Pride 2016

2016 Community

Agriculture

Agriculture: Bulloch growing strong

COMMUNITY PRIDE 2016

2 – STATESBORO HERALD — Sunday, February 28, 2016 | statesboroherald.com

Farm Family of the Year 2015 Chamber honors Waters family for lifelong dedication to agriculture

By HOLLI DEAL SAXON hbragg@statesboroherald.com

The “love of dirt� is part of what makes a farmer, and Nevils area farmer Mike Waters claims that love was instilled in him at an early age.

His lifetime dedication to farming led Waters to be named head of the 2015 Farm Family of the Year, an honor bestowed upon him and his family during last year’s Farm-City Breakfast hosted by the StatesboroBulloch County Chamber of Commerce Agribusiness Committee in October.

The honor was a surprise to Wates, who was “tricked� into attending the breakfast

by Raybon Anderson, who knew beforehand.

Traditionally, the award is withheld from the family, and announced at the breakfast. Anderson made the introduction, leading up to releasing Waters’ identity.

Waters sat quietly throughout the meal, listening to keynote speaker Van McCall's speech and then Anderson's introduction, which gradually gave hints about the person to whom the annual honor would be awarded.

"He grew up in the soil, getting his feet dirty, soil underneath his fingernails, at an early age," Anderson said.

Waters worked while he was in high school and college, starting his own career in 1980. He farmed with his uncle, who passed away after an unexpected illness. He then partnered with his father, and then his mother,

Marie Waters, following his father's death.

Today, Waters farms on property that both sets of his grandparents farmed before him, mainly off Highway 46 near the old Bulloch Fertilizer plant near Nevils.

He grows soybeans, cotton and peanuts, along with "a few head of cattle," he said Friday afternoon, taking a moment to talk after the busy morning.

His grandparents and parents "instilled a love of dirt" in him, he said. "I love being outdoors, with no schedule, communing with nature."

Still, farming isn't easy "with today's economic conditions," he said. "You never know what commodity prices will be, and there is no control of what you're going to get for what you grow."

Anderson coaxed Waters into attending the breakfast, where the surprise announcement was made, by telling Waters that he was attending and was allowed to invite one person.

"He kept asking if I was still going," Waters said Friday afternoon, laughing.

Waters' mother continues to work as his partner, and the rest of his family, who help him "on occasion," are his brother, Marty Waters, nephews Allen, Cory and Thomas Waters, and his long-time employee of 18 years, Mike Deal.

Van McCall, an ordained minister who is also the education outreach and special projects coordinator for AgSouth, spoke at thebreakfast about the future of agriculture and the importance

SCOTT BRYANT/file

Statesboro Bulloch Chamber of Commerce Agribusiness Farmer of the Year Mike Waters, top, and long-time employees Mike Deal, bottom, and nephew Kevin Deal, left. of promoting awareness of it to those who are not familiar with the industry. McCall said he grew up in a farming family.

"This is my passion. This is what I have lived my life for," he said, prefacing a

speech filled with comedy similar to that of Jeff Foxworthy. In a pronounced Southern drawl, McCall said he hailed from Denton, Georgia, and gave several anecdotes about life in the small town, population 212.

"Agriculture is the workhorse of our great American society," he said, making the first of many equine-related references.

He spoke of a massive iron horse sculpture he passed each day as he trav-

eled to classes at the University of Georgia. He said he had an epiphany that told him to abandon his studies in marine biology in Florida and instead attend school at UGA's College of Agriculture.

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COMMUNITY PRIDE 2016

statesboroherald.com | STATESBORO HERALD — Sunday, February 28, 2016 – 3

Harville Farms recognized as Centennial Farm

By HOLLI DEAL SAXON hbragg@statesboroherald.com

One of Bulloch County's oldest farms, a landmark graced by an enormous family home that is known for its intriguing history and legendary hauntings, was recognized during the 22nd annual Georgia Centennial Farm Awards Ceremony at the Georgia National Fair in Perry in 2015.

Harville Family Farms was one of 13 farms recognized for the Centennial Family Farm Award, which 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.

Tommy Harville, who owns Harville Family Farms,

said he has lived on the property all his life and has never seen evidence of any haunting at the renowned Harville House, the stately, unique mansion his great-grandfather built.

He knows the real history, but for decades, legend has had it that the house is haunted by the spirits of his aunts, who lived there in the '60s and '70s. No one knows how the rumors of haunting were started, but to this day, the house is listed on websites as a "haunted house," and people continue to visit in hopes they see something spooky.

Harville still farms the property on Harville Road, where he raises cattle and grows crops such as soybeans, cotton, peanuts and "a

few pecans."

The farm can be traced back to land grant records in 1818 but was purchased by Samuel Winkler Harville in 1862, he said.

According to records from the Bulloch County Historical Society (bulloch-

history.com), the farm was originally 754 acres. Samuel Harville was one of the two delegates Bulloch County sent to the 1861 Secession Convention in Milledgeville.

He voted for Georgia to secede from the Union.

"Samuel's son, Keebler

Henry Harville, purchased the property and built the Harville House as a one-story house around 1894. The second story was added 10 years later resulting in a total of 14 rooms to accommodate a growing family," the site reads.

Tommy Harville said the farm had expanded during his grandfather's time, but is now just 120 acres. Tommy is now the only family member left who comes directly from Samuel Harville's line, with the exception of his two sons, he said.

For years, dreams of restoring the historical Harville House have been shattered by expense, but a new effort

by Harville and his relatives may result in funds to preserve the home. Currently,

an old barn is being renovated and expanded to create a venue for family reunions and weddings, with the first to be held this month, he said. Revenue from renting the facility in the future may be used to restore the home.

According to the Bulloch County Historical Society website, Tommy Harville's grandfather Keebler designed the house. "The lumber used was cut and sawn from timber grown on the farm. By the time of Keebler's death in 1946, the farm had grown to 2,800 acres. More than just a landmark, the farm was selfsustaining for 10 families. It included a grist mill, saw mill, cotton gin, two-story smoke-house, ice house, syrup house and a commissary."

New 4-H agent comes aboard

By HOLLI DEAL SAXON hbragg@statesboroherald.com

A new county agent joined the Bulloch County Extension service in December, 2015, and has already begun to make waves in the county 4-H program. Victoria Tillery, 24, said she is excited about taking the county 4-H program to its next level. She is experienced in the club’s activities, as she served in the past as the area’s 4-H program assistant.

According to the Bulloch county 4-H website, the popular club focuses on promoting �leadership, citizenship, public speaking and life skills.� It is part of the University of Georgia Cooperative Extension service.

Tillery said she enjoys working with young people and youth development activities, and is excited about being involved with the county’s active 4-H groups. “4-H felt like a good fit,� she said about

Victoria Tillery her choice in career after graduation from Georgia Southern University with a degree in children and family development She also works with area agricultural partners in relation to youth activities, and enjoys her task to “prepare students for work� by developing communications and other skills.

The Effingham High School graduate is still pursuing higher education, seeking a master’s degree from GSU in

higher education administration.

Tillery said she hopes to encourage more young people to participate in 4-H, which is introduced in 5-6 grades and offered on a voluntary basis in grades 7-12. The club has many different activities for students including the 4-H Horse Club, the Project SAFE shotgun and archery teams, summer camp at Rock Eagle, livestock showing and judging, competition in the Kiwanis Ogeechee Fair mini-booths program, photo contests and more. “Bulloch County is big into summer camp� and club competition, she said.

While 4-H and area youth take up a great deal of her life, Tillery is also carving out time to plan a wedding. Engaged to Ryan Allen, she plans to get married in December. In the meantime, she also spends a great deal of time with her black Labrador, Mable.

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1

COMMUNITY PRIDE 2016

4 – STATESBORO HERALD — Sunday, February 28, 2016 | statesboroherald.com

Bulloch County Farm Gate Values 2014

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2016 Community

Education

On the path to a bright future

COMMUNITY PRIDE 2016

2 – STATESBORO HERALD — Sunday, February 28, 2016 | statesboroherald.com

Education

Bulloch County schools soar Students, teachers rack up a number of achievements, honors and awards Brooklet Elementary School ➤ Mascot: Yellow Jackets ➤ Principal: Marlin Baker ➤ Assistant principal:

Christy Inman ➤ School achievements: ▲ Produced the highest custodian Inspection results (the Clean School Award) in the month of September. ▲ Recognized as one of the highest-performing Title 1 schools in Georgia in academic standing. ▲ Launched STEAM Initiative (Science, Technology.

Engineering, Arts and Math) for students to benefit in science and technical academics. ▲ Hosted "WILD" Wildlife Parent Involvement program that introduced both parents and students to a variety of different species of animals to raise awareness and understanding for wildlife. ▲ The district awarded Brooklet Elementary bus driver Paula Buckles the annual Bus Driver of the Year Award, dictating achievements in bus driver safety, rules and regulations.

Julia P. Bryant Elementary School ➤ Mascot: Bears ➤ Principal: Julie Blackmar ➤ Assistant principals:

Michelle Curtis and Justin Chester ➤ School achievements: ▲ The Archibald Chapter of Daughters of the American Revolution announced fifthgrader Katie Dickerson as the DAR Essay winner for the contest. ▲ After being placed on Georgia's list of "focus schools" for schools in need of extra support, Julia P.

Bryant improves and was taken off the list. ▲ Embraces reading to students by increasing overall reading activities grades K–5. ▲ The district awarded Julia P. Bryant Elementary bus driver Lori Deal the annual Bus Driver of the Year Award, dictating achievements in bus driver safety, rules and regulations. ▲ Student Abby Smith produced "JPB Awesome" videos. ▲ Teacher was awarded a Fall 2015 Innovation Grant. ▲ Student Harrison Broadwell created a handdrawn Christmas card and sold the cards to raise money for our art class. ▲ Winning Chess Team. ▲ Started a mentoring program. ▲ Multiple teachers working toward gifted certification. ▲ Won Clean School Award in January 2016. ▲ Collaborations with Statesboro-Bulloch County Parks and Recreation Department, Pilot Club and 4-H Extension Office. ▲ Lunchroom received perfect score of 100 percent on last two health inspections. ▲ Georgia Southern University Partner School. ▲ School is working toward Digital Citizenship Certification. ▲ Have math competition teams in third, fourth and fifth grades.

Langston Chapel Elementary School ➤ Mascot: Langston the

Lion

➤ Principal: Dr. Shawn

Haralson ➤ Assistant principals: John McAfee and Amanda Cain

➤ School achievements: ▲ First-place Apple

Associates Apples4ED Contest winners, winning $10,000 for playground improvements along with $1,500 to buy iPads for fifthgrade reading. ▲ Created education activities through its Cub Club program. ▲ The district awarded elementary bus driver Tanya Newman the annual Bus Driver of the Year Award, dictating achievements in bus driver safety, rules and regulations.

Mattie Lively Elementary School ➤ Mascot: Eagles ➤ Principal: Dr. Carolyn

Vasilatos ➤ Assistant principal: Hope Sumner ➤ School achievements: ▲ Dr. Carolyn Vasilatos named interim principal at Mattie Lively. ▲ Awarded Georgia School Bell Award for their Economics Day event, which taught students the basics of an economy and how currency exchange impacts it through a variety of customized stations where students could spend their "money" on different products for an end result. ▲ Most Custodian Improved Team (the Clean School Award) in November. ▲ The district awarded elementary bus driver Ernest Harris the annual Bus Driver of the Year Award, dictating achievements in bus driver safety, rules and regulations.

Mill Creek Elementary School ➤ Mascot: Mustangs

➤ Principal: Patrick Hill ➤ Assistant principal:

Debra Minick

➤ School achievements: ▲ Participated in the No

Cost Program. ▲ Launched STEAM Initiative (Science, Technology.

Engineering, Arts and Math) for students. ▲ The district awarded elementary bus driver Beautine Smith the annual Bus Driver of the Year Award, dictating achievements in bus driver safety, rules and regulations. ▲ On March 31, 2015, Georgia's first lady Sandra Deal visited and read a book to pre-K students. ▲ MCES created a STEM lab with a certified teacher.

All children have the opportunity to participate in STEMrelated lessons and activities on a weekly basis. ▲ MCES was awarded Digital Citizenship Certification in November 2015. ▲ MCES artwork was displayed at the Averitt Center in December 2015. ▲ MCES implemented positive behavior monthly parties for students who meet the positive behavior goals.

These parties included lollipops and limbo, where kids got a lollipop and limboed to music. ▲ Asher Smiley and Cohen Anderson won first place in fifth-grade device modification at the Bulloch County Tech Fair on Jan. 23.

Chloe Jones got third place in fourth-grade game design. ▲ Started a Student Council in 2015–16 to promote service to others. ▲ Canned food drive for the Statesboro Food Bank. ▲ Ferst Foundation fundraiser to help families get books. (Millie Lee's fourthgrade homeroom class raised the most money in the county).

Nevils Elementary School ➤ Mascot: Junior Jackets ➤ Principal: Nate

Pennington

➤ Assistant principal: Rob

Lindsey ➤ School achievements: ▲ STEAM program integration to help students advance academically. ▲ Highest custodian inspection results for the month of October. ▲ The district awarded elementary bus driver Daniel Moody the annual Bus Driver of the Year Award, dictating achievements in bus driver safety, rules and regulations. ▲ Nevils Teacher of the Year Bob Massee qualified fifth place overall for Bulloch County Teacher of the Year. ▲ Nevils Elementary has been recognized as one of the highest-performing Title 1 schools in Georgia in academic standing.

