, 2005, and catered their first wedding the next

month. Wedding receptions and anniversary parties have become mainstays of their business. But they also cater graduation parties, engagement parties, other events. "We cater from an individual sit-down meal at someone's home all the way to corporate-level meetings," Coleman said. They have been "everywhere in Statesboro" catering in private homes and public spaces, he added. Two frequent venues are the Belle House on Westside Road and the Garden of the Coastal Plain, as Georgia Southern University's botanical garden is now

known. The Old Post Office Café has also catered multiple events in Savannah, and three weddings on St. Simons Island further down the coast. It's all done from the little café in Brooklet. The kitchen now contains two residential-type stoves with matching ventilation hoods. "You don't need a lot of the elaborate appliances. You really don't," Coleman said. But they do own a large delivery van and a supply of serving tables, tablecloths, platters, chafing dishes, plates, cups, etc., ready to roll.

Learn to become a commercial truck driver for cheap I try to be very diligent in letting readers know about companies that are hiring locally in large numbers or about unusual job training opportunities. This column is about a job training opportunity, and let me preface by sharing the following. The Georgia Center of Innovation for Logistics states that America will need 115,000 new truck drivers a year for the next few years. However, only around 16,000 are being trained per year. With that in mind, it should be noted that out-ofpocket costs for students to earn a commercial truck driving license through Ogeechee Technical College this past year was around $1,700. That has drastically changed. Students who are eligible to receive the HOPE Grant are now also eligible for additional financial assistance from Georgia's Strategic Industries Workforce Development Grant for the Commercial Truck Driving program. The grant award is $1,000. This grant, combined with the HOPE Grant, will reduce out-of-pocket expenses for tuition, fees,and books to less than $200. In other words, students will only have to pay approximately $183 for the training required to get a commercial truck driving license. For those interested, here are the requirements. You must be 18 to get a commercial license in Georgia. No high school diploma or GED is required. Also, stu-

Inside Bulloch Business Jan Moore

dents do not have to have a high school diploma for the HOPE Grant (which is different from the HOPE Scholarship). The costs I have shared with you were based on the price schedule for the fall 2013 semester, so check with Ogeechee Tech for updates. The col lege's Fundamentals of Commercial Driving course introduces students to the transportation industry, federal and state regulations, records and forms, industrial relations and other nondriving activities. The course provides an emphasis on safety that continues throughout the program. Combination Vehicle Basic Operation and Range Work familiarizes students with truck instruments and controls and performing basic maneuvers required to drive safely in a controlled environment and on the driving range. Combination Vehicle Advanced Operations develops students' driving skills under actual road conditions, and the classroom time emphasizes safe operating practices. For more information, call the Commercial Truck Driving program at (912) 739-2874, admissions at (912) 688-6994, or visit www.ogeecheetech.edu.

Kids World is a top-rated child care center Special to the Herald

Kids World Learning Center on Savannah Avenue is the only child care center in Bulloch County that is a Quality Rated Program by the state Department of Early Care and Learning, or DECAL. Quality Rated is a voluntary program that allows child care providers to demonstrate their quality of care. Any participating program has agreed to meet standards that exceed the state’s licensing requirements and is committed to improving the quality of care it provides to children. Based on the results of a rigorous application process, programs are awarded one star, two stars, or three stars. A star rating — regardless of whether it is one, two or three stars — indicates a

higher quality program. Stars are awarded based on a combination of points gathered from an independent observation and a portfolio that demonstrates that the program meets standards above and beyond what licensing requires. The number of stars simply reflects scores above certain levels. Kids World Learning Center, owned and operated by Michelle Smith Lank, saw the need to continue its efforts to provide quality programs for its families. In October 2011, Kids World received the NECPA National Accreditation demonstrating top quality of service. “Quality Rated was just the natural progression for our staff and teachers to continue on the journey of high quality for our students and parents,” Lank said.

To be the first in the state was just awesome and fortified our commitment to being the best,” Lank said. She also credited Katie Hagn, a Quality Rated technical assistant. “I was happy that Katie was located here in Bulloch County for the Child Care Resource and Referral Agency,” Lank said. “Katie guided and supported us SPECIAL through the entire process.” Kids World staff pictured: Back row, left to right — Tami But that was not enough Crosby, Shanquil McDonald, Elizabeth Harlie, Maria Smith, for Kids World. “Our scores were 0.5 away Jasmyn Smith, Channie Frazier, Paige James. Front row, left to right — Jameka Fields, Brenda Lank, from being a level 3-Star Michelle Smith Lank, April Thompson, Delorise Howard, Program and it was just killing us because we knew we Rhonda Willis. had it in us to be at the top level of quality,” Lank said. And that's exactly what Rated, with a 2-Star rating. “So as soon as the state Kids World did. In December “We were extremely exit- allowed us to resubmit our 2012, Kids World became the ed. I was so proud of all of application and reapply, we first child care center in the my staff and teachers. They did just that. We worked on state to become Quality are the stars of our program. strengthening our program

and increase quality where we could. We took the time to learn from our original submission. We were re-evaluated in June 2013 and received our current 3-Star Rating.” Bulloch County only has one child care center and one group provider, Shining Star Learning Center on Nevils Daisy Road, that are currently rated in the Quality Rated program but has many other providers participating in and working on becoming rated. This is important for parents to consider as they carefully choose who cares for and protects their children each day. For more information on Quality Rated and to find a Quality Rated program, go to qualityrated.org or decal. ga.gov.

Simple Banking, Bulloch County’s Way

It’s really an easy concept. By going local, you can make an empowering Bulloch County investment. The money deposited into Citizens Bank is reinvested in ways that have developed the Statesboro area since the opening of a loan production office in 2006. Your relationship with us continues to allow our bankers to assist home buyers, small business owners, residents, area students and philanthropies. So remember, Citizens Bank is here to help you and Bulloch County realize our goals and dreams. It’s just that simple.

425 Commerce Drive Statesboro, GA 30461

(912) 871-2971

www.cbofbc.com

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246B Northside Drive East • Statesboro

(912) 489-3474 (next to The Tile Center) www.tc-outdoors.com

COMMUNITY PRIDE 2014

8A – Statesboro herald — Sunday, February 23, 2014 | statesboroherald.com

Pride

Spotlight 8 Years! Len McCook, RPh Janie McCook, RPh Kristen Clark, RPh Ben Rountree, RPh Josh McCook, PharmD, RPh (912) 764-2223 23630 Hwy. 80 East

15 Years!

67 Antique

The Statesboro Herald would like to spotlight the following businesses, young and old, that have committed their services to the citizens of Bulloch County. We would like to thank them for their investment and loyal dedication to the community. Thanking you for

17 Years!

27 Years!

Mall

Take Hwy 67 Just 10 minutes from Statesboro “Look For the Big Red Building”

OPEN Daily 10-6 Sun: 1-6 • Closed Tuesdays

839-2167

35heYreeyaoru asr!e

Get w ter with going fas

912-764-6905

Wise Choice Realty

1683 Jones Mill Rd

912-681-9473

Statesboro, GA

39 Years! Stringer Tire Service Passenger, Truck & Tractor Tires

764-6774 408 S. Zetterower www.eralandmarkrealty.com

314 N. Zetterower Ave.

764-9918 A Proven Track Record Glenda Sheila

Professional Laundry and Dry Cleaning

764-6126

68 Years!

72 Years!

MeMbership in GeorGia FarM is a Good investMent.