Portal Elementary School ➤ Mascot: Panther ➤ Principal: Paul Hudson ➤ Assistant principal:

Laurie Mascolo

➤ School achievements: ▲ Participated in National

Read for the Record Day that promotes worldwide reading through millions of students each year. ▲ District Technology Fair participants that conducted a multitude of student technological creations and participation with students from surrounding areas. ▲ Highest custodian inspection results for the month of November. ▲ The district awarded elementary bus driver Sara Williams the annual Bus

Driver of the Year Award, dictating achievements in bus driver safety, rules and regulations. ▲ Portal Elementary's QUEST program has implemented "TOOB time" for kindergarten through secondgrade students. TOOB stands for "Thinking Outside of the Box." QUEST works with classes on a rotating basis, teaching mini-lessons that require the students to use higher-order thinking skills.

Sallie Zetterower Elementary School ➤ Mascot: Cardinal ➤ Principal: Julie Mizell ➤ Assistant principal:

Jennifer Wade

➤ School achievements: ▲ The district awarded

Brooklet elementary bus driver Mattie Harris the annual Bus Driver of the Year Award, dictating achievements in bus driver safety, rules, and regulations. ▲ Hosted Family Literacy Night for students, which provided students and parents an opportunity to participate in the developing of literacy skills for students. ▲ Fifth-grade teacher David Brown was named SZE Teacher of the Year. ▲ Hosted Family Math & Science Night, which provided students with many academic activities, allowing an expansion in math and science studies. ▲ SZE students participated in the SHS drama production of "101 Dalmatians." ▲ Superbowl champion De'Angelo Tyson shared his story with fourth- and fifthgrade students. ▲ Fourth- and fifth-grade Student Council officers participated in Step Up and Lead leadership training at GSU.

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COMMUNITY PRIDE 2016

statesboroherald.com | STATESBORO HERALD — Sunday, February 28, 2016 – 3

Education ▲ Mayor Jan Moore was the guest speaker at the fifthgrade graduation ceremony. ▲ Hosted Ag Day for the entire school with help from Farm Bureau, Southern States and the community. ▲ First lady Sandra Deal observed classes doing "brain breaks" as part of the Power Up for 30 initiative. ▲ Received the 2015 Relay for Life of Bulloch County Best Team T-shirt Award and the Golden Pillowcase Award. ▲ Hosted an American Red Cross Blood Drive for staff and students willing to give charitable blood donations. ▲ Hosted a Veterans Day breakfast for local veterans. ▲ Participated in the Reginald Dawson Elementary Math Competition. The thirdgrade team placed first, and the fourth-grade team placed third. ▲ Bulloch County Technology Fair winners include Ann Parker, Dorothy Mortimore, Thom Mortimore, Avery White and Claire Pagliarullo. ▲ Over 50 third-, fourthand fifth-grade students participated in Latin Club, led by Amanda Wall, SZE parent. ▲ Increased technology usage by installing wireless capabilities and purchasing additional Chromebooks from school and PTO funds.

Stilson Elementary School ➤ Mascot: Stingers ➤ Principal: Pam Goodman ➤ Assistant principal:

Stephen Hoyle

➤ School achievements: ▲ The district awarded

Stilson Elementary bus driver Betty Mikell the annual Bus Driver of the Year Award, dictating achievements in bus driver safety, rules and regulations. ▲ Chazz Shuman and Katie Knifpher placed first in GSU Community Art contest. ▲ Dawson Zeigler and Kylie Buchan placed first at Bulloch County Tech Fair ▲ Hadley Saxon and Brandon Miller both placed second at Bulloch County Tech Fair both receiving a three year grant from Governor's Office of Student Achievement ▲ Career Day was held to allow parents and community members to share their careers with students. ▲ Duct Tape Fashion Show was held for parents and community. Fourth and fifth grade students created clothes and accessories using duct tape and recycled materials.

Those students then put on a fashion show of their creations.

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

Gamble-Hilton

➤ Assistant principals:

Sandra Kirby, Marty Holder

➤ School achievements: ▲ Student REACH for

Success recipient.

▲ REACH Georgia Scholars student recipients Chris Angel, Taylor Cone and Jadon Jones were chosen as three of the top five applicants from the original 57 eighth-graders to apply for the REACH Georgia Scholars.

Each student receives special counseling and coaching throughout their high school career as well as opportunities to gain college admission by participating in various programs and activities. ▲ Parent volunteer and LCMS School Council member Katie Olson is currently serving on the State School Superintendent's Parent Advisory Committee for the second year. ▲ Eighth-grade science teacher Travis Brooks was named LCMS Teacher of the Year. ▲ Hosted a Math and Science Night for students and their families to promote interest in math and science.

The night also included a career fair featuring over 20 careers. ▲ Hosted the first LCMS Rockin' Blue Devil 5K Run/ Funwalk at SHS. ▲ LCMS Talent Search participants received awards in the Georgia TRIO Student Leadership Conference at Georgia Southern University.

The Talent Search participants placed second in the Essay Writing Competition, first in the High Q Competition, second in the Spelling Bee, third overall in the Academic Bowl, third in the Written Exam and third in the Super Quiz.

Students also placed individually: Ciaja Wallace, second place in the Written Competition and third place in the Spelling Bee Competition; and Nicole Riggs, second place in the Spelling Bee Competition. ▲ The Langston Chapel Middle School Symphonic Band achieved straight Superior ratings at the Georgia Music Educator's Large Group Evaluation. ▲ The Langston Band had 29 band students participate in the first-ever All Bulloch County Honor Band in May 2015.

These students rehearsed and performed with the best band students in Bulloch County. ▲ Brodie Van Wagenen, percussion, and Sabrina Ballard, French horn, were accepted to the GMEA District One Honor Band.

Van Wagenen scored high enough to compete on the state level.

Yami Patterson, alto sax, was named first alternate. ▲ LCMS Chorus had 12 students to participate in the GMEA District 1 Honor Chorus held in Savannah: Chris Angel, Dakota Baker, Tatyana Carter, Victoria Collins, Jordyn Hunter, Yami Patterson, Christia Parrish, Jarmlin Roberts, Valerie Skrak, Chris "CJ" Simmons, Nigel Washington and Gunner Womack. ▲ Five sixth-grade chorus students were selected to participate in the GMEA sixthgrade Statewide Honor Chorus event held in Warner Robbins. Grace Kazak, Olivia Olson, Sandra Scott, Brianna Sipp and Mari Wade

First Baptist Church

Preschool

were the first sixth-grade chorus students selected for this event. ▲ LCMS Chorus member Dasean Burwell became Langston Chapel Middle School's first chorus member to pass both auditions for the GMEA All State Chorus in over 10 years. ▲ 14 young men were selected to perform Savannah Sings! Invitational Chorus Festival held in January. Chris Angel, Josiah Brown, Dakota Baker, Alexy Luca Bravo, Benjamin Cannady, Nick Hall, Jayden Hall, Trippe Killebrew, Benjamin Perry, Jamarlin Roberts, Chris "CJ" Simmons, Danny Wise, Nigel Washington and Gunner Womack all sang in the Festival Men's Chorus Ensemble at the chorus festival. ▲ Eighth-grader Brodie Van Wagenen won first place in 3D Modeling and second place in Animation at the Bulloch County Technology Fair. He will advance to the State Tech Fair. Seventhgrader Kevin Davoud placed third in Animation. ▲ For the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Writing Contest, the school-level winners from LCMS were Amelia Marsh (first place), Alaina McDonald (second place) and Samariah Smith (third place). ▲ 2015 Nan Rushing Write Off: sixth grade — Allison Saunders, first place Spelling; Kevin Devough, first place Vocabulary; Breanna Sipp, second place Writing; and Janiya Joseph, third place Capitalization/ Punctuation; seventh grade — Joshua Groover, second place Spelling; Brodie Van Wagnen, third place Usage; and CJ Simmons, second place Mental Concentration; eighth grade — Breanne Simmons, first place Spelling; Sean Gilleland, first place Vocabulary; Chi Chi Okafor, second place Language Expression; Gavin White, third place Mental Concentration; Maria Kartchner, first place Writing; and Robert Lloyd, first place Capitalization/Punctuation.

Southeast Bulloch Middle School

➤ Mascot: Knights ➤ Principal: Mike Yawn ➤ Assistant principal:

Tony Natson

➤ School achievements: ▲ REACH Georgia

Scholars student recipient Conley Roberson was chosen as one of the top five applicants from the original 57 eighth-graders to apply for the REACH Georgia Scholarship. ▲ Students participating in William James tennis ranked No. 1 and overall region Tennis champs for 2015. ▲ Most Improved Custodian Team for September in the district's Clean School Awards. ▲ Student district winner for the Georgia Council on Economic Education's Stock Market Game. ▲ Georgia STEM Day participants conducted education activities for student learning in math, science, engineering and technology. ▲ The school participated in Random Acts of Kindness Week. Participators collected over $1,100 in donations for a local charity.

Portal Middle High School ➤ Mascot: Panther ➤ Principal: Dr. Karen Doty ➤ Assistant principal:

Penny Oglesby

➤ School achievements: ▲ Highest Custodian

Inspection results were awarded to Portal Middle High School in Aaugust, with outstanding cleanliness inspection results. ▲ Student REACH for Success recipient. ▲ REACH Georgia Scholars student recipient Jean Deflin-Uscanga was chosen as one of the top five applicants from the original 57 eighth-graders to apply for the REACH Georgia Scholars.

Each student receives special counseling and coaching throughout their high school career as well as opportunities to gain college admission by partici-

pating in various programs and activities ▲ Portal Middle High School conducted the Teen Maze drug and alcohol awareness program ▲ Highest level of progress in Georgia's Title 1 schools. ▲ Horticulture program received a $1,000 grant. ▲ Awarded Georgia Reward School for Progress for the third year in a row for schools showing large amounts of academic progress throughout the year. ▲ Georgia School Climate Survey: rated 4 stars out of 5 by students, faculty/staff and parents. ▲ Graduation rate rose to from 72.6 percent to 84.9 percent. ▲ Shannon Hattaway named Teacher of the Year. ▲ Partnerships with Georgia Southern University and Ogeechee Technical College. ▲ VFW "What Freedom Means to Me" essay contest winners (2015): middle school winners — Madeline Johnson (first), Heidi Sawyer (second), Delaney Davis (third); high school winners — Cris Cross (first), Madison Miles (second), Lorala Aldredge (third); middle school district winners — Madeline Johnson (second place), Heidi Sawyer (third); high school district winner — Chris Cross (first); high school regional winner — Chris Cross (third). ▲ Approval and groundbreaking for Athletic Complex facilities in January 2016 (to be completed by August 2016). ▲ Seven triathletes (2014– 15): Madison Bishop, Dashonda Morgan, Claudasia Mosley, Uniqua Mosley, Aleaha Wiggins, Ryan White and Malik Williams. ▲ Bulloch Blues participation in the 2016 Citrus Bowl Parade (director: John Gleissner). ▲ Band marched in Veteran's Day Parade (director: John Gleissner). ▲ Chess Team earned multiple championships for 2015–16 (sponsor: Lisa Smith).

▲ Drama Team won third place in Region One Act competition with their performance of "The 10 Best/Worst Things about High School."

Tiffany Coleman and Kimball Shaw earned medals for All Star Cast distinction (Director: Deena Scarboro). ▲ FFA Area IV Meats Evaluation and Technology contest September 2015.

Both junior and senior teams.

Southeast Bulloch High School ➤ Mascot: Yellow Jackets ➤ Principal: Donna Clifton ➤ Assistant principals:

Jack Webb and John Page

➤ School achievements: ▲ Joseph Muldrew attend-

ed the Governor's Honors Program in the area of Agriscience. ▲ Carl "L.A." Anderson signed a grant-in-aid to play soccer at King University. ▲ Addison Trower and Harlee Blair placed in HOSA Regional finals and advanced to HOSA State competition. ▲ Hayley Fritch was elected HOSA State Vice President for 2015–16 school year. ▲ The Varsity Math Team, consisting of Joseph Muldrew, Annie Mullins, Robin TanakaBlitch and YiNing Zheng, placed third out of 36 teams from 3A, 4A, 5A and 6A schools at the 2016 Georgia Southern University Mathematics Tournament. ▲ STAR Student: Sara McCracken; STAR Teacher: Linda Fix. ▲ Advanced Chorus rated as the top large mixed choir at the first-ever Invitational GSU Choral Competition (Sing at Southern). ▲ SEBHS Choral program had 11 student make the prestigious All-State Choir: Natalia Dominquez, Melodie Gapac, Jackson German, N'Keiya Hagins, Will Harden, Jenny Heller, Jordon Lee, Olivia Riner, Christopher Schmidt, Robin Tanaka-Blitch and Josiah Williams. ▲ Layla Martin placed first in Multimedia Applications at the Bulloch County Tech Fair. ▲ 16 band members were selected for the Southeastern United States Honor.