Hometown Store

SEARS HOMETOWN STORE

107 Years!

Be a part of our growing progressive organization.

764-6231 366 Northside Drive E. Statesboro

II5 Years! 

Attorney at Law •

JJE Anderson 1899-1940 Cohen Anderson 1938-1989

681-2653

“A Family Serving Families” 238 West Main St. • Statesboro, Ga 30458 • Phone (912) 764-2100 Fax (912) 764-2380 ~ 66 Leford St. • Pembroke, Ga 31321 Phone (912) 653-2600 Fax (912) 653-2677

Coastal Countertop Distributor Featuring a large selection of

KITCHEN & BATH COUNTERTOPS

764-3561

45 Hill Street

77 Years! Statesboro Herald

764-9031

Randy C. Anderson, PC

104 Raybon Anderson Blvd.

Craig R. Tremble Funeral Home Inc.

www.statesboroherald.com

Home Appliances, Electronics, Exercise Equipment, Lawn & Garden, Tools, & Mattresses

Statesboro Mall (912)764-6791

Rev. Craig R. Tremble & Yolanda A. Tremble - Owners

30 Years! 35 Years!

101 West Main St. 602 Brannen St. 603 Northside Dr. West

813 Gentilly Road Statesboro, GA

13 Years!

 912-764-5673 8 Siebald Street Statesboro, GA

Statesboro Herald

P.O. Box 888 1 Proctor Street Herald Square

Statesboro, GA

COMMUNITY PRIDE 2014

statesboroherald.com | Statesboro herald — Sunday, February 23, 2014 – 9A

Business

GSU City Campus expanding By AL HACKLE ahackle@statesboroherald.com

If all goes as planned, later this year, downtown Statesboro should be home to a "fab lab" where cuttingedge technology such as 3-D printing will help birth not just new businesses, but new ideas. The fab lab and innovation incubator are core features of Georgia Southern University's expansion of its City Campus. Last summer, the university, the city of Statesboro, the GSU Research and Service Foundation and the Statesboro Arts Council together applied for a $1 million U.S. Economic D e v e l o p m e n t Administration grant for renovations to City Campus and Entrepreneur Zone buildings. Officials expect an announcement about the grant very soon. They will need other funding sources for the equipment. Established nearly three years ago in a city-owned storefront building near City Hall, the campus is home to the College of Business Administration's Bureau of Business Research and E co n o m i c Development, or BBRED. A branch of the university's bookstore that at first shared the location has since departed and will soon be replaced by the Small Business Development Center, which is moving over from the Market District as the university consolidates its business and economic development services to the City Campus. The Center for

Entrepreneurial Learning and Leadership will also make the move. Eventually, faculty from other GSU arms, such as the College of Engineering and Information Technology, will be seen downtown as the vision becomes a reality. "This is going to be the hub for business creation and economic development activity not just in Statesboro, but regionally as well," said BBRED Director Dr. Dominique Halaby. The renovation will take in the former Yard & Haus store building next door as the center grows to encompass about 30,000 square feet. But in the current Entrepreneur Zone building, there's a classroom for entrepreneurship courses and continuing education for business people. On a flat-screen television atop a pedestal outside the classroom door, a video about fabrication laboratories, or fab labs, ran endless-loopstyle last fall. It features Dr. Neil Gershenfeld, head of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology's Center for Bits and Atoms, pioneer in the spread of digital fabrication technology from research universities to street-level fabrication, or fab, labs. "He looked at all the structure that was within MIT, all the resources, the infrastructure that they have, and said why is it only the students at MIT that are able to capitalize, utilize, these structures to create," Halaby said. Gershenfeld's work to make the concept reproducible on a smaller scale has

AL HACKLE/staff

Dominique Halaby, the director of Georgia Southern University's Bureau of Business Research and Economic Development, shares a video about the fab lab concept, which was born at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and has spread globally. resulted in fab labs in places as far flung as Rwanda and Norway. The Statesboro facility will be modeled

more directly on the fab lab at the Museum of Arts and Sciences in Chicago and 19 innovation incubators oper-

ated by the University of Central Florida. Georgia Southern personnel have also looked at centers in

Wisconsin and North Carolina for ideas. "We're structuring to be the first part of that network, the first fab lab, in the state of Georgia, right here in this facility" Halaby said. "So we're pretty excited." Of course, the Georgia Institute of Technology has digital fabrication equipment available to its students, he concedes. For that matter, so does Georgia Southern, at the main campus. "This is more than just about our students," Halaby said. "This is about the community within not just Statesboro, Bulloch County, but southeast Georgia that they can come in with the next crazy idea — for chairs for people whose knees bend in the opposite direction. Well, they'll have a resource and a facility to be able to make that." The role of the College of Business Administration will then be to vet those ideas, see if there is a market, and guide the first steps toward commercializing them, he said. Faculty and MBA students will work with would-be entrepreneurs on the business aspects of their projects, thus adding the "innovation incubator" aspect to the fab lab. As for the technology, 3-D printing is the sci-fi become-reality most often associated with fab labs. This digitally controlled process, analogous to laser printing, uses thin layers of material, typically a plastic filament, to build threedimensional components to specs that can be changed quickly.

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COMMUNITY PRIDE 2014

10A – Statesboro herald — Sunday, February 23, 2014 | statesboroherald.com

Business

Verizon now on Snooky's old site By JAN MOORE Statesboro Herald

The former location of Snooky's Restaurant is now a Verizon franchise store, which opened last fall. This is Wireless One Management LLC's ninth Verizon franchise store, and its first in Statesboro. "Verizon approached us just about a year ago, and asked us if we would be interested in putting a store in Statesboro," said Thomas Bradford, co-owner of the Athens-based company. "We were immediately interested in the market and the opportunity that it presented." Bradford said Verizon specified the area of town in which they wanted to the store to be built, and with much due diligence he and his partner decided upon the Snooky's location. "It really was the best location for us to serve the residents of Statesboro and Georgia Southern students," Bradford said. "And, it carries so much history with it." Snooky's owner Bruce Yawn said he is glad that something was built there. "It really doesn't bother me that most of the building is being demolished," he said. "The memories I have aren't of the building, they are of the people that came to eat there, and all of the laughs and truly good times that we had. I think it is a very good thing that the location is going to be utilized. I wish them well."

4th annual

Still going strong at 50 By JAN MOORE Statesboro Herald

In 1963, Joe Johnston founded the Johnston Insurance and Real Estate Company in downtown Statesboro. The company was a full service agency, offering insurance, real estate, and appraisal services. Johnston passed away in 2009, but his legacy lives on today as the three businesses operating within his original company continue to flourish 50 years after their founding. Over the years, Johnston sold each division of his company to individuals who had worked for him. Today those companies are Lee, Hill a n d Johnston J o h n s t o n Insurors, Prudential Kennedy Realty and Hulsey-Johnston Inc. In 1986, John Lee and Pratt Hill bought the insurance division, and it has become one of the most decorated insurance agencies in Statesboro with 15 employees. Lee went to work for Johnston in 1982. "I was about to go to work for another company, and was moving from Statesboro to do that," Lee said. "I went over to talk with Joe about listing a house for me, and we just got to talking. I said I really didn't want to leave Statesboro, and he said it was too bad that I didn't know anything about insurance. Well, he took a leap of faith in hiring me, and I am eternally grateful

to him. He was like a second father to me as mine had passed away in 1979." Hill merged his firm Hill and Olliff Insurance and Real Estate with Johnston Insurance and Real Estate in 1983. Lee and Hill bought out Johnston's insurance interest in 1986. They moved the company to its Savannah Avenue location in 1991. "I would like to thank Ed Olliff for giving me the opportunity of getting into the insurance business, and thank Joe for giving us the opportunity to merge our two agencies together, and to thank John Lee for our partnership since 1986," Hill said. In 1989, Johnston purchased the Prudential Real Estate franchise, changing the real estate portion of his business to Prudential Johnston Realty and selling a minor share of it to Everett Kennedy. "My mother (Marjorie) went into real estate in 1980, and when I was a senior in high school, she talked to me about getting my license to help her part time," Kennedy said. "I got my license in 1983, and started for Joe Johnston part-time while attending Georgia Southern. This was before the days of cellphones and fax machines. Joe often referred to me as 'young Everett.'" Kennedy said when fax machines first appeared, he remembered asking Johnston about getting one. ''Joe said, 'Well, who are we going to fax anything to? Nobody else in town

has one,'" Kennedy said. "At that time, all of our contracts were filled out by hand or on the typewriter." In 1994, Kennedy purchased the remaining interest in the realty company, and Johnston continued on in sales. The realty company remained on South Main Street until 2006 when Kennedy moved it to the Market District. "At that time, we changed the name to Prudential Kennedy Realty, a decision which Joe supported after much thought and consideration," Kennedy said. In 1986, Marion Hulsey purchased the appraisal arm of the company creating Hulsey-Johnston, Inc. "The one thing about Joe that put him ahead of his time was his ability to network," he said. "He was a great pioneer in that area. I am so thankful that I got to work for him." Kennedy said he has many fond memories of working for Johnston. "He had such a wealth of knowledge in real estate and business in general, and was a very generous man who was eager to pass on the many tricks of the trade that he experienced over his long successful career," Kennedy said. "Joe was from the 'old school,' and believed in hard work, treating the customer fairly and always doing the right thing. I feel fortunate to have had the opportunity to work for and learn from Joe. While very stern when it came to work, Joe was a pleasure to be around and always had a great sense of humor."

All photos SPECIAL

At top, members of the firm are shown in this photo from 1988. Pictured, front row, left to right, are Sue Harris, Terri Hulsey, June Marsh, Marjorie Kennedy, Anna Spence, Anne Thompson, Toni Shafer, Fayebeth Ball and Cindy Sheppard. Back row, left to right, Pratt Hill, Joe Johnston, Alan Smith, Mims Monroe, John Lee, Marion Hulsey and Everett Kennedy. At middle, the old Johnston Insurance and Realty sign is shown. Above, pictured in this photo from 2008, left to right, are Sam DiPolito, Marjorie Kennedy, Barbara Gibson, Christie Marsh, Brandon Parker, Everett Kennedy, Grant Lanier, Allison Hood, Davey Wells, Shannon Grindler and Joe Johnston.

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2B – Statesboro herald — Sunday, February 23, 2014 | statesboroherald.com

Business

Edwin Hill: Business Leader of the Year By AL HACKLE ahackle@statesboroherald.com

At its awards luncheon on Jan. 17, 2014, the Statesboro-Bulloch Chamber of Commerce honored a business leader who has also led in education, a small business with a 116-year heritage and an entrepreneur whose business really delivers. SCOTT BRYANT/file The 2013 Business Edwin Hill of Dabbs, Hickman, Hill & Cannon accounting firm Leader of the Year Award expresses his gratitude Jan. 17 after being named the went to Edwin Hill, a Statesboro-Bulloch Chamber of Commerce Business Leader managing partner in the accounting firm Dabbs, of the Year at the Nessmith-Lane Conference Center.

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Hickman, Hill & Cannon. Hill, 61, served two fouryear terms on the Bulloch County Board of Education, concluding in 2012, and has also served on many other boards and as an officer — usually treasurer — of other local organizations. “Statesboro is a great place to live, and very frankly, if I had 61 more years to live, I think it would be very difficult for me to have the opportunity to repay Statesboro for all it has provided to my family and me,” Hill said. Presenting the award, past chamber Chairman Gary Johnson listed Hill’s offices with Statesboro First United Methodist Church; United Way of Southeast Georgia, where he was president and chairman; Georgia Southern University Foundation; Rotary Club of Statesboro, again as president; Forest Heights Country Club; and the Boys & Girls Club of Bulloch County. Hill also chaired the Statesboro-Bulloch County Parks and Recreation Department board that built Mill Creek Regional Park and other parks, Johnson said. The Bulloch County Board of Education, during Hill’s tenure, oversaw the construction of six new schools. “This board accepted the challenge and convinced the citizens of Bulloch County that it was time to step up and build new schools at a cost of

over $100 million, which now is a source of great pride for Statesboro and Bulloch County,” Johnson said. The Small Business of the Year Award went to Howard Lumber & Hardware. “This business is actually the result of a family business with a history of success dating back to 1898. … From this success, a new business was formed to help meet the local retail needs of our community,” said Ashley Ellis, who presented the small business and entrepreneur awards on behalf of the chamber’s Small Business Committee. In an interview after the awards, Arthur Howard, who counts himself in the third of four generations in the family business, explained that his grandfather started a sawmill on the other side of town in 1898. Howard’s father later launched the current Claude Howard Lumber Co. The family spun off the retail store as a business separate from the sawmill about 25 years ago. Now Howard Lumber & Hardware serves commercial and residential contractors in a 65-mile radius, as well as local consumers. Ellis said the company, with a good work environment and reputation for quality, is an example for other businesses to emulate. The store has 30 employees.