➤ Mascot: Yellow Jackets ➤ Principal: Dr. Torian

White

➤ Assistant principal:

Roger Inman

➤ School achievements: ▲ The Archibald Chapter

of Daughters of the American Revolution announced sixthgrader Jonah Jones as the DAR Essay winner for the contest. ▲ Southeast Bulloch held Math Night and other problem-solving activities that allowed students to enhance their academic skills in a variety of fun and engaging activities. ▲ Hosted three curriculum nights for students focusing on the aspects of science, technology, engineering and mathematics, or STEM. This allows students to further enhance in math, sciences and technical skills for the future.

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• “Wee Learn” Curriculum • Hands On Learning Centers • Age-appropriate Activities • Low Teacher/Child Ratio ¥ÊÙ ®ã®ÊÄ ½ ®Ä¥ÊÙà ã®ÊÄ Êçã ÊçÙ ÖÙʦ٠à ÊÙ Ù ¦®ÝãÙ ã®ÊÄ Ö½ Ý ½½ ¦ó Ä ó®½ÝÊÄ ã

489-7926

William James Middle School

for the 2016-2017 School Year

“God should always be at the center of our lives and our education. The knowledge of this world will fade away like the wind, but the wisdom of the Lord is everlasting. And what GR \RX EHQH¿W LI \RX JDLQ WKH whole world but lose your own soul? - Mark 8:36” Nic Gross

• 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, Chemistry, Physics, U.S. History, and Biology

F

B C

Statesboro Herald Subscribe: (912) 489-9460

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

Visit us on the web at www.tcsstatesboro.com

4 - STATESBORO HERALD - Sunday, February 28, 2016 | statesboroherald.com

statesboroherald.com | STATESBORO HERALD - Sunday, February 28, 2016 - 5

TOP 8

1

#

GREAT BUSINESS SCHOOLS

by Newsweek

#

by College Affordability Guide

by U.S. News & World Report

FASHION DESIGN & FASHION MERCHANDISING PROGRAMS

FOURTH YEAR IN A ROW

by G.I. Jobs

ONLINE PROGRAMS

AFFORDABLE COLLEGES IN GEORGIA

SOUTH

MILITARY FRIENDLY

(TOP 100)

Graduate I.T. MBA Graduate Business (non-MBA) Nursing Graduate Education

IN THE

by fashion-schools.org

BEST

#

NATIONALLY

BEST VALUE

Master’s in Curriculum and Instruction Master’s in Educational Leadership

by Top Masters in Education

Choose Southern

4 - STATESBORO HERALD - Sunday, February 28, 2016 | statesboroherald.com

statesboroherald.com | STATESBORO HERALD - Sunday, February 28, 2016 - 5

TOP 8

1

#

GREAT BUSINESS SCHOOLS

by Newsweek

#

by College Affordability Guide

by U.S. News & World Report

FASHION DESIGN & FASHION MERCHANDISING PROGRAMS

FOURTH YEAR IN A ROW

by G.I. Jobs

ONLINE PROGRAMS

AFFORDABLE COLLEGES IN GEORGIA

SOUTH

MILITARY FRIENDLY

(TOP 100)

Graduate I.T. MBA Graduate Business (non-MBA) Nursing Graduate Education

IN THE

by fashion-schools.org

BEST

#

NATIONALLY

BEST VALUE

Master’s in Curriculum and Instruction Master’s in Educational Leadership

by Top Masters in Education

Choose Southern

COMMUNITY PRIDE 2016

6 – STATESBORO HERALD — Sunday, February 28, 2016 | statesboroherald.com

Education ▲ Mary Grace Manahan signed a letter of intent to play softball with Kennesaw State University. ▲ Annie Mullins and Elijah Jewell won first place in Hydrogeology at the UGA Science Olympiad Invitational. ▲ The SEB football team placed first in subregion and was runner-up in region. ▲ The SEBHS competition cheerleaders won first in Sectionals and third in State.

They also won first place in the AAA division and were the Grand Champions at the Greyhound Invitational, beating out 22 teams from all divisions. ▲ Anna Forbes was the winner of the Fluttering through Plains Art postcard contest sponsored by the Jimmy Carter NHS Education Program. She received a certificate, ribbon and neck medallion from President Carter himself.

▲ Tyler Collins and Tanner Todd were named to State School Superintendent Richard Woods' 2015–16 Student Advisory Council. ▲ The SEBHS Healthcare Science program successfully completed GA DOE Industry re-certification. ▲ Stephen Mikell was the Individual Chess Champion in the regional championship series for the ORSCA series hosted here in Bulloch County. ▲ Annie Mullins was named the state winner for the Trig Star Contest for 2015 at the State Convention of the Georgia Chapter of the National Society of Professional Surveyors. Annie had a perfect score of 100 on the test and received $750 for being the state winner. ▲ Amy Cooper place fourth in Researched Persuasive Speaking at the National HOSA Competitions in Anaheim, California, this summer.

There were

150 competitors (top three from each state) and over 8,500 HOSA members in 55 category competitions.

Statesboro High School ➤ Mascot: Blue Devils ➤ Principal: Dr. Ken LeCain ➤ Assistant principals:

Dr. Kareem Epps, Tanita Mcdowell, Tracy Mills, Chad Prosser ➤ School Achievements: ▲ Faculty and student State Stem Award recipients based on academic achievement and progress in the science, technology, engineering and mathematics program. ▲ The Bulloch County Teacher of the Year Award was presented to Elizabeth Driggers, Statesboro's health and fitness teacher. ▲ Statesboro High currently participates in dual

AV E R I T T C E NT E R FO R T HE ARTS

ExpertArts Instruction Dance, Theater, Visual Arts, & Music (both Vocal & Instrumental) also: Arts After Hours, Professional & Community Theater Local, Juried, & Professional Gallery Exhibition Series

912.212.2787 | www.averittcenterforthearts.org

enrollment Mechatronics engineering opportunity for students, allowing for advancement in educational opportunity on the engineer field. ▲ Lee Bratton was named Conservation Educator of the Year, presenting many academic and leadership achievements through students. ▲ Implemented new Logistics Career Pathway that allowed students to experience many levels of logistic and marketing techniques. ▲ Kim Dick was awarded the annual Faculty Staff of the Year Award for outstanding dedication and achievement through Statesboro High. ▲ Senior Hunter Berger received a student Emmy at the 2015 National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences for the production and competition of films produced throughout the region. ▲ Star teacher was Bruce Law. ▲ FFA Agriculture Sales Team was first in area competition and advanced to state. ▲ The Ogeechee Riverkeeper honored Lee Bratton and Rich McCombs with the Educational Partnership Award. ▲ Placed first in the high school Ogeechee River Scholastic Chess Association. ▲ J-LAB (Junior JROTC Leadership and Academic Bowl) placed 21st out of 1,300 teams. ▲ JROTC J-LAB participants were awarded the Gen. George C. Marshall Leadership Award and the Gen. McArthur Leadership Award for leadership and academic knowledge. ▲ SHS Choral students participated in GMEA District 1 Honor Choir and in the Savannah Sings Invitational Choir Festival. ▲ SECME: first place in regional robotics, first place for mousetrap car and first place for water bottle rocket; nationals (at the University of Alabama-Tuscaloosa): fourth for mousetrap car and eighth in VEX Robotic. ▲ At the College of Coastal Georgia Model United Nations competition,

the following students received recognition: Neha Aggarwal, Outstanding Delegate in the Security Council; Jaala Alston, Honorable Mention Delegate in the Security Council; Jameson Orvis and Sang Wan Bae, Excellent Delegation in the General Assembly; Omoruyi Atekka, Honorable Mention in the Organization for Islamic Cooperation; and Kathryn Cox and Jessica Fu, Ellie Snow Young Diplomat Awards in their respective crisis committees dealing with the Koreas and the Ukraine. ▲ County Technology Fair first-place recipients: Jake Adams and Josh Brown, 3D Modeling; Jake Adams and Josh Brown, Audio Production; Olivia Grant, Animation and Graphic Design; Jaala Alston, Digital Photo Production; Kayla Cook, Graphic Design; and Jaslyn Joseph, Video Production. ▲ The Culinary Arts Team received the Silver Medal at the FCCLA Star Events Culinary Competition. The team will advance to state competition.

Charter Conservatory for Liberal Arts & Technology ➤ Mascot: Cheetahs ➤ Principal: Corliss Reese ➤ Assistant principal: J.

Benji Lewis ➤ School achievements: ▲ 88.2 graduation rate this year. ▲ Received a 5-star climate rating. ▲ Selected as one of Niche.com's top 100 schools in Georgia at No. 47. ▲ Micah D'Arcangelo was spelling bee champion. ▲ Ninety-four percent of CCAT's parents attended all four student/parent/teacher conferences. ▲ Model UN team placed in the top five at the Georgia State Conference and top six at the Georgia Southern University Conference.

Bulloch Academy ➤ Mascot: Gators ➤ Head of School: Leisa

Houghton ➤ School Achievements: ▲ Celebrated 44th year as an independent, college-preparatory school serving the students of Bulloch and neighboring counties. ▲ Enrollment of 528 students in pre-K–12. ▲ 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. ▲ Eight 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 and score at least 26 on the ACT and/or 1200 on the SAT (critical reading and math).

Nineteen more were eligible for the HOPE Scholarship.

Three international students were not eligible for either of the Georgia residential scholarships. ▲ Class of 2015 scores on SAT averaged 1646. The national average was 1490, the state average 1450 and the Bulloch County school system's average 1375. ▲ Class of 2015 scores on the ACT averaged 23.3. The national average was 21.0, the state average 21.0 and the Bulloch County school system's average 19.5. ▲ The International Student Program, with students from China, Germany and South Korea in 2014–15, helps promote global diversity and understanding. Most students live in Statesboro with host families. ▲ Partnership with Georgia GOAL Scholarship Program and supporting taxpayers and businesses helped 62 students receive partial scholarships totaling over $100,000. ▲ Class AAA girls basketball state champions (2015, 2014) and Class AAA state coaches' duals wrestling champion (2015, 2014, 2012).

www.bulloch.k12.ga.us | 912.212.8500

COMMUNITY PRIDE 2016

statesboroherald.com | STATESBORO HERALD — Sunday, February 28, 2016 – 7

Education

State of Georgia Southern is 'strong' President Jean Bartels praises student, faculty achievement, campus expansion

By AL HACKLE ahackle@statesboroherald.com

Noting that she is the first woman and the first nurse to serve as president of Georgia Southern University, Dr. Jean Bartels welcomed GSU employees back in August 2015 to the 2015-16 academic year for the expected 20,500 students.

"While this is a momentous time for Georgia Southern and for me personally, I'm acutely aware that our great university is not, and never has been, defined by its president," Bartels told faculty and staff members attending fall convocation.

Previously provost and vice president for academic affairs, she became interim president July 20, 2015, picking up where previous GSU President Dr. Brooks Keel left off for his new post as president of Georgia Regents University in Augusta. Before being named provost in 2012, Bartels was dean of the GSU College of Health and Human Sciences, and before that served as the chairperson and a professor in the School of Nursing.

The search for a new permanent president is underway, she said. That tidbit, and descriptions of buildings soon to be completed or planned for construction, was about the extent of her forecasts for the future.

"We have become what we are as an academic institution and will grow to what we can be in our next level of accomplishments solely

because of the remarkable legacy left behind by all who have come before and because of all who are here right now continuing to contribute to our history and progress," she said.

Faculty achievements Among the recent faculty accomplishments Bartels mentioned were: Dr. Diana Sturges, associate professor of human anatomy and physiology, received the University System of Georgia's highest honor, the Regents' Excellence in Scholarship of Teaching and Learning Award.

Dr. Jonathan Bryant, associate professor of history, is bringing national attention to a landmark court case with his recently released book, "Dark Places of the Earth: The Voyage of the Slave Ship Antelope."

Collectively, the School of Nursing received $2.2 million in grants to establish a Center for Nursing Scholarship and Research, a graduate-level chronic illness certificate and scholarships for students seeking nurse practitioner graduate degrees.

The school also won a $1.6 million grant to establish a mental health nurse practitioner degree.

The College of Engineer ing and Information Technology "made history once again" when the state Board of Regents approved it as the home of the first undergraduate manufacturing engineering degree program in the Southeast,

SCOTT BRYANT/staff

Georgia Southern University Interim President Jean Bartels gives the annual State of the University address to faculty and staff during the 2015-16 convocation. Bartels is the university's first female president.

Bartels said.

She mentioned other accomplishments, and said these were all "just a small sample."

Student milestones Bartels also hailed several student achievements and service projects.

In March, a team from Georgia Southern won first place in the advocacy category at the International Law School Mediation Tournament.

"The event marked the first time that a team from our university was invited to the international event, but even more impressive, it was the first time in the tournament's history that an undergraduate team made it

to the finals," Bartels said.

Meanwhile, GSU engineering graduate student Brian Burns "earned his dream job" at Disney Imagineering by designing and training a lifelike animatronic dragon with motion-tracking sensors and software that allows it to interact with people. The dragon, Kronos, started out as Burns' undergraduate project.

Eric Spencer, a junior trombone performance major, spent the summer performing with top college musicians from around the country after he won the jazz trombone soloist chair with the 2015 Disneyland All-American College Band.

Again, Bartels gave

other examples.

She also noted some of the previous year's athletic achievements, including the fact that the Eagles won the Sun Belt Conference football champion ship with an 8-0 record in their first season in the league. Football Coach Willie Fritz was then voted Sun Belt Coach of the Year.

Also last season, Men's Basketball Head Coach Mark Byington was named Whack Hyder Georgia College Coach of the Year.

New buildings "Building History: Our Legacy of Progress, Pride and Promise" was the convocation's theme.

Bartels briefly noted some actual building proj-

ects.

The Shooting Sports Education Center is now open. The 30,000-squarefoot center, off Veterans Memorial Parkway, will accommodate firearms and archery training and competitions.

The new, $8.3 million Student Health Services Center, across Plant Drive from the Performing Arts Center where Bartels was speaking, opened in January, and is now serving all GSU students.

Also, the university broke ground for its new Military Science Building in November.

On a visit to Georgia Southern in May, Gov. Nathan Deal announced multi-year funding for construction of a $33.6 million Multidisciplinar y Classroom Building. It will eventually replace the more than 20-year-old, "temporary" Forest Drive Building and some other provisional buildings.

Bartels also noted that last spring the university successfully completed a self-study to maintain its accreditation with the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools' Commission on Colleges.

"The state of Georgia Southern is strong today, and it's strong today because we deliver what we promise and we continue to promise," Bartels said. "And most importantly, the state of our University is strong because we are all Georgia Southern University. We are all sustaining builders of this wonderful institution's legacy."

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

REGISTER NOW for the 2016-17 School Year Here’s why we are the Area’s Premier Educational Institution Dual Accreditation by the Southern Association of Colleges & School & 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.

College Preparatory Curriculum • Class of 2015 -Average SAT score-1646 (Bulloch County School System average was 1375, state average was 1450, national average was 1490) • Composite ACT score -23.3 (Bulloch County School System average was 19.5, state average was 21.0, national was 21.0) • Of the 38-student graduating class of 2015, most were awarded funds to help pay for this postsecondary education. Some of the scholarships received were the Zell Miller Scholarship, the HOPE Scholarship, the ACE Worldwide Scholarship, the Dot Youngblood Scholarship, the Planters EMC Scholarship, the Statesboro Exchange Club Youth of the Year Scholarship and academic/ academic scholarships to the University of Georgia, Georgia College and State University and Limestone College. Other colleges and universities that graduating seniors are attending are Georgia Southern University, the University of Massachusetts at Amherst, Georgia Technical Institute, the University of Washington, Kennesaw State University and San Francisco State University.

• Five Advanced Placement (AP) courses • Senior-to-Sophomore Program in Pre-Calculus & Calculus • Science Laboratories for Upper & 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 & seniors • CAMPS (Computer, Art, Music, Physical Education, Spanish) for all lower-school classes • AIM (Accelerating Inquisitive Minds) for all lower & middle-school classes • Strings program (Violin, Guitar, Ukelele) for music programs • Robotics Team in high school • Primary & elementary-school playgrounds.

Low student-teacher ratio • Current enrollment of 529 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 Exceptional athletic & co-curricular programs for girls & boys • 32 varsity & middle school teams; nine parentsponsored elementary athletic teams. Bulloch Academy competes in the highest level (Class AAA) of the Georgia Independent School Association (GISA). Tennis courts • Multi-purpose building for wrestling, cheerleading & physical education classes • Weight-room expansion • Archery for lower, middle, and upper-school students • Competitive Shooting (Skeet, Trap, Sporting Clays) Varsity: In the past five years, BA has had seven state championships (competition cheerleading, wrestling, girls’ tennis, girls’ basketball, boys’ track), six state runners-up (wrestling, shooting sports, girls’ basketball, boys’ track, and competition cheerleading), nine ‘Final Four’ appearances, nine ‘Elite Eight’ appearances and won 14 region titles.

Middle School: In the past five years, BA has had the ‘undefeated & unofficial’ state champions in girls’ track, the East Georgia Middle School champions (girls’ & boys’basketball) & regional archery champions. Competing with local & area public school teams in many team sports.

Small-school atmosphere • Students in lower, middle & upper school interact frequently, which fosters family atmosphere among all students & faculty members • International Student Program to promote global diversity • School-wide mentoring programs, assemblies & pep rallies • Parent volunteerism encouraged • Annual class trips & numerous field trips • Class musical programs • Students have the opportunity to participate, achieve & excel in multiple sports & co-curricular activities.

87 3 Wes 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 • w w w.b ull ochacad emy.com

COMMUNITY PRIDE 2016

8 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; STATESBORO HERALD â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Sunday, February 28, 2016 | statesboroherald.com

Education

OTC reaches teens ready to 'Move On'

More college courses now available at all public high schools in Bulloch

By AL HACKLE ahackle@statesboroherald.com

With Georgia's new Move On When Ready program covering the costs, more students than ever are enrolling in college while still in high school, and Ogeechee Technical College has taken a lead by providing courses at Bulloch County's three public high schools.

Mechatronics, taught by OTC instructors at Statesboro High School, is one of the newest of several offerings that allow students to earn simultaneous high school and college credits without leaving their high school campus. Fall semester, students learned to work with switches and other electromechanical components and assembled programmable logic controllers that interface with computers.

Spring semester, students are working more with software, programming the controllers for tasks such as controlling traffic lights.

Completion earns students an OTC Basic Mechatronics Specialist certificate, as well as a full year's high school elective credit. The college credit can potentially be applied to Georgia Southern University's new four-year manufacturing engineering degree and to a planned associate degree at Ogeechee Tech.

Darryl Harris II, a 16-yearold Statesboro High School sophomore taking mechatronics, likes tinkering and "figuring out how things work, wiring, programming and all that stuff," he said.

"We don't have to pay for the class because, you know, right now Move On When Ready is the program that's paying for all of this," Harris

at the college, recently began serving as its recruiter and will provide an additional level of support for transitioning high school students, Moore said.

The college now has 10 instructors teaching courses at the high schools. Four of them are also full-time instructors at the college.

said.

So earning the certificate in a course he said will look good on his transcript wherever he applies for college will be icing on the cake. This is Harris' first dual-enrollment experience, but he wants to take further advantage of the possibilities during his remaining two years of high school.

Award-winning growth

Expanded opportunity Ogeechee Tech was already ramping up efforts to enroll more high school students when the revised Move On When Ready law took effect last summer. The legislation merged previously separate programs that paid students' tuition for academic core classes and occupational certificate courses.

With added state funding, the revamped program pays any generally required fees, besides the tuition costs that were already covered. It also allows younger high school students to participate, not just 11th and 12th-graders, provided they meet admissions requirements.

Basic Besides Mechatronics, Ogeechee Tech has added a new Geographic Information Systems course at Statesboro High this year.

Two older occupational certificate programs, Nurse Aide and the cosmetology course called Shampoo Tech, continue on the Statesboro High campus.

These programs, earning occupational certificates from Ogeechee Tech, a Technical College System of Georgia school, do not transfer directly to University System of Georgia schools, such as Georgia Southern and East Georgia State College.

SCOTT BRYANT/staff

Statesboro High mechatronics classSenior Joseph Mee, 18, and junior Madion Newman, 16, work on a project during a Statesboro High mechatronics class.

College core, too But also new this year, Ogeechee Tech is paying instructors to teach an "academic cluster" of courses at both Portal Middle High School and Statesboro High.

Credit for these courses can be applied to core requirements not only at Ogeechee Tech, but also at schools such as Georgia Southern and East Georgia.

At Statesboro High School, the college academic cluster includes English 1101, College Algebra, Math Modeling and Sociology.

Students sign up for a full year and, with good grades, earn four credits toward high school graduation as well as 12 semester hours of college credit, said Tiffany Weathers, Statesboro High senior class counselor.

In its first year, the college academic cluster has been full, with 34 students, noted

Statesboro High's principal, Dr. Ken LeCain. More students have expressed interest.

"We're looking at possibly adding a second one concurrently for next year if the interest is there, which evidently it will be," LeCain said.

The ability to offer not only the academic core courses, but also occupational certificate programs, gives Ogeechee Tech an unusual role in the area, said OTC Dean of Students Jan Moore.

She was hired as the college's first dean of students in mid-2014, with overseeing dual enrollment programs as one of her responsibilities.

"And I'm very, very passionate about it," Moore says.

"I think it is wonderful for children who are ready to access that opportunity."

Ogeechee Tech has employed Nadia Vining as its high school coordinator since March 2015. Molly Bickerton, already an academic advisor

Last fall, the State Board of the Technical College System of Georgia named Ogeechee Technical College its 2015 Technical College of the Year.

One of five stated reasons was that OTC had the highest increase in enrollment by high school students, up 140 percent from the previous academic year.

The number of high school students simultaneously enrolled for Ogeechee Technical College credits has continued to increase, from 173 one year ago to exactly 250 this spring semester, Moore reports. That is an increase of over 44 percent.

OTC's expansion of classes on the high school campuses was a major factor in the prior year's growth, and a majority of the current 250 dual-enrolled students are taking the courses at their high schools. But more than 100 come to the OTC campus to take classes there.

Meanwhile, the number of Bulloch public high school students dual-enrolled in colleges has more than doubled in the past two years.

County total nearing 500 This year, a combined total of 485 Portal Middle High School, Southeast

Bulloch High School and Statesboro High School students have taken classes with Georgia Southern University, East Georgia State College or Ogeechee Technical College.

A total of 201 students from the three high schools dualenrolled in 2013-14; then 387 students dual enrolled in 2014-15, as reported in the Statesboro Herald last April.

This year Portal Middle High School has 22 students dual-enrolled in the OTC academic core classes on its campus, and another 27 taking classes at one or more of the colleges. Statesboro High has 96 students taking the OTC classes offered on the high school campus, and an additional 194 going to at least one of the colleges for other courses.

At Southeast Bulloch High School, 15 students are enrolled in an on-campus Nurse Aid program provided

by Ogeechee Tech, but SEB does not have the academic core cluster. Instead, the school is providing bus transportation to OTC for core and other classes, and has 131 students taking classes at the three local colleges.

Teresa Phillips, director of career and technical education, as well as data analysis, for the Bulloch County Schools, provided the current totals, and said these required some sorting out so that each student was counted only once.

"Many students are taking more than one class, and a lot of them are taking a combination of things on our campuses and off campus," she said. "Some students are actually taking classes at two postsecondary institutions and" at their high schools.

With pride, we serve the educational needs of our community.

www.ogeecheetech.edu One Joseph E. Kennedy Blvd. Statesboro, Ga. | 912.681.5500 | 800.646.1316 Equal Opportunity Institution | A Unit of the Technical College System of Georgia

2016 Community

Health Care

Hospital works to increase access to health care

COMMUNITY PRIDE 2016

2 – STATESBORO HERALD — Sunday, February 28, 2016 | statesboroherald.com

East Georgia Regional focuses on increasing access to health care New Outpatient Endoscopy Center set to open this spring

606 B. Brannen Street • Statesboro • (912) 225-92RX(9279)

park, register and receive care in a conve- is on helping individuals identify sustainnient, one-stop location in the Medical able coverage for continued health care Office Building instead of having to come services, such as Medicaid, that can proin through the typical hospital registra- vide uninsured patients with access to tion process. The hospital is excited to be preventive care and ongoing physician assistance with able to offer this chronic condienhanced level of tions. service and care East Georgia starting this Regional's comspring. mitment to using The relocation technology to of outpatient By the numbers in 2015 improve patient serendoscopy services vices also will take a will also allow the ➤ ER patient visits — 43,300 step forward in 2016. hospital to free up ➤ Inpatient visits — 7,600 The electronic medmore inpatient care ➤ Outpatient visits — 114,887 ical record system is beds, according to ➤ Babies delivered — 1,560 expected to be fully Elmer Polite, chief ➤ Surgeries — 13,259 functional by early financial officer for ➤ Capital investment — $4,500,000 summer, which will East Georg ia enhance communiRegional. This means Emergency Department patients requir- cations and the care delivery process ing inpatient admission will be able to throughout the health system.

"Using electronic health record system receive an inpatient room faster, which will result in reduced wait times in the ED. will promote best practices of diagnosis Another major project for East Georgia and treatment, create more timely services Regional that will commence in 2016 is and support better record keeping," the expansion of the Emergency Johnson said. "This will also allow East Department. In 2015, East Georgia pro- Georgia Regional to better work with phyvided care for more than 43,000 ED visits. sicians in the community by enhancing "We continue to work on reducing their access to patient information with patient wait times in the ED," said Michael more ease and efficiency."

Johnson took over as East Georgia Johnson, interim CEO for East Georgia Regional. "We want to make access to care Regional's interim CEO following the as easy as possible and be more user retirement of longtime CEO Bob Bigley in friendly for everyone coming to the hos- November 2015. He said he hopes to continue enhancing the reputation of the pital, especially in our ED." Expansion work is expected to start hospital with local citizens.

"Our main focus will continue to be later this year and conclude with a grand positioning East Georgia Regional as a opening in early 2018.

As part of its effort to increase access to pillar of health care excellence in this care, EGRMC employs four financial care region," Johnson said. "We will do that by counselors. These counselors help register making this the hospital of choice for patients for insurance through the health care providers, hospital staff and Affordable Care Act, walking them physicians alike. By aligning everyone through the process of getting the best involved in delivering our health care health insurance plan for their needs and services, we will achieve our mission of service, safety and quality for you — our financial situation.

While the hospital maintains a charity patients."

East Georgia Regional Medical Center care policy and provides charity care for patients who qualify, the hospital's focus is owned in part by physicians.