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“I think we’ve got a great bunch of people, they operate the store and run in on a day-to-day basis, and we’re proud of them,” Howard said. The 2013 Entrepreneur of the Year winner is Rick Robins, who with business partner Sally Minton founded Boro Take-Out Express four years ago. The idea was to offer delivery service for restaurants that did not have one and to extend the delivery radius for those who did. Minton had seen a similar service operating in North Carolina. Started with contracts with 10 or 11 restaurants, Boro Take-Out Express has expanded to make deliveries for 30 restaurants and one supermarket. It employs about 20 drivers and is looking for more. consumers “Saving time away from home, apartment and office, his successful venture in Boro Take-Out Express has helped Statesboro and Bulloch County be a little more productive and a little less hassled at meal time,” Ellis said. A fourth award, Committee of the Year, went to the chamber’s Membership Committee. The luncheon, also the Chamber of Commerce’s 92nd annual meeting, saw outgoing chamber Chairman Keely Fennell, the owner of NeSmith Construction, pass the gavel to incoming chairman Darron Burnette, the president and CEO of Sea Island Bank.

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COMMUNITY PRIDE 2014

statesboroherald.com | Statesboro herald — Sunday, February 23, 2014 – 3B

Business

Try eating at GSU Dining Commons

JAMES HEALY/file

Sew Much Fun expanded its store in Woodlands Shopping Center in 2013 to allow for a larger selection of merchandise.

Sew Much Fun adds more space and baby items By JAN MOORE Statesboro Herald

Starting with just a $300 embroidery machine, Patty Dickey has built a booming monogramming and embroidery business which has expanded its Statesboro location twice in the last four years. Dickey opened the original Sew Much Fun in a kiosk in Savannah's Oglethorpe Mall in 2001. While commuting back and forth to Savannah, Dickey opened up a second location of the business in Statesboro's Woodlands Square shopping center in 2008. She sold the Oglethorpe Mall location in 2009. "I was working in a local physician's office and piddling with embroidery on the side," Dickey said. "My aunt did it, and I became interested in it. I started to go to craft shows on the weekends, and began making enough money to leave my job and do this full time. I just love it." Dickey's daughter Lacey Dickey has joined her mother as co-owner in the business which not only monograms and embroiders, but also carries a full line of products and baby items that can be monogrammed and embroidered. "I started working with mom seven years ago in the store at Oglethorpe Mall," she said. "I took orders, and helped with decorating the store. A couple of years ago, I began helping mom with the monogramming, and I have really enjoyed it. I love working with my mother. We have a wonderful relationship, and we get along so well." The Dickeys recently added 500 square feet to their operation, bringing the total square footage of the store to 1,500. Local realtor Marcia Parker leased the space to the Dickeys. "I am just amazed at how their business has grown so quickly," Parker said. "They are always busy, and use every square foot in that store. They have done amazingly well. They are wonderful tenants." Patty Dickey said she and

her daughter strive to give the best possible customer service including same day turn around on the embroidery of items. "No matter how late we may need to stay here at the store, we will," she said. "We strive very hard to keep the same day service. There are a few days out of the year when the volume is just too much, but those days are few and far between." Beth Lamb has been a customer of Sew Much Fun since it opened in Statesboro. "I like going into the store, because it is such a pleasant atmosphere, and they are able to accommodate my needs," she said. "When I call them on the phone, and tell them what I want, they always have it ready when I get there. They are just wonderful." Angie Lee feels the same way about the customer service that she receives. "They do exactly what they tell you they are going to do," Lee said. "The quality and service is outstanding. I do take some items in to be monogrammed, but mostly I just buy what I need there. They have a lot of items that appeal to college students, and they have a large baby line that I buy from for showers." Patty Dickey said they are able to embroider any item that can be "wadded" up in her hands. "We do apply vinyl lettering to plastic items, but if it is going to be sewn, it has to be an item that is pliable or we cannot get it into the machines that we use," she said. "People will bring in items on occasion that we just aren't able to do, but that is pretty rare." Dickey stresses that anyone can bring anything in to be embroidered. The item does not have to be purchased in the store. "We are happy to embroider just about anything," she said. "But, we do have one rule that we instituted after embroidering something that a customer brought in. We will not embroider any underwear, unless it is brand new, never worn. I will just leave it at that."

Brief Special to the Herald

Willow Pond gets new leader Mary Anderson was appointed in fall 2013 as executive director of Willow Pond Senior Living Community and succeeds Jenny Lynn Anderson A n d e r s o n , who will serve as the company’s com-

munity relations coordinator. Mary Anderson was previously employed by East Georgia Regional Medical Center, where she served as chief nursing executive for nine years. She serves on the Ogeechee Technical College Foundation and the Statesboro Regional Sexual Assault Center’s boards. “We are excited to have Mary join our company,” said Bill Wright, the chief operating officer of Georgia Living Management.

As mayor, I had the pleasure of riding in the Martin Luther King Jr. Day Parade this year with Jamin Malone, a senior at Georgia Southern University majoring in finance. Malone is slated to graduate this spring, and as he drove, we talked about his college experience and his plans for the future. One of the many topics that we discussed was the new dining facility which opened this past fall on the former site of the Landrum Dining Center. The new facility is referred to as the Dining Commons.

Inside Bulloch Business Jan Moore Malone said the food is very good, and praised the facility and staff. Upon hearing such a glowing review, I decided to call Jeff Yawn, the executive director of Eagle Dining Services, to pass along the praise. In conversation, Yawn said many local residents may not realize that the facility is open to the pub-

lic. "To come here would be no different than going to the University Store," he said. "In fact, our entrance is only 50 feet away from the entrance to the University Store which is next to the Russell Union building." Yawn said finding a parking space is much easier on the weekends, and suggested that folks may really enjoy the Sunday brunch. "On Sunday, we serve brunch from 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., and everything is freshly prepared by our staff," he said. "It's everything you can imagine. I want people from our

community to come eat with us as it promotes community engagement with our students. We have very strong, responsible students here at Georgia Southern, and they are delightful to visit with. They are very impressive." The Dining Commons is open seven days a week when school is in session for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The price varies depending on the time of day that you go from $8.50 plus tax to $13 plus tax. The price includes anything that you choose to eat or drink from the many serving stations while you are there.

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COMMUNITY PRIDE 2014

4B – Statesboro herald — Sunday, February 23, 2014 | statesboroherald.com

Business

Coming back downtown 2 new Hendley complexes are a draw for residents By JAN MOORE Statesboro Herald

As renovations nearedcompletion on Magnolia Village and with construction of the Village at Midtown in its final stages last summer, Bryan Davis of Hendley Properties said all of the units in each complex were leased. Magnolia Village is located on East Grady Street adjacent to the Willie McTell Trail and is composed of six onebedroom and six twobedroom apartments. The Village at Midtown is on South College Street near the intersection of South College and Kennedy Streets. Both are in Statesboro's downtown historic district. "Once we had our model apartment ready in Magnolia Village, we leased all of the 12 units in just nine days," Davis said. "We showed the apartments to 14 prospective tenants, and leased to 12 of them. It is clear that the demand for this type of housing is very strong." Brian Realiza had recently moved into his newly re n ov a te d Magnolia Village apartment. Realiza is an echocardiographer and cardiac sonographer at East G e or g ia Re g ional Hospital. "I had been living in a loft, but I have a dog and wanted to be near a place

JAMES HEALY/file

Bryan Davis, a property manager for Hendley Properties, shows off the nearly finished Magnolia Village on East Grady Street in June 2013. The apartments proved to be a draw for young professionals seeking an alternative to the large apartment complexes catering largely to Georgia Southern University students. where he could be walked," he said. "I drove by these when they were being renovated, and thought it was just perfect because it is right on the Willie McTell Trail, and is very quiet." Purchased by Hendley Properties in February 2013, the Grady Street apartments have been transformed into an eyecatching, modern apartment complex. Davis, a property manager for Hendley Properties and spokesman for both projects, said the vast majority of the two complexes were

leased to young professionals, and not students like most people might assume. "One of the 12 units in Magnolia Village has been rented to a student, and maybe five of the 30 apartments in the Village at Midtown have been rented to students," he said. "We weren't really sure when we started the project what the exact demographic would be. We felt that these would be more appealing to young professionals, but you just don't know." Davis said the success

and interest spawned by these two developments have shown there is a tremendous interest by professionals for rental housing that isn't in a student-driven complex. "This has shown us that there are a lot of people that are looking for nice rental property that isn't embedded in student living — like in one of the large student complexes," he said. They are looking for a different atmosphere that is less about amenities, and more about a quieter lifestyle more geared to a professional. At this

point, I would have to say that both are an overwhelming success." Allen Muldrew is the executive director of the Downtown Statesboro Development Authority. He hopes the success of projects such as this one will begin to drive housing development in downtown. "We've said for the last several years that the key to revitalizing our downtown area was to promote living in downtown," he said. "Projects such as these show that with a keen eye for potential, and the where with all to do it, successful, profitable developments can be done in historic dow n tow n . R ay ' s (Hendley) faith in downtown has resulted in something wonderful. We certainly hope the trend will continue." Davis said his company is continuing to look for more projects in downtown. "We are continuing to have our eyes open for buildings with development potential for multifamily housing," he said. "We have looked at several, and will continue to do so because we have seen the viability of these projects. There are so many people moving to this area that are used to and like the feeling of living in a downtown area. It takes a special property, and the numbers have to work, but we are going to continue evaluate and pursue different options."

Bank's income increases Special to the Herald

Heritage Financial Group, Inc., the holding company for HeritageBank of the South, announced recently unaudited financial results for the quarter and year ended Dec. 31, 2013. Highlights of the company's results for the year ended 2013 include: ➤ Net income of $11.3 million or $1.50 per diluted share, up 67 percent from net income of $6.8 million or $0.85 per diluted share for the year ended 2012; ➤ Excluding special items for each year, net income of $10.6 million or $1.42 per diluted share, up 86 percent from $5.7 million or $0.71 per diluted share for the year ended 2012 (see reconciliation of non-GAAP items); ➤ Loan growth, excluding loans acquired through FDIC-assisted acquisitions, of $98.8 million or 17 percent from 2012; ➤ A decline in the provision for loan losses, excluding FDIC-acquired loans, to $1.7 million, down 34 percent from $2.5 million for 2012. President and CEO Leonard Dorminey said the company's Board of Directors has declared a quarterly cash dividend of 7 cents per share, resuming regular payments after a special dividend was paid in December 2012 in lieu of dividends for 2013.

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statesboroherald.com | Statesboro herald — Sunday, February 23, 2014 – 5B

Business

'Revive, refresh, reclaim' Nostalgia aims not only to preserve, but improve, furniture By JAN MOORE Statesboro Herald

With a shared love of reviving furniture, Debbie Westbrooks and Jamie Lott have opened Nostalgia on North Main Street in Statesboro. With the slogan "Revive, Refresh and Reclaim," the pair has created a retail store front focusing on the sale of furniture that has been reclaimed using the age old products of chalk paint and milk paint. "Both formulas are very old, and a much healthier alternative to modern paint," Westbrooks said. "We have two lines of paint that we sell, and are the retailers for them in Bulloch County. The milk paint that we have is from Miss Mustard Seed's Milk Paint Company. Our chalk paint is from the Maison Blanche Paint Company." Heidi Howard has become a big fan of the store, and recently purchased chalk paint to renovate a coffee table that she owns. "Every time I would

with the things I had inherited, but a lot of it just didn't fit with what I already had, so I began to explore what could be done with it," she said. "I enjoy looking at things in a different way and seeing the beauty in them. It was how I was brought up, so I began to refresh those things, and it worked out great. I couldn't believe how much difference a little bit of paint and care could make something look." Westbrooks said she has had a number of customers describe their store as kind of Anthropology for Statesboro. Some even mention that it has the feel of a Pottery Barn. "We envisioned that when you walk in here, it would feel good, smell JAMES HEALY/file good, and be trendy," she Debbie Westbrooks stands in the lobby of Nostalgia, which she opened with her friend and said. "We sell more than furniture. We have artbusiness partner Jamie Lott. work, soaps, and everycome in here and find a Everything is so well done. six years ago when she thing is eco friendly. It just piece that I liked, it had It really is amazing to look inherited furniture from feels warm." already been sold or being at their before and after her mother, great aunt and There are four vendors held for someone else," she pictures of pieces that have great uncle after they that share the same passion said. "There are stores in been painted." passed away relatively close as Westbrooks and Lott, Atlanta that have this type Lott said her interest in to one another. and they have rented space of thing, but not here. reviving furniture began "I couldn't bear to part in the store to sell their

Customer service awards Sea Island parent is recognized in Middle and Small Business categories Synovus a garners total of 20 honors Special to the Herald

Sea Island Bank, a division of Synovus Bank, recently announced that Synovus has received 16 national awards from Greenwich Associates for excellence in Middle Market and Small Business banking. Among 750 banks evaluated nationwide, only 34 received national excellence awards for Middle Market banking, and only 43 for Small Business banking. Synovus was No. 1 with 13 total awards in the Small Business category and tied for third in total number of awards across all segments and categories. “We are honored again to be recognized with some of the best in our industry for the way we serve our customers,” said Kessel Stelling, the Synovus chairman and chief executive officer. “These awards reflect our commitment to exceed the expectations of our small business and middle market customers. We appreciate their trust and loyalty to our company.” Darron Burnette, the president and CEO of Sea Island Bank, pointed to customer service as the key to the bank’s success. “Sea Island Bank was founded on the commitment to offer the best customer service available,” he said. “Since 1901, we

have had the privilege of helping our community grow, our local businesses start up and prosper and our neighbors succeed. It’s an honor to be recognized on a national level for our customer service efforts.” In Middle Market banking, Synovus was recognized nationally in the following categories: ➤ Overall Satisfaction ➤ Likelihood to Recommend ➤ Relationship Manager Capability ➤ O v e r a l l Satisfaction (Treasury Management) ➤ Customer Service (Treasury Management) In the Small Business banking category, Synovus received national awards in the following categories: ➤ O v e r a l l Satisfaction ➤ Likelihood to Recommend ➤ Personal Banking Satisfaction ➤ Credit Policy ➤ Relationship Manager Capacity ➤ B r a n c h Satisfaction ➤ Online Services ➤ O v e r a l l Satisfaction (Treasury Management) ➤ Accuracy of Operations (Treasury Management) ➤ Customer Service (Treasury Management) ➤ P r o d u c t Capabilities (Treasury Management).