Complete Cardiovascular Care including:

GOOD

Special to the Herald

access to outpatient care options that are more convenient for patients.

A key project that will increase access to more convenient outpatient care is the Outpatient Endoscopy Center. The project involves relocating outpatient endoscopy services from within the hospital to the Medical Office Building adjacent to the hospital. This means patients will now

In 2015, East Georgia Regional Medical Center continued its focus on increasing access to health care for Bulloch County as well as the surrounding counties. As health care trends toward more care delivery in outpatient settings, East Georgia Regional's focus included increasing

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Fighting cancer together Relay for Life crowd gathers at fairgrounds to raise funds, awareness for cancer research

By HOLLI DEAL SAXON hbragg@statesboroherald.com

Purple-clad people from all walks of life made their way around a track lined with luminaries in May, celebrating being cancer free as they participated in the first lap — the Survivors' Lap — of the 2015 Bulloch County Relay for Life.

Purple and white balloons, ribbons and T-shirts gave the scene a splash of color as the annual fundraising event unfolded.

The Survivors' Lap was followed by a Caregivers' Lap, and then hundreds of others took turns walking around the track at the Kiwanis Ogeechee Fairgrounds, doing their part to raise money for promoting awareness and seeking a cure for the deadly disease that affects almost everyone, whether through family members, friends or themselves.

Johnny Lamb, 71, from Oak Park, was diagnosed with squamous cell cancer in October 2014. He underwent surgery in January of last year, but the cancer returned.

He had another surgery just days before

the event but was out and about on the day of the relay, helping with a team's efforts to battle the disease.

"I came out here to do what I can," he said. "This is a good thing. It makes me feel great that somebody takes the time to do this."

More 60 teams took part in the event, and campsites were decorated with the theme "Closing the Book on Cancer."

Teams designed their camps with storybook characters, some of which were seen walking around in costume. Area business mascots wandered around as well, including bottles of Braswell Foods sauces and jams. More than a few teams used the Dr. Seuss books as inspiration for their décor.

Jodi Akins and Heather Merritt were in the midst of a pack of jovial, laughing folk from Great Dane Trailers, selling popcorn, Rice Krispy treats and candy.

"We're here to raise money for cancer awareness," Akins said. "I have family and friends with cancer. I think this is great for the community to pull together for one goal, and everybody being on the

same page."

By the evening of the event, their team had already surpassed its fundraising goal, Merritt said. One employee raised $800 alone, and "employee participation was off the charts," she said. The team held raffles with prizes, including a paid vacation day, and raffled off a gift basket at the event.

Other teams hawked their wares and services in efforts to raise money. One camp had several types of candy for sale — all pink, for breast cancer awareness.

Another offered baked goods, including purple cookies in the shape of cancerawareness ribbons. Some sold hot food, and others offered games of chance.

Many people attended just to show support for those with cancer or in memory of someone who lost their battle against the disease. Thousands of white paper-bag luminaries lined the tracks, purchased in memory or in honor of those with cancer.

"I just came here to support the cause," said Chauncey Jordan, a teacher at Mill Creek Elementary School, which had a team participating in the relay. "(The event) definitely brings awareness to those who wonder what it is all about. This is a big show of support."

Holli Deal Saxon may be reached at (912) 489-9414.

SCOTT BRYANT/staff

The Survivors' Lap kicks off the 2015 Bulloch County Relay for Life at the Kiwanis Ogeechee Fairgrounds in May.

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4 - STATESBORO HERALD - Sunday, February 28, 2016 | statesboroherald.com

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Convenient.

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Whether it’s for a checkup or something more serious, you can feel confident turning to Delene Musielak, M.D.

Get seen quickly for your healthcare needs.

An internist and pediatrician, Dr. Musielak provides health screenings, treats everyday illnesses and injuries,

Mark Crick, M.D., is an internal medicine physician who provides adult patients with wellness services

and helps patients manage their overall health. She is now accepting new patients at East Georgia Internal

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Walk-ins welcome. Same-day appointments often available.

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4 - STATESBORO HERALD - Sunday, February 28, 2016 | statesboroherald.com

statesboroherald.com | STATESBORO HERALD - Sunday, February 28, 2016 - 5

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COMMUNITY PRIDE 2016

6 – STATESBORO HERALD — Sunday, February 28, 2016 | statesboroherald.com

A lesson in dialysis legislation Congressman Allen meets DaVita center staff, hears 'personal' pleas

By AL HACKLE ahackle@statesboroherald.com

and met patients undergoing dialysis.

Medicare Advantage

House Resolution 1130, introduced in For registered nurse Melissa R. "Missy" Cook, legislation under consideration in February 2015 by Rep. Tom Marino, the U.S. Congress that would help kidney R-Pennsylvania, with Rep. John Lewis, dialysis patients receive additional D-Georgia, as its first co-sponsor, remains in the House Energy and Commerce Medicare coverage is "very personal."

Cook is a group facility administrator Committee, assigned to the Health for DaVita Healthcare Partners Inc., one of Subcommittee.

Cook is group administrator over four the largest kidney care companies in the United States. DaVita opened its East DaVita centers, including two in Savannah, Georgia Kidney Care Dialysis Center in one in Brunswick and the one in Statesboro.

The part of the bill she is Statesboro in October 2014. most interested in, she said, "This is very personal for me," said Cook, who 'Obviously these is the extension of Medicare explained her father died in are constituents, Advantage plans to kidney dialysis patients.

2013 after one year on dialythey've brought it Since 1973, when a law sis. enacted the previous year "Yes, we consume money. to our attention. took effect, patients receivWe are a for-profit," she said. "But if you ask me if ... So we're here. ing dialysis for end-stage renal failure, regardless of (the cost) is worth it, yes. It We're going to age, have been eligible for kept my dad alive for a year, This is one of the and I wouldn't give that take a strong look Medicare. few exceptions in which back for anything."

As one of the lawmakers at this legislation.' Medicare, funded under the Social Security Act, is availwho will consider the legislation, Congressman Rick Congressman Rick Allen able to people under age 65.

But the end-stage renal Allen visited the DaVita dialysis center in Statesboro in December disease, or ESRD, program patients are not to learn more about kidney disease. He eligible for Medicare Advantage, a set of heard from medical staff about a proposal optional plans, through private insurers, to make Medicare Advantage coverage that substitute for traditional Medicare. available to patients who require dialysis. Cook says Medicare Advantage Special The legislation also would require federal Needs Plans would cover some services, review of the scope and funding of research such as eye care, dental care and home health care, which are not covered by tradiinto chronic kidney disease.

DaVita and its local staff members want tional Medicare.

"These patients, really, they don't just Allen to consider supporting House Resolution 1130, titled the Chronic Kidney have problems with their kidneys, because Disease Improvement in Research and once you start having problems with your kidneys failing, then you pretty much have Treatment Act. "Obviously these are constituents, a total system problem at that point," Cook they've brought it to our attention, and said. "You're at risk for several other probthat's why we're the people's House," Allen lems." said during the visit. "So we're here. We're Research review going to take a strong look at this legislaThe research element of the bill would tion."

Allen, the Republican representing require the Government Accountability Georgia's 12th District, toured the center Office to assess the adequacy of funding for

PROUDLY SERVICING THE STATESBORO COMMUNITY WITH FIVE BOARD CERTIFIED UROLOGISTS

AL HACKLE/staff

While undergoing hemodialysis, Alfred J. Bowen Jr., 85, left, a veteran of the Korean War, shakes hands with Congressman Rick Allen. Behind them is Dr. Courage Atekha, medical director at the DaVita East Georgia Dialysis Center. chronic kidney disease research, identifying gaps. Federal agencies would have to develop a strategic plan for the research, and the Department of Health and Human Services would be mandated to study the causes and treatment of kidney disease in minority populations.

Cook, as well as the administrator of the Statesboro facility, registered nurse Sarah Garman, and the center's medical director, nephrologist Dr. Courage Atekha, told Allen that DaVita would actually like to see a reduction in the number of patients who require dialysis.

One route would be through more kidney transplants. The average cost of a transplant is $143,000, according to a statistic Atekha cited. Transplant patients also have other costs for medications, but a transplant is still less expensive than longterm dialysis, he said.

Dialysis typically costs $60,000 to $70,000 a year, Atekha said. The average lifetime cost of dialysis, according to a 2014 U.S. Renal Data System report cited in slides DaVita staff members showed Allen,

is $574,000. Locally, about 90 percent of patients use Medicare, Garman said.

The dialysis process, which removes waste from the blood as a substitute for kidney function, also takes up many hours of the patients' lives. For the in-center process, most are connected to the medical equipment for four hours, sometimes longer, three days each week.

"Any day you don't have to come for dialysis is a good day," Atekha said. "So if you could get out of this place, good."

Atekha, who is originally from Nigeria, also said that the United States, through the Medicare funding for dialysis, has done more for kidney failure patients than many countries in the world.

"Now the average person, they get their treatment and they are able to have the opportunity to see their loved ones go to college, daughters get married, their grandkids," he said. "It's something we have in America that is not very common in my part of the world. Like in my country, God forbid, your kidneys fail, you are a dead man."

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COMMUNITY PRIDE 2016

statesboroherald.com | STATESBORO HERALD — Sunday, February 28, 2016 – 7

Magnolia brings physicians, students together Local health care providers offer personal, community-based learning opportunities Special to the Herald

Magnolia Coastlands Area Health Education Center's goal is to improve access to health care in rural Georgia.

In order to focus on the mission, Magnolia helps health profession students gain fulfilling educational experiences by providing community-based learning opportunities and clinical experiences within the rural and urban underserved communities of southeast Georgia.

The community-based training gives students a unique opportunity to experience health care in a real-world setting and to interact one-on-one with their future patient populations in community health centers, local practitioners'

offices and many other community primary care sites.

Current research has shown that health care profession students who have participated in these experiences have a better understanding of the complex needs of underserved communities.

The Magnolia Health Education Center is housed on the Georgia Southern University campus and feels fortunate to be part of

Bulloch County, where several area physicians have made a difference by mentoring future health care professionals.

There is a great amount of time and effort involved in precepting health profession students, who come from Mercer University, South University and Georgia Southern.

Magnolia acknowledges the following preceptors for their significant contributions to the profession:

➤ Lauren Bauer, M.D., Cypress Medical LLC. ➤ Andrew Cichelli, M.D., East Georgia Pulmonary and Sleep Disorder Medicine. ➤ Aaron Clark, M.D., Clark Medical Group. ➤ Saraju Dalsania, M.D., Internal Medicine Associates of Statesboro. ➤ Glen Dasher, M.D., Tri-Care Family Medicine. ➤ Angie Gerguis, M.D., Ogeechee Area Hospice. ➤ Akram Hassanyeh, M.D., Cedar Surgical Associates PC. ➤ Maximilian Hecht, M.D., Ogeechee OB/GYN. ➤ James Hiller, M.D., Southern OB/GYN. ➤ John Hodges, M.D., Optim Healthcare. ➤ Mark McCracken, M.D., Cypress Medical LLC. ➤ Al Palmer, M.D., East

Georgia Women's Center PC. ➤ Rani Reddy, M.D., Candler Internal Medicine. ➤ Thad Riley, M.D., Family Health Care Center PC. ➤ Scott Sanders, P.A., Optim Healthcare. ➤ Michelle Zeanah, M.D., Bulloch Pediatrics PC. Another group of physicians participate in the physician shadowing program organized by Magnolia and East Georgia Regional Medical Center.

These doctors work with a select group of pre-med students to allow them indepth shadowing experiences to explore areas of medicine they might pursue.

The one-on-one mentoring can have a huge impact on a student's development as a physician.

Collectively, these physicians have mentored 26 students and provided 780 hours of shadowing.

Student evaluations have

been overwhelmingly positive. One student reported, "The doctor would give his medical advice as if he were talking to his own family member."

Another student said, "I am pleased that although the health care laws and physician wages are changing in our country, there are still many doctors who do their job only because they love the work and love the patients."

These physicians are: ➤ Aaron Clark, M.D., Clark Medical Group. ➤ Benjamin Oldham, M.D., Ogeechee OB/GYN PC. ➤ John Martin, M.D., Wound Care Center. ➤ Kashyap Patel, M.D., East Georgia Neurology and Neurodiagnostics. ➤ Stephen Tankersley, M.D., Optim Healthcare, Hearts and Hands Clinic.

For more information, please contact Magnolia Coastlands AHEC at www. magnoliacoastlandsahec. org or (912) 478-1050.

Hospital names Employee of the Year ICU nurse Whitney Jones earns EGRMC top honor Special to the Herald

In May, Whitney Jones was named the 2014 Employee of the Year for East Georgia Regional Medical Center.

The recognition is the highest honor a hospital employee can receive.

Employees are nominated by their colleagues based on their commitment to patient care, professionalism and contributions on the job. Jones was chosen from among 650 employees at the medical center for the recognition.

"We are all very proud of Whitney," said Bob Bigley, former chief executive officer. "She is a great representa-

tive for all of our employees who are dedicated to providing the highest level of safe, quality and compassionate care."

Jones began working at East Georgia in April 2007 as a unit secretary. In 2009, she was accepted into nursing school at South Georgia College.

While attending nursing school, she worked as a critical care tech at East Georgia. In 2011, she started her career as an ICU nurse, and she continues to work in the same department today.

"Whitney's love for her work shows in her everyday actions," said Diana

Ray, director of ICU. "Whitney truly cares about her patients, her work and doing the right thing."

Jones said she chose to work in the health care field because she has always enjoyed helping and caring for individuals.

"The most rewarding part of nursing is the wealth of knowledge that is available to you to aid you in assisting patients, whether it's to getting them back to their baseline level of functioning or independence, and being SPECIAL there for patients and their families when they need you to educate them, East Georgia Regional Medical Center Employee of the cry with them, talk to them, or bring a Year Whitney Jones, left, is pictured with Wayne T. Smith, smile to their face," she said. chairman and CEO of Community Health Systems, in May.

COMMUNITY PRIDE 2016

8 – STATESBORO HERALD — Sunday, February 28, 2016 | statesboroherald.com

Veterans' clinic reaches out Local VA Medical Center gets second doctor, looks into possible expansion

By AL HACKLE ahackle@statesboroherald.com

Officials from the Charlie Norwood VA Medical Center in Augusta revealed during a town hall meeting here in October that the center's Statesboro clinic, which got its first on-site physician in May, will soon add a second doctor on a temporary basis.

Officials are also considering adding space at the clinic but said approval to expand or relocate is at ‘The area that least a year away, probably they've got to two. About 50 work in is so people attended the meeting small, and all we the VA Medical need is a little Center held at A m e r i c a n breathing room, Legion Dexter you know? But I Allen Post 90.

G e o r g e dare you to find Cutright, 66, a somebody that Statesboro resident who doesn't praise once served the clinic. They with the Navy on a strike look after us. assault boat in They look after the canals of Vietnam, told us well.’ the VA officials Vietnam veteran that if they George Cutright want to do something to improve the clinic, they should add space.

He attended a post-traumatic stress disorder class that met there, some of whose graduates now meet at a local restaurant.

"The area that they've got to work in is so small, and all we need is a little breathing room, you know?" Cutright told the officials. "But I dare you to find somebody that doesn't praise the clinic. They look after us. They look after us well."

"Yes, agreed," said Charlie Norwood VA Medical Center Director Maria Andrews,

SCOTT BRYANT/staff

Craig McGlone, center, a 22-year U.S. Army veteran, tries to recall the details of applying for migraine treatment as he and Vietnam vet Lloyd Dunlap, left, ask for guidance from VA Transition Patient Advocate Reginald Harrison during a town hall meeting and information session sponsored by the Charlie Norwood VA Medical Center at Statesboro's American Legion Dexter Allen Post 90 in October. McGlone suffered a traumatic brain injury from a roadside bomb while serving in Iraq and leads a local support group for those with posttraumatic stress disorder. "and actually, as the clinic demand increases, we're also looking to increase the number of providers that are there as well. So by utilizing the clinic and encouraging your fellow veterans to utilize the clinic, then that would give us more workload to justify expanding the clinic."

Another doctor The Statesboro clinic now has more than 850 enrolled patients, reported Dr. Charles Green, chief of ambulatory care for the center. The clinic opened in 2013 as a telehealth

site, where patients were seen by nurses in person but examined by doctors in Augusta over a two-way computer hookup. But Dr. Emory Smith has been seeing veterans there in person full time since May. Green announced that a second physician, Dr. David Causey, would begin seeing patients at the clinic in November on a three- to six-month temporary contractual basis. Green said he hoped this arrangement could be a bridge to the clinic qualifying for a second patient care team. Each team consists of one doctor, two nurses

and one clerk.

Andrews cited 1,200 veterans as the patient load that would qualify the clinic for the additional staff. Green said he expects this to be reached next year.

"The second issue is the space, and certainly we feel your pain a little bit there," Green told veterans. "We are crowded in that particular area, it's already been identified, our space planner is aware of this, and we'll be looking for additional space, certainly if we go up to two full-time providers with the support that they need."

The clinic on Northside Drive East occupies leased space in a building shared with a private medical practice. Any future space would also have to be leased, and a proposal put up for bids, Andrews said.

"I want to under-promise and overdeliver," she said. "If we were to expand the space for Statesboro, you're looking at, at least, a year or more process. Typically, it takes two years."

Most veterans who spoke up expressed satisfaction with the care they receive from the Department of Veterans Affairs hospital and its clinics but also some frustration with steps it takes to get that care, such as struggles with the phone system and paperwork.

"Some of my battle buddies and I have talked about this before. What you get there is great. The care is fantastic; it's wonderful," said Craig McGlone. "It's just getting there, just wading through the paperwork. ... Every time I turn around, there's a new form I'm supposed to fill out, something I forgot to do."

McGlone, 54, a Guyton resident who retired from the Army in 2013 after a 22-year career and deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan, addressed these remarks to the head table. Answering, Richard Banks from the Veterans Benefits Administration told veterans about a 1-800 number to call and that the agency partners with organizations such as the VFW, AMVETS, the American Legion and Disabled American Veterans to assist veterans in filing forms.

Injured by a roadside bomb in Iraq, McGlone was talking specifically about a compensation claim and treatment for migraine headaches. While still at the meeting, he also talked one-on-one with a patient advocate from the VA Medical Center's outreach team.

Addressing veterans' needs and concerns was the purpose behind the meeting, Andrews said.

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Patients eligible for hospice care in their home, nursing home or assisted living facility, are often diagnosed with: UÊ i>ÀÌ]Ê Õ }]Ê ` iÞÊ> `É ÀÊ ÛiÀÊ Ãi>Ãi UÊ-ÌÀ i]Ê > ViÀ]Ê*>À à ½ÃÊ Ãi>Ãi]Ê Õ Ì « iÊ-V iÀ à ÃÊ Your Loved One May Be Eligible for Hospice Care if One or More of the Following is Present: UÊ1 Ìi Ì > ÊÜi } ÌÊ ÃÃÊ UÊ Õ Ì « iÊ Ã« Ì> â>Ì ÃÊ ÀÊ ,ÊÛ Ã Ìà UÊ iV iÊ Ê>VÌ Û Ì iÃÊ> `ÊÃi vÊV>Ài UÊ VÀi>Ãi`Êà ÀÌ iÃÃÊ vÊLÀi>Ì Ê ÀÊ«> UÊ,iVÕÀÀi ÌÊ viVÌ Ã UÊ VÀi>Ãi`ÊV vÕÃ

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COMMUNITY PRIDE 2016

statesboroherald.com | STATESBORO HERALD â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Sunday, February 28, 2016 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 9

Hospital gives $40K to GSU nursing scholarship fund Special to the Herald

A gift of more than $40,000 of corporate and individual donations from a local hospital will enable Georgia Southern University to fund future scholarships for nursing students in memory of five young women killed in a tragic car accident in April.

In September, East Georgia Regional Medical Center gifted the university with $41,670 for the university's School of Nursing Students' Memorial Fund, established in memory of the five nursing students who lost their lives in a vehicle crash on Interstate 16 near Savannah on April 22.

The students were commuting to Savannah for their last day of clinical training of the school year when the crash occurred, which began when a tractortrailer ran into traffic that was stopped

while emergency crews were working to clear the road of an earlier collision.

The victims who died were Emily Clark, of Powder Springs; Morgan Bass, of Leesburg; Abbie Deloach, of Savannah; Catherine (McKay) Pittman, of Alpharetta; and Caitlyn Baggett, of Millen.

Of the sum donated, $25,000 was a corporate gift from the hospital, and the remaining $16,670 was raised through the generosity of individuals within the hospital's leaders, board of trustees, physicians and employees, according to a release from Jennifer Wise, communications director with GSU's Office of Marketing and Communications.

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COMMUNITY PRIDE 2016

10 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; STATESBORO HERALD â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Sunday, February 28, 2016 | statesboroherald.com

Women's recovery center is 'home' Facility offers new option for rehabilitation

By HOLLI DEAL SAXON hbragg@statesboroherald.com

Women facing addiction issues in Bulloch County have a new option for recovery and rehabilitation.

The Women's Transition and Recovery Home is more than a service center; it is a real home, a refuge for women with children in need of

help getting back to healthy lives, said Pineland Mental/Behavioral Health executive director June DiPolito.

A ribbon cutting for the facility, formerly the Joseph's Home for Boys on Cypress Lake Road, drew a large crowd of people from several counties and local agencies in July.

Pineland was able to purchase the expansive

house after the boys' home closed. The new space is larger and more suited to providing a home life for women with addiction challenges, especially those with children, DiPolito said.

The women's program began in the 1980s, but there have been challenges, including finding suitable property in which to house the programs, she said.

Supporter Sen. Jack Hill was instrumental in securing initial funding for the women's program, and his efforts paved the way for additional funding, DiPolito said. Hill attended the ribbon-cutting ceremony.

"We are headed in the right direction, and I am proud to be a part of this day," he said.

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house were several women and their children who planned to move into the facility later that week.

"We have had three healthy babies born" into the program over the last six months, DiPolito said.

"This is what makes it all worthwhile. Now there are 22 such programs across the state."

Community donations helped furnish and refurbish the house, according to DiPolito, who praised Statesboro and Bulloch County volunteers and donors. The home looks like any other upscale residence, with landscaped yards thanks to volunteers and a warmly decorated interior.

The recovery and rehabilitation program is "total inclusive" and provides women and children in need with a safe, family-oriented home; counseling (group and personal); parenting and job skills classes; and therapeutic childcare sessions for children who may have issues stemming from living in a family suffering from addiction, DiPolito said.

For more information about the program or about how to donate or volunteer, contact DiPolito at jdipolito@pinelandcsb. org.

Holli Deal Saxon may be reached at (912) 489-9414.

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2016 Community

Lifestyles

Furniture, mattresses, antiques: Dealâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s has it all

COMMUNITY PRIDE 2016

2 – STATESBORO HERALD — Sunday, February 28, 2016 | statesboroherald.com

Furniture, mattresses, antiques: Deal’s has it all Special to the Herald

D

eal's Furniture and Mattress Outlet on Highway 67, near the Kiwanis Ogeechee Fairgrounds, is more than a furniture store. It is a mustsee destination if you are in the market for furniture for any room of your home or one-of-a-kind antiques.

Deal's was founded nearly four decades ago by the late John E. Deal as a small, family-owned antiques and used-furniture store. Deal's hobby

filled his days with happiness after giving up traveling sales with a local meatpacking business and owning a small rural grocery store.

Today, the business carries on with the brothersister duo of Craig Deal and Gail Deal NeSmith and Craig's son, Matt — three generations continually operating the business.

Craig is the owner, while NeSmith serves as secretary-treasurer of the company and is the gift-shop buyer.

"Dad would be stunned if he saw the store today," NeSmith said. "With more than 25,000 square feet of showroom space and 45,000 square feet of additional warehouse space, his little furniture store has gone mainstream."

Matt can tell you anything and everything about the furniture and mattresses they carry. For about a decade, Deal's has consistently won Best of the Boro awards for Best Mattress Store and Best Antique Store. In addition, they

2015 Kiwanis Ogeechee Fair Parade

were recognized as Best Furniture Store for the first time in 2012.

More than 60 percent of Deal's annual sales come from new furniture sales.

They also dominate the local market in mattress sales. Serta is their premier mattress line, and they definitely have the area's largest selection on display.

They also carry Corsicana, as well as other mattress lines from overstock purchases. New to the store are furniture lines Jackson/ Catnapper and Vaughan-

Basset, which are made in the United States. They also carry Liberty Furniture, Home Elegance, Ashley, Klaussner and others.

Best yet, their gift shop is well known for a very large selection of Tervis tumblers and sizeable collections of Georgia Southern Eagles and University of Georgia Bulldogs items. They carry fashion jewelry, handbags, "initial" items for home decor and many other unique products.

All of this selection is backed up with great employees who care about their customers. This is what sets them apart.

Furniture delivery and setup are always free. And, of course, they are known for their "no pressure" sales.

Go see Craig "The Dealmaker," Matt "The Real Deal" and all other employees for the best shopping and best prices in the Boro — guaranteed! It is a shopping experience you will not soon forget.

Livestock teaches lessons about life

Youth prepare animals to show at annual fair

By HOLLI DEAL SAXON hbragg@statesboroherald.com SCOTT BRYANT/staff

Monica Smith, 12, far left, waves and munches on a candied apple during the 2015 Kiwanis Ogeechee Fair Parade last October.

F

or many young people, "fair week" means rides, food and fun, but for some, it also means work, prizes and learning.

Each year, the Statesboro Kiwanis Club gives a number of area 4-H and FFA students a lamb, pig or goat to raise as a project and show at the Kiwanis Ogeechee Fair, said club member and livestock barn manager Debra Pease.

But the commitment these young people make is more than just a fun school project; it's a series of lessons teaching responsibility, leadership, sportsmanship and knowledge of animal care. It also helps the youth understand life and, in some cases, death, she said.

Students interested in showing the animals must first apply for a pig, goat or lamb. Kiwanis members choose recipients based on their academic grades, involvement in extracurricular activities and other factors, she said. The kids who get animals must show the livestock at the Kiwanis Ogeechee Fair but are allowed to enter any other shows they wish.

"They are their animals," Pease said.

After the animals outgrow showing, they can be sold, kept as pets or butchered.