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revived furniture as well. "It is really great, because the inventory in the store turns over rather quickly," Lott said. "When we opened, we were hopeful that it would generate enough to pay the bills allowing us to get on our feet and establish a customer base. Since we opened this past April, we have gone way above and beyond our expectations. We are thrilled." In addition to the retail side, classes are offered on the weekends teaching how to paint and transform furniture. "If you look on our website there is a section that lists the schedule of classes," Lott said. "In only one class, you can redo a piece of furniture. Sometimes the best part of our job is getting to transform something you already own into something you never thought it could be. The pictures on the website say it best." To learn more about Nostalgia, visit their website at www.nostalgiaboro. com.

Developing a true passion By JAN MOORE Statesboro Herald

Bradley Odom started jogging in 2010, hoping to get into shape and feel better. Within weeks Odom had lost a significant amount of weight and developed a true passion for running. When an injury to his Achilles prevented Odom from running for a period of weeks, his running buddies invited him to swim in a triathlon. His love for competing in triathlons was born and so was an idea for a business. Odom found a business partner in Jody Middleton and they opened Swim Bike Run in Statesboro in October 2012 on Brannen Street next to Heavenly Ham. "In March 2011, I did my first triathlon and fell in love with it," Odom said. "The sport has changed me physically, but it has also saved me. I am a totally better person, and happier around my kids and my wife. It also has 'resaved' me as a Christian." Odom said he met Middleton on a group bike ride about a year ago. "I met Jody while riding, and he had just graduated and was working in Savannah," he said. "It just seemed like a perfect fit for us to open this store. He is the cycling guru, and that is his focus."

JAN MOORE/file

Bradley Odom is shown talking with a customer in August 2013 about the latest in triathlon gear at his Swim Bike Run shop in the Boro. While Odom spends his time in sales, promoting the store, and speaking to youth about fitness, Middleton focuses on repair, managing the business, as well as sales. "As with Bradley, I also am very passionate about fitness," he said. "There are several ways to get fit and lead a healthy lifestyle, and we want to provide people

with those components. If folks want to focus on all three and work towards being a triathlete, we are certainly there for that, or if they are interested in just one component, we have everything for that as well." Cody Heard is a satisfied customer of Swim Bike Run. He brought in a bicycle he purchased there for

repair. "Walmart sells disposable bikes," he said. "I have had two which just lasted a year each. The main reason that I came here initially was because of the warranty. They give free lifetime tune ups on the bikes they sell. I had a flat tire one day and couldn't make it down, so they came to my office and fixed it. I am very happy." Odom said they have some unique events planned for the coming weeks. "In September, we are going to have a triathlon clinic," he said. "We are going to start out with one clinic, and see how it goes. There will be a group swim, and then we will discuss how to transition to riding the bike. We will then do a bike ride, and discuss how to transition to the run. I think people will really enjoy it." Odom is also planning "restaurant" group runs. "We will have a group meet a locally owned restaurant, and then we will run for 30 to 40 minutes, come back and enjoy some time together socializing at the restaurant," he said. "I have already talked to several, and they think it is a great idea. We want to do our part to make people more active. The dates and details will be on our website."

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6B – Statesboro herald — Sunday, February 23, 2014 | statesboroherald.com

Business

Surpassing expectations Growth surprises Meinhardt Vineyards founders By AL HACKLE ahackle@statesboroherald.com

For a second consecutive year, their vineyards have yielded so many muscadines that the Meinhardts will not need to buy grapes from other growers to fulfill the expected demand for hearty red Southern Eagle, peachy Pesca and the rest of the 20 wines they bottle. The first phase of the 2013 grape harvest at Meinhardt Vineyards & Winery ended in midSeptember 2013. For a week, workers frisked the vines and dropped handfuls of plump, bronze-colored grapes into buckets. The black varieties took another two weeks or so to mature, said Ken Meinhardt. During that first phase of the harvest, between 300 and 400 people visited the winery for the annual Grape Stomp Festival at the winery. Many bared their feet to pound grapes into juice the ancient way. Most sampled wine and cheese, and all were treated to live music from classic-rock band PB&J. Of course, a powered wine press crushes grapes for the real wine production. But the stomp is symbolic of a business that is as much about people and occasions as it is about grapes. Operating two stores in

SCOTT BRYANT/file

Grapes are ripe for the picking in September 2013 at Meinhardt Vineyards in southern Bulloch County. Savannah as well as the Savannah real estate firm direct from the winery to tasting room on the farm and construction compa- the stores. Retailers are and a popular weekend ny while the housing best saturated with the restaurant — while host- boom was still underway Meinhardt brand within ing weddings and other and moved to Bulloch about a 100-mile radius, social events throughout County to start a farm but their wines can be the year — Meinhardt winery. His wife, Jan, and found throug hout Vineyards has in some son, Ken Meinhardt II, Georgia. ways outgrown its owners' also changed careers to Incidentally, all seven expectations. varieties of grapes grown work at the vineyard. "I don't know what I Ken Meinhardt pur- by the Meinhardts are culexpected. I just wanted to chased about 105 acres tivars of the muscadine do a little, small winery," that previously supported species native to the Meinhardt said. "It's cer- cattle and peanuts, and southeastern United tainly gotten much bigger moved there in early 1999. States. Muscadine juice is than I ever anticipated it He installed wells and the base for all the wines to be, but if I didn't have irrigation, and then the they make, including those my wife and son, I Meinhardts planted their flavored with other fruits couldn't have done all first vines, just 2.3 acres, such as peaches, blueberthis, that's for sure." in 2000. At first depen- ries and blackberries. With what now seems dent on buying grapes Savannah City u n c a n ny t i m i n g , from other growers to Market Meinhardt sold his supplement their nascent harvests, they started Meinhardt opened as making wine and opened the first farm winery in their tasting room shop in southeast Georgia. Under summer 2004. state regulations, a farm When a story about the winery can operate up to winery appeared on the five stores in addition to a Statesboro Herald's busi- tasting room on the farm. ness page in 2007, the In the past five years, Meinhardts had expanded the Meinhardts have to 17 acres and were opened two stores in installing more storage Savannah's City Market. tanks to increase their The first, called simply capacity to 27,000 gallons. Meinhardt Vineyards & Now, they maintain about Winery Tasting Room, 25 acres of vineyards and offers an expanded selechave increased storage to tion of the kinds of things around 50,000 gallons. seen at the farm-based The business of distrib- shop, such as preserves Staff Pictured: Back Row Left to Right: Tami Crosby, Shanquil McDonald, Elizabeth Harlie, uting to supermarkets, jellies, relishes, fruit syrwhich the Meinhardts had ups, and of course, Maria Smith, Jasmyn Smith, Channie Frazier, just entered with Sam's Meinhardt wines. Paige James Front Row Left to Right: Jameka Fields, Brenda Lank, Michelle Smith Lank, April Clubs in 2007, soon The second shop, All expanded to include select Things Georgia, sells a Thompson, Delorise Howard, Rhonda Willis. Walmart Supercenters wider variety of Georgiaand the Harvey's super- crafted items, such as market chain. Many con- handmade quilts and venience stores, indepen- walking sticks, in addition dent grocers and package to culinary products. shops, as well as a few res- Capitalizing on downtown taurants, also carry Savannah's tourist traffic, the store ships quilts to Meinhardt wines. 367 Savannah Ave. • Statesboro • 912-764-4298 As Ken Meinhardt buyers as far away as explains, distribution is Australia and Europe.

File Photos by SCOTT BRYANT/staff

Above, Ken Meinhardt II oversees the harvesting of grapes Monday at Meinhardt Vineyards. Below, fall harvesting continues at Meinhardt Vineyards.

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Restaurant and Weddings Meanwhile, the original tasting room at the vineyard south of Statesboro fronts for Meinhardt Vineyards' restaurant. Open Friday and Saturday nights only, it serves seafood, steaks, catfish and pasta. Shrimp-and-grits, prime rib and handmade crab cakes are signature items. Reservations are not required, but recommended. From the first, the vineyard's picturesque grounds were offered as a setting for weddings and receptions. With Georgia Southern University practically a neighbor, this soon expanded to include student social events.

Each year the vineyard hosts typically 12-15 weddings, and perhaps a dozen more occasions such as rehearsal dinners, baby showers and birthday parties, said Jan Meinhardt. Six to eight sorority and fraternity events — often formal or semiformal date nights — are planned this fall alone, and spring will bring another round, including parent nights. Most of what has been achieved was envisioned in the family's original business model, if more in the field of hopes than expectations. "We knew we would be doing the events," Jan Meinhardt said. "I think it has grown faster than we thought it would."

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For several years, I commuted back and forth on Georgia Highway 67 South to Bryan County serving as a school psychologist in the Bryan County school system. Each day, I would pass Hodges Antiques, occasionally stopping in. I watched the business grow from the outside, becoming a very warm and inviting place to stop. What many of you may not know is this cornerstone of our local antique market also has been growing on the inside, evolving into four distinct businesses under one roof/ umbrella: Hodges Antiques, Wynter House Design, RB's Restoration and RB's Moving Company. Founder Vickie Winters said the company has come a long way since its inception in 1993. "Our original location was on the corner of

Jason Lanier

Jason’s knowledge of real estate stems not only from his extensive background in banking and finance, but also from his personal experience investing in Statesboro real estate. After fifteen successful years in banking and commercial lending, Jason realized his true passion for real estate and decided to put aside his banking career and use his skills and knowledge to help others achieve their real estate goals. From residential properties to agricultural and commercial real estate, Jason understands what both buyers and sellers are looking for. “Real estate excites me. I’ve spent years studying the market and I am really looking forward to helping my clients make the best and most informed real estate decisions.” A graduate of the University of Georgia as well as Georgia Banking School, Jason understands real estate lending and financing options like few others can. Jason’s banking career began as a loan officer at AgSouth Farm Credit, and he was most recently Regional Vice President with The Heritage Bank. Jason loves Statesboro and Bulloch County and is actively involved in the community. “I’ve lived in Statesboro and Bulloch County most of my life and everyday I gain a greater understanding of what this area has to offer.” He serves as treasurer and board member of the Boys and Girls Club of Bulloch County and is a former director of the Statesboro Bulloch County Chamber of Commerce. Jason was recognized in 2012 as one of the Statesboro Herald’s 20 under 40 top professionals, and is also a graduate of Leadership Bulloch. Jason loves meeting new people, good music, Georgia and Georgia Southern football, and coaching his sons’ little league soccer teams. He and his wife, Lea, attend First Baptist Church and have two sons Hudson (8) and Henry (5).

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Inside Bulloch Business Jan Moore Burkhalter Road and Highway 67, fondly referred to as Joe Hodges Hill," she said. "We moved several miles out towards the interstate in 1998. Some folks thought we were crazy, but 90 percent of our business was from out-of-town, so it made it more convenient for them and gave us room to grow." The business now employs six family members — Winters; her husband, Jim Winters, who founded the business with her; her sister Jerrie Blackburn; nephews Randy Blackburn and Bob McNeely; and her

mother, Shirley Martin. "In addition to buying antiques and restoring them, we custom design and build furniture, window treatments, do custom upholstery, and provide full interior decorating services," she said. "Tastes have changed over the years, becoming much more simplified, but elegant. People are looking for comfort within a beautiful piece of furniture." Winters said everyone remains busy during the day focusing on customer service and the "business at hand." "We all have such a passion for what we are doing, and we truly love it and feel blessed to be able to come to work every day," she said. "To tend to our customers and give them what they need and are asking for doesn't leave a lot of down time for any of us. We are truly grateful for that."

COMMUNITY PRIDE 2014

statesboroherald.com | Statesboro herald — Sunday, February 23, 2014 – 7B

Business

Your Pie gets a fresh start By AL HACKLE ahackle@statesboroherald.com

Your Pie brought its down-the-line pizza concept to Statesboro more than two years ago. Now the franchise has a new owner who finds himself a match for the young and growing, Georgia-born brand. Britt Hendrix, 27, moved to Statesboro from Athens Aug. 31 and took over as owner of Your Pie, at 701 Piedmont Loop Suite 200, the next day. "It was crazy. I'm still not unpacked," Hendrix said last week. At first he hoped for a break in the action to catch his breath. But after a month getting to know staff and suppliers and working on issues such as restoring the restaurant's beer and wine license, Hendrix realizes that the business goes nonstop. "But it's been good stress," he said. "I wanted all this responsibility, and it's happening. I'm seeing some results. We're getting there." With city approval for beer and wine now in hand, Hendrix planned to reintroduce craft beers as well as offer a variety of other beers and a selection of wines. Hendrix, who plays guitar and writes music, plans for his restaurant to host live music, a weekly trivia night and some open mic nights. All these things are designed to draw college students and young people in their immediate post-college years — Hendrix's own demographic. But he also talks about Your Pie appealing to families. There's no minimum age for consumption of gelato, the smooth, Italian-style ice cream that Your Pie sells in