Some may find the butchering option cruel, but most farm animals are raised solely for their meat, eggs, milk or wool, Pease explained. Many 4-H and FFA project animals do end up on someone's dining room table, but some are sold to brred or simply kept as pets, she said.

Life can often be harsh, and sometimes the fate of a project animal is unexpected, as young lambs and goats often die without warning, Pease said.

"I tell (the kids) that sometimes these things happen, and it isn't their fault."

If this happens, the child can apply again for a replacement animal.

The children and teens who receive project animals must keep records on what and how much they feed their animals and the expenses they incur, such as costs for providing medical care. Keeping these records, as well as performing the daily chores of cleaning pens, grooming,

feeding and training, teaches responsibility, Pease said.

It's something she knows from experience. Not only has she advised hundreds of kids over the years in raising project animals, but her daughters also showed Kiwanis livestock when they were younger.

Entry fees from the Kiwanis shows are used to provide scholarships for senior show participants, and many students use their animals to start their own herds or flocks, raising money for college, Pease said.

During the Kiwanis Fair shows, 4-H and FFA students and their families mill around behind the show ring, back in the stall area, getting ready to show their animals. They are expected to maintain a clean stall and keep their animals fed and groomed.

On the second night of the 2015 fair last October, Cadelyn Jones, 9, sat beside a table set up near her pig's stall. She and her father, Lee Jones, handed out fliers advertising an upcoming pig sale, while she waited her turn to show her pig, Antarctica, named for its snow white color.

She has been showing since age 3.

"It's fun. I like the pigs, hanging with my friends" and taking care of the livestock, she said. "I feed (Antarctica) and brush her and feed her marshmallows."

Before entering the ring, Cadelyn shared her secret to winning.

"Keep your eye on the judge and make a 'ham sandwich,' with your pig between you and the judge," she said, referring to the practice of keeping the pig visible to the judge.

But Antarctica wouldn't become an actual ham sandwich after the show, she said. Instead, the pig was scheduled to be sold to a breeder after Cadelyn was done showing her.

For some, like the Jones family, the Kiwanis project animals mean a great deal more than just an entry in a showing at the fair.

"This is our eighth show this year," Lee Jones said. "This is the perfect youth program."

Holli Deal Saxon may be reached at (912) 489-9414.

SCOTT BRYANT/staff

Madeline Johnson, 13, of Portal, brushes down her pigs before a showing at the Kiwanis Ogeechee Fair last October.

COMMUNITY PRIDE 2016

statesboroherald.com | STATESBORO HERALD — Sunday, February 28, 2016 – 3

Photos by SCOTT BRYANT/staff

After listening to accolades about her from Georgia's first lady Sandra Deal, background, and others, Betty Foy Sanders entertains a packed Emma Kelly Theater as she is inducted as the 2015 Legend in the Arts last September at the Averitt Center for the Arts.

Local legend in the arts Averitt Center honors Betty Foy Sanders

By HOLLI DEAL SAXON hbragg@statesboroherald.com

F

After being inducted as an Averitt Legend in the Arts at the Emma Kelly Theater, Betty Foy Sanders shares a moment with fellow Averitt Legend Michael Braz last September.

ormer Georgia first lady Betty Foy Sanders showed Southern charm as she gracefully accepted honors as the 2015 Legend in the Arts award recipient.

"My roots are in this town and in this county," she said after being introduced by Georgia's current first lady, Sandra Deal.

Both Deal and Sanders entertained those attending the Sept. 10 ceremony with friendly banter that evidenced their friendship, cultivated when Deal sought Sanders' knowledge of the Governor's Mansion, which Sanders and her husband, former Gov. Carl Sanders, designed.

Betty Foy Sanders is the sixth local artist to be awarded the Legend in the Arts honor, following community legends Emma Kelly, Willie McTell, Michael Braz, Roxie Remley and Delmar Presley. The ceremony was held in the Emma Kelly Theater and was hosted by the Averitt Center for the Arts.

The former first lady of Georgia has led the state in arts creativity and advocacy on many levels. She co-founded the Georgia Arts Council; has designed fashionable dresses and hats, gardens and interiors; and is a renowned painter.

Statesboro Mayor Jan Moore, who introduced Deal, said Sanders is also known for her landscaping, interior design, floral arrangements and other artistic talents.

Before introducing Deal, Moore read a proclamation by the city of Statesboro

‘My roots are in this town and in this county.’

Betty Foy Sanders, former first lady of Georgia and 2015 Legend in the Arts

declaring Sept. 10 as Betty Foy Sanders Day. Sanders grew up in Statesboro, and although she has spent most of her adult years in Atlanta, she still calls Statesboro home.

"I grew up playing kick the can with the other children on Savannah Avenue," which is where her father, Manassas Foy, built what is now called the BrannenDonehoo home, she said. "I say it's the Foy home."

Sanders was born on South Main Street in Statesboro and said she has always been drawn to her hometown. She shared memories of getting married at Statesboro's First Baptist Church.

Deal told the crowd how she reached out for Sanders' advice after she and husband Gov. Nathan Deal moved into the Governor's Mansion. The mansion is decorated with some of Sanders' artwork, including a painting of water lilies. Sanders also designed the landscaping and helped raise funds for a Georgia marble fountain to be installed at the mansion.

In 1967, Sanders established the Betty

Foy Sanders Georgia Artists Collection, which she continues to curate, as it is on permanent display at Georgia Southern University's Center for Art and Theatre, featuring the works of Georgia artists. She is also the namesake of the Betty Foy Sanders Department of Art at Georgia Southern.

After the ceremony, a reception was held in the Main Gallery of the Averitt Center for the Arts, and an exhibition about Sanders' lifetime of interest and involvement in the arts was on display in the Averitt Center's Legends Gallery.

"As Statesboro works to build a strong arts culture for generations to come, the Averitt Center for the Arts feels it is important to recognize those artists who have made significant contributions to the arts in the past," said Tim Chapman, executive director of the Averitt Center.

Since opening in 2004, the Averitt Center has inducted a new member into its Legends Gallery every other year, beginning in 2005 with Emma Kelly.

To be eligible for Legend in the Arts status, an artist must have been born in Bulloch County or resided there for two or more consecutive years. Nominees are evaluated on their level of achievement, which includes the scope of their artistic endeavors, their influence on others and their professional conduct and image.

Holli Deal Saxon may be reached at (912) 489-9414.

Join us for a 34 Year Tradition!

2015 Dancing with the Statesboro Stars

CREATE your very own one-of-a-kind art.

ENJOY

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a variety of live in cultural cuisines performances. and sweet treats.

handmade unique artwork.

The 34th Annual ArtsFest will be held at GSU’s Sweetheart Circle on April 23 10 AM- 4 PM. SCOTT BRYANT/staff

Benji Lewis, half of the 2014 winning dance team, gives some low-fives during the opening ensemble routine with the 12 couples who participated in the 2015 Dancing with the Statesboro Stars benefit for Safe Haven last October at Georgia Southern University's Performing Arts Center.

Sponsored by:

764-5637 • www.bullochrec.com

4 - STATESBORO HERALD - Sunday, February 28, 2016 | statesboroherald.com

statesboroherald.com | STATESBORO HERALD - Sunday, February 28, 2016 - 5

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4 - STATESBORO HERALD - Sunday, February 28, 2016 | statesboroherald.com

statesboroherald.com | STATESBORO HERALD - Sunday, February 28, 2016 - 5

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COMMUNITY PRIDE 2016

6 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; STATESBORO HERALD â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Sunday, February 28, 2016 | statesboroherald.com

Our Statesboro

Zaxby's founders Zach McLeroy, center, and Tony Townley, center right, are surrounded by local dignitaries and hungry students as they christen their newest restaurant on Chandler Road last March.

Will it float, will it sink, or will it "flink"? First-grader Smith Brown, 6, center, first-grader Tucker Perkins, 6, right, and brother Gavin, 8, add and subtract weights to floating containers to make them hover between sinking and floating to learn about mass, resistance and buoyancy during Mattie Lively Elementary School's Science Night last March. Nineteen stations offered a variety ways for kindergarten through fifth-graders and their parents to test their knowledge and learn more about science in conjunction with the school's book fair.

Logan Penn, 4, left, prepares to make art with a bow-and-arrow slingshot by aiming for paintfilled balloons during ArtsFest at Georgia Southern University last April. The activity was sponsored

by GSU's archery team, and many participants were off the mark, as evidenced by archer Ashley Hayden, background, who is covered from head to toe with paint.

Georgia Southern baseball player Logan Baldwin gets his head rubbed by teammate Jordan Howard after having his substantial trademark locks shorn during the Vs. Cancer fundraiser at J.I. Clements Stadium last April. More than $6,500 was raised in the effort.

ABOVE, Justin McGriff, of Waycross, Ga., tries to hang on with his feet during a rough saddle bronc ride in the 2015 Statesboro Kiwanis Rodeo last April. BELOW, Kira Hodges and Sally Anne Deal join hands while circled up in a prayer cell as Statesboro and Bulloch County residents celebrate the National Day of Prayer on the courthouse grounds last May.

Martha Beck, of Charleston, S.C., leans back and lets the current do some of the work during a 13-mile leg on the Ogeechee River during Paddle Georgia 2015 last June.

Between 300 and 400 paddlers took part in the annual event.

Photos by SCOTT BRYANT/staff

COMMUNITY PRIDE 2016

statesboroherald.com | STATESBORO HERALD â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Sunday, February 28, 2016 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 7

Photos by SCOTT BRYANT/staff

Siblings Caroline Harless and Roy Otwell prepare for a series of estate sales at their family home on Savannah Avenue last July, where items from multiple generations were up for sale.

If these walls could talk Locals allowed a glimpse into historic mansion

By BRITTANI HOWELL bhowell@statesboroherald.com

B

ecause the Donehoo-BrannenNeSmith mansion is a private home, most Statesboro residents have only glimpsed its stone steps, wide porch and fluted columns while traveling down Savannah Avenue. However, for a few days last July, the neoclassical house's air of mystery was lifted, granting locals an upclose look at the home and its contents as the owners opened their lawn for an estate sale, placing several generations of antiques and family heirlooms up for purchase.

The mansion was constructed in 1917, replacing a house that had burned in 1915.

It was designed by Georgia architect Edward C. Hosford, who also designed the Bulloch County Courthouse in addition to other courthouses and buildings throughout Georgia, Florida and Texas.

At the time, the home was owned by prominent Statesboro resident Dr. James E. Donehoo, who lived there with Mrs. Maxie Olliff Donehoo, formerly Mrs. Maxie Olliff Foy, and their blended family of seven children. The family sold the mansion in the Roaring '20s, and it fell into neglect during the Great Depression. It was repurposed in 1940, when Franklin D. Roosevelt's New Deal program used it to house and train local young people in the National Youth Administration, which educated them in agriculture and home economics.

In 1942, Mr. Irvin A. and Mrs. Carrie Mae Brannen purchased the house as their family home. Carrie remembered the house that stood on the lot before the mansion from her college days; she used to attend parties there while she was a student at Brenau College in Gainesville before she graduated in 1912. The Brannens immediately began renovating the mansion and grounds, eventually

returning it to a hub of social activity in the community.

The Brannens' grandchildren Caroline Harless and her brother, Roy Otwell, inherited the estate last April after their stepfather, Col. E. Archie NeSmith, passed away. Harless has lived there on and off throughout her life and has fond memories of the home going back to her childhood, when she and her siblings would visit her grandparents.

"We loved to come here and play, as most children would," she said.

With a laugh, she recounted the time she got stuck in the chicken house that used to stand in the side yard.

Growing up, she saw the house go through many changes and renovations as her grandparents fixed it up. When Harless was in grammar school, her grandmother and aunt rented the second and third floors out during a housing shortage at Georgia Southern College. At one time, Harless said, Carrie Mae Brannen had 19 Georgia Southern boys living in the upper floors of her house, "all the way up to the ceiling."

"Their cars were everywhere," Harless said. "It was a fun place, because they were coming and going all the time. â&#x20AC;Ś It was like a dormitory with a house mother."

Harless lived in the house during her late high school years and while she was a student at Georgia Southern, where she studied for her master's degree. She periodically returned to visit after her grandparents' deaths, when the estate was split between Harless' mother, Dr. Caroline Mary Brannen NeSmith, and her aunt and uncle. In 1986, Dr. NeSmith bought the interests of her siblings and moved into the mansion with her second husband, Col. NeSmith, after the couple retired.

They filled the house with memorabilia from their travels during Archie's time in

the military. Caroline also set to work getting the Donehoo-Brannen-NeSmith mansion included on the National Register of Historic Places; her success is marked by

the plaque on the mansion's gates.

Brittani Howell may be reached at (912) 489-9405.

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COMMUNITY PRIDE 2016

8 – STATESBORO HERALD — Sunday, February 28, 2016 | statesboroherald.com

Making reading fun for over 30 years

Humanitarian of the Year

Elaine McDuffie retires from Statesboro Regional Library

By HOLLI DEAL SAXON hbragg@statesboroherald.com

F

or more than 30 years, Elaine McDuffie worked to show children and adults alike the joys of reading.

Before retiring last year, McDuffie had worked for 27 years as the Statesboro Regional Library's coordinator for the Reading is Fundamental, or RIF, program, where she helped children explore worlds only found within the pages of books. But throughout her three decades of work with the library, she impacted the lives of many adults as well.