flavors such as raspberry, mango, tiramisu and — for fall — pumpkin. With spinach and sliced tomatoes among the available toppings, some parents see Your Pie pizza as a way to get finicky kids to eat veggies, and the crew will hide them under the cheese if that helps, he said. Hendrix grew up near Athens. Attending the University of Georgia, he didn't learn about the restaurant business in the classroom, but from restaurant jobs he held while earning a degree in turf grass management. For four and a half years he worked at the Hilltop Grille, an Athens steak and seafood restaurant nearer the "fine dining" end of the scale. "But I really acquired a lot of the knowledge as far as customer service and how to really go above and beyond with how you portray yourself and entertain your customers, and that's what I'm trying to carry over here," Hendrix said. After graduation, he moved to Savannah and put his degree to use as an assistant golf course superintendent at the Landings. But he fell out love with that work after two years and returned to restaurants, first at a place on Tybee Island and then back at the Hilltop Grille in Athens He wanted more, thought of opening a restaurant, and started looking into various franchises. "I just knew what kind of setup I wanted, and Your Pie was just a perfect fit for me," Hendrix said. Besides, the founder of the still growing chain returned his calls. At first Hendrix sought a new franchise to call

AL HACKLE/file

Britt Hendrix, who took over the Your Pie franchise in Statesboro in 2013, demonstrates a real hand-tossed pizza. his own, but when he learned that the original owners wanted to sell the Statesboro Your Pie, he found a deal he could not pass up. The investment needed to launch a new Your Pie is typically more than $250,000, but Hendrix said he was able to buy the existing restaurant's contents and keep it going for considerably less. Your Pie founder Drew French said that Hendrix's youth, enthusiasm and restaurant experience should benefit the brand in Statesboro. Only 30, French was 25 when he opened the first Your Pie in Athens in 2008. Two years earlier, he and his wife Natalie, who is of Italian stock, had honeymooned on the island of Ischia, near Naples. He was impressed by the local pizza and especially the quick-cooking brick ovens.

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COMMUNITY PRIDE 2014

8B – Statesboro herald — Sunday, February 23, 2014 | statesboroherald.com

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If just half the employed U.S. population spent $50 each month in independently owned businesses, their purchases would generate more than $42.6 billion in revenue.* Imagine the positive impact if 3/4 of the employed population did that.

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© ® Cinda Baxter 2010; all rights reserved. Proudly supporting RetailSpeaks and independent retailers everywhere. * Employment statistics courtesy U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2/6/2009; 68/43 courtesy Civic Economics study, 2008.

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COMMUNITY PRIDE 2014

statesboroherald.com | Statesboro herald — Sunday, February 23, 2014 – 9B

Business

Swainsboro's new 'Latitude' Student housing boom spreads to Emanuel County

SPECIAL

A rendering of the Latitude 105 apartment complex to be constructed for East Georgia State College students in Swainsboro is shown above. By AL HACKLE ahackle@statesboroherald.com

With Latitude 105, Swainsboro is beginning to get, on a smaller scale, the sort of student-oriented housing expansion seen in Statesboro. The apartment complex being built into the framework of the longvacant, single-stor y Gibson's store building at 105 N. Anderson Drive in Swainsboro is a private project. It is not affiliated in any way with East Georgia State College, whose original campus is about two miles away. But East Georgia students are Latitude 105's reason for being. The apartment building's contemporary styling — and features such as a gym and mini-theater — are all designed to appeal to students, acknowledges developer Hassan "Harry" Assi. Other shared amenities will include a community kitchen, a laundry, a computer room and an outdoor picnic and study area. As with a Forum or an Aspen Heights, even the name has been chosen to sound yo u t h f u l . Swainsboro sits between 32 and 33 degrees north latitude, and latitudes max out at 90 degrees, so the only geography lesson in that name is the street number. "It's for college kids, you know, and we like to have a nice hip and cool name," said Assi, who has been shuttling between Swainsboro and his home base in San Diego for the project. Construction of phase 1, the retrofit of the Gibson's building to supply 60 fully furnished, dormitory-style apartments, began in early April 2013. Assi hoped it would be completed in early 2014. The 37,000 square-foot complex will comprise 48 studio-style single-unit apartments, each with its own bathroom, kitchenette and living space, plus 12 two-bedroom units, Assi said. Four units will be ADAaccessible. He calls it a dormitory, even though having individual bathrooms for most units distinguishes it from many dorms. More typical of dorm living, the rent will include power, water, phone, sanitation, cable TV and wireless broadband. In California, Assi and his Emerald Alliance Corporation developed a number of subdivisions and condominium projects. When the construction slowdown lingered on the West Coast, he looked eastward for some undeveloped potential, and purchased more than 30 acres in Swainsboro. Technically, it's Latitude 105 LLC, a Georgia corpo-

ration, which will operate the Swainsboro complex. When phase 1, the Gibson's retrofit, is full or nearly full of residents, Assi said, he will begin construction of phase 2, a two-story structure with 100 more housing units on the same 3.5-acre site. For that plan, he said, he already has city of Swainsboro approval. But city go-ahead would be needed for phase 3, including retail development Assi foresees for 27 acres his firm purchased on the other side of the street. "If this becomes a success, we're looking to branch out to other places in Georgia," he said. The private project comes as East Georgia State College, celebrating its 40th anniversary this year, has grown beyond its original identity as exclusively a commuter college. East Georgia's first and so-far only dormitory, 200-bed Bobcat Villas, opened on the Swainsboro campus in fall 2011 and quickly filled. About half of East Georgia's 3,000 students now attend class at the Swainsboro campus. Most of the other 1,500 are enrolled the Statesboro campus, which has no residence hall of its own but where students can take advantage of the same nearby private apartment complexes that serve Georg ia Southern University students. Because the East Georgia Statesboro campus offers core classes but not all of the more advanced courses, many students from the Statesboro area eventually continue at the Swainsboro campus, say college officials. East Georgia opened an Augusta campus in fall 2013 and now has about 100 students there. Combined with other trends of recent years — especially the college's move into intercollegiate sports with basketball, baseball and softball — Bobcat Villas has given East Georgia in Swainsboro more aspects of campus life than its students enjoyed in the past, said EGSC public relations director Jerry Hooks. Athletes rank among the resident students. "It's really given us more of a college experience," Hooks said. "We're not by any means in Statesboro's league yet, but it was a big step for this community." East Georgia officials are interested in developing more student housing, either on-campus or in public-private partnerships, if demand would support it. The University System of Georgia is undertaking a study that will gauge that demand, con-

firmed John Vanchella, director of strategic communications for the University System Board of Regents. "We are aware that East Georgia State College would like to add housing," Vanchella said in an email. "We are currently taking a system-wide look at housing needs and demands which includes a market study. We will carefully analyze the market studies to inform our decisions going forward."

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10B – Statesboro herald — Sunday, February 23, 2014 | statesboroherald.com

COMMUNITY PRIDE 2014