When she first started as a volunteer with the library's adult literacy program in 1983, McDuffie was concerned that so many adults could not read.

"Once I became aware of that, I couldn't imagine not doing anything about it," she said.

In 1985, McDuffie became the library's adult literacy program coordinator. Three years after that, librarian Isabel Sorrier asked her to serve as the RIF coordinator. It was a jump to go from helping adults to working with children, but McDuffie soon learned the two could

‘Mostly I feel thankful — thankful that I found something I loved and for the opportunity to do it every day for three decades; thankful that others appreciated my efforts; thankful that what I did made a real difference to individuals and, in SCOTT BRYANT/file the long run, to Elaine McDuffie, retired coordinator for Statesboro the community.’

Regional Library's RIF program, lends a hand behind the curtain, entertaining children with one of her signature puppet shows last March.

be connected.

"Adult literacy will always be my heart, but I found that children's services are my smile," she said.

RIF is all about making reading fun, and McDuffie wanted parents to realize, just as much as their children, that being able to read and enjoying it could make a great difference in their lives.

"RIF is a program that can change attitudes," she said.

Since its beginning in Statesboro, the RIF program has provided about a quarter of a million books

to children. RIF activities end with each child selecting a book to keep, but the program involves much more than that.

"It's about creating a series of memorable events for children," she said.

McDuffie said she cherishes the times when adults would visit the library with their children and recognize her from years past.

"I've seen generations come through here," she said. "I will always be involved with adult literacy. I can never stand by and see (efforts to combat illiteracy) go away.

"I have put an awful lot

SCOTT BRYANT/staff

Delia Mobley is congratulated by Carol Yawn after being named Humanitarian of the Year during the 2015 Deen Day Smith Service to Mankind Awards banquet at the NessmithLane Conference Center last April.

GoDaddy Bowl champions

Elaine McDuffie, retired RIF coordinator for the Statesboro Regional Library

into my job," she said. "It became my life's mission.

But I also got an awful lot back. Mostly I feel thankful — thankful that I found something I loved and for the opportunity to do it every day for three decades; thankful that others appreciated my efforts; thankful that what I did made a real difference to individuals and, in the long run, to the community. I will remember my years at the library with a sense of accomplishment and joy. I've had more fun than I ever could have imagined."

SCOTT BRYANT/staff

Georgia Southern mascot Freedom and handler Steve Hein lead the victors in singing the alma mater following the Eagles' win over Bowling Green in the GoDaddy Bowl at Ladd-Peebles Stadium in Mobile, Ala., last December.

2016 Community

Industry

Local industry remains strong

COMMUNITY PRIDE 2016

2 – STATESBORO HERALD — Sunday, February 28, 2016 | statesboroherald.com

Brodie demand holding steady Believes new products will help counter downturn in oil industry

By DeWAYNE GRICE dgrice@statesboroherald.com

With oil prices at near record lows per barrel, consumers are enjoying low prices at the gas pumps. This is great for consumers, but for workers and vendors who supply the oil, this tightens the market.

Brodie International, a Statesboro-based manufacturer of products for the petroleum industry, has not been dramatically affected by the shift in prices in the industry. It could dampen future growth, however.

"When oil is trading this low, it affects the growth of the industry. We see investment in new products dramatically reduced," said Johnny Parrish, Brodie International's vice president of engineering and operations. "However, our demand is holding steady at this time. We are projecting 2016 to be a stable year for us, with minor growth."

A larger meter, as well as a larger valve to accommodate the larger meter, were introduced to the popular BiRotor Plus meter line this year. These meters and valves will handle significantly higher flow rates.

Brodie feels the demand for the new products will help them counter the downturn in the industry.

BiRotor flow meters, descendants of the original BiRotor meter developed by industry pioneer Ralph Brodie in California in 1948, remain the company's mainstay.

The BiRotor Plus meter, designed in Statesboro in the late 1990s, is "probably the most accurate meter in the world," Parrish said. To market these devices inter-

AL HACKLE/file

Johnny Parrish, vice president of engineering and operations at Brodie International, exhibits one of the largest rotors the company makes for its BiRotor flow meters in this May 27, 2014, file photo. nationally, the company must obtain certifications from various countries, paralleling the Underwriters Laboratories and National Type Evaluation Program approvals in the United States.

"We have approvals all over the world," Parrish said.

Because of this, international demand remains strong. Exporting globally has been an integral part of the company's sales strategy. In fact, with 40–45 percent of their sales in China, Brodie maintain an office in Beijing.

The company now employees nearly 70 people. Parrish and company President

Since opening in 1965, the MD Plastics Group, employs 70 men and women to operate its 75,000 square foot facility. Headquartered in Oklahoma City, OK, MD Plastics Group also manufactures aluminum extrusions and building products that are sold across the U.S. and Canada.

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Thomas F. Clark are two long-time members of the workforce who are also owners of the company.

Built in 1956 by Rockwell Manufacturing Company, the factory employed nearly 10 times as many people in the 1960s as it does now. But that was before automation in machine tools reduced the amount of labor required to make meters and valves and also before some product lines were moved to other facilities.

Emerson Electric Company bought the plant in 1970, making it a part of Brooks Instrument, then a Pennsylvania-based division of Emerson. In the '70s, the plant still

employed around 400 people, Parrish recalls.

Emerson moved its magnetic flow meter line to Mexico in the late 1990s, with other product lines following. The Statesboro plant was down to approximately 125 employees by the time Emerson was ready to sell it or close in the early 2000s.

Four investors, including Clark and Parrish, signed a deal to purchase the plant from Emerson Electric on Feb. 19, 2003.

Using the Brodie name, they continued operating the plant with 56 employees. The two other original investors later sold their shares, but Clark and Parrish remain part of the current ownership group.

COMMUNITY PRIDE 2016

statesboroherald.com | STATESBORO HERALD — Sunday, February 28, 2016 – 3

ASSOCIATED PRESS/file

Construction on a new nuclear reactor at Plant Vogtle power plant in Waynesboro, Ga., is shown in this June 13, 2014, file photo. The delays in the nuclear industry are adding up, adding hundreds of millions of dollars to already expensive projects.

Costs of Plant Vogtle continue to rise

By RAY HENRY Associated Press

ATLANTA — Southern Co. might spend more than $8 billion to finish building a nuclear power plant in Georgia, or roughly 30 percent more than it originally budgeted, according to an analysis prepared early last year for state utility regulators.

Power company officials disclosed in January that builders expected it would take three years longer than first estimated to construct two new reactors at Plant Vogtle. However, in May, regulators said

there's a "high probability" the plant will see a delay even longer than that.

A report filed by state regulators said the plant's builders are missing deadlines in that lengthened schedule by up to three months. The Associated Press obtained the report using Georgia's open records law.

The first reactor in Georgia was supposed to start working in 2016, with the second reactor starting a year later.

Southern Co. subsidiary Georgia Power would spend about $8 billion if construction is delayed just short of three years, according to an analysis that the head of the Public Service Commission's utilities

division sent Jan. 8 to an elected regulator.

That estimate is consistent with the potential delays Southern Co. and other Vogtle owners announced later in January, after the analysis was written.

A project using the same plant design in South Carolina previously announced similar delays priced at more than $1 billion.

"Overall we continue to maintain that building these units correctly, and safely, is more important than building them quickly," Green said.

Georgia Power's customers will pay for the cost of the new plant unless regulators object to the company's spending and force

a loss on shareholders. But that decision will not come until 2019 at the earliest.

Georgia Power owns a 46 percent stake in the new reactors at Plant Vogtle. The other owners include Oglethorpe Power Corp., the Municipal Electric Authority of Georgia and the city of Dalton.

The owners estimated the plant would cost a total of $14 billion. Estimating the precise cost now is difficult because each utility faces different borrowing costs and other charges. If the other companies faced costs similar to Georgia Power, the plant's total price tag would stand at more than $17 billion.

Millen experiencing industrial rebound Lighting factory yet to materialize, but other projects bring jobs

By AL HACKLE ahackle@statesboroherald.com

Jenkins County's biggest apparent industrial win in years, the South Koreabased Wells Lighting company's announcement in March 2015 that it would yet place its North American headquarters and factory in Millen and create 200 jobs and potentially more, has yet to materialize.

But with the opening of the MI Metals aluminum extrusion plant and the Georgia One Tire warehouse before the year was out, the trend remains upward for a county that in the past decade experienced some of Georgia's highest unemployment.

Wells Lighting's decision to place its factory in the former Jockey International plant in Millen warranted public pronouncements, nearly one year ago, from a top Wells executive and Georgia's governor.

"After much consideration, Georgia was the ideal place for us to locate our U.S. operations," said Dae Woo Kim, CEO and chairman of Wells Lighting USA, as quoted in a governor's office press release. "As the demand for our product continues to grow, we are confident that we can best meet our customers with our U.S. operations in Jenkins County."

The 92,000-square-foot former Jockey International plant, where undergarments were sewn, has sat empty since its 2006–07 phase-out, which eliminated more than 200 jobs. So, Wells Lighting appeared ready to create a similar number of jobs, but for the production of light-emitting diode, or LED, lighting fixtures, rather than clothes.

"The state of Georgia has long valued our relationship with Korea, a partnership that has paid dividends for both Koreans and for Georgians," Gov. Nathan Deal said.

"Wells Lighting's decision to establish its first North American headquarters in our state tells us that our qualified workforce, diverse business network and pro-business environment continue to attract investment from leading companies around the world."

Still awaiting Wells As of February 2016, Wells Lighting has

AL HACKLE/file

Almost a year ago, Wells Lighting announced plans to put its North American headquarters and factory in this building, which once housed the Jockey International sewing plant in Millen. So far, Wells has not moved in, but MI Metals and Georgia One Tire are creating jobs in the industrial park across town. yet to renovate or equip the plant, but has announced no delay or cancellation. At one point, company officials had said they would move into the plant in February, but Mandy Underwood, executive director of the Jenkins County Development Authority, said they called at the beginning of the month to say the move would occur in April.

"It's not a lack of financing," Underwood said. "It's getting the machinery here from Korea and getting it set up."

So she is not predicting when the plant may be hiring. The company has no local personnel, and the nearest contacts are in Korea, she said. Last year, local and state officials noted tax credits Wells could obtain for actual job creation and said the company was getting favorable terms on a lease-purchase.

But the company is not being giving the property. Wells Lighting has been making timely rent payments on a five-year lease,

Underwood said.

MI starts quietly, grows Meanwhile, with less fanfare, MI Metals moved into an already equipped 120,000-square-foot facility in Jenkins County's Bobby Dwelle Industrial Park last April.

"They've been great for the community, actually," Underwood said. "People that didn't have jobs now have jobs in the community."

MI Metals was a division of JT Walker Industries, which operated both the aluminum extrusion plant and window and door production plants in Millen, but closed them in 2007 and 2008 as the building sector nationwide screeched to a halt with the recession. The division's two top executives bought MI Metals, making it a separate company, explained Lee Wilson, human resources manager at the Millen plant.

Based in Oldsmar, Florida, MI Metals also has production facilities in Arizona, Pennsylvania and Tennessee, as well as Georgia.

"They immediately wanted to open Millen back up because business has just been booming," Wilson said. "They were having to turn customers away, and their other plants were working six days a week, 24 hours a day, which is a good problem to have."

The plant makes extruded aluminum components to wholesale customers' specifications for various applications, from picket fencing to handrails to window frames. Its first shipment went out in September.

After adding a second shift, the plant is now up to about 30 employees, Wilson said. The company needed state air quality permits to open its paint department. That process is now nearing completion, and a third production shift is also planned.

"Our goal is, probably by the end of the summer, to maybe be up to 65 to 75 people," he said.

In a news released posted on its website Aug. 1, the company said it will invest $2 million in the Millen facility over the next three years.

"We at MI Metals are very excited about the opportunities that the Millen, Georgia, facility represents for our company in the coming years," MI Metals President Brook Massey said in the announcement. "After the approval of our air permit, we will be able to paint extrusions at the Georgia location, adding even more jobs to the local community."

The company used Quick Start, the state's workforce training program provided at no cost to employers, for customized training for the new jobs.

Georgia One Tire, a tire distribution warehouse, announced in November and has also occupied a building in Jenkins County's industrial park. It has hired five people and has plans to hire up to 10, with the possibility of more as its business picks up, Underwood said.

Al Hackle may be reached at (912) 4899458.

COMMUNITY PRIDE 2016

4 – STATESBORO HERALD — Sunday, February 28, 2016 | statesboroherald.com

Budget bonus for Georgia Southern $1 million earmarked for university's new manufacturing engineering degree program

By AL HACKLE ahackle@statesboroherald.com

The state budget that Gov. Nathan Deal ceremonially signed in May on Georgia Southern University's Sweetheart Circle included $1 million for the university's new manufacturing engineering degree program.

This was the second consecutive year that Deal held such a budget-signing event in front of the Marvin Pittman Administration Building with then GSU President Dr. Brooks Keel and other university officials. The area's state representatives were in Atlanta, but Sen. Jack Hill attended, and Keel noted that the governor had been in the same place one year and 13 days earlier.

"We call on higher education,

SCOTT BRYANT/file

Governor Nathan Deal signs the state budget into law on Georgia Southern University's Sweetheart Circle in this May 11, 2015, file photo. both in our college and university system and in our technical

college system, to help us prepare the workforce of today and cer-

tainly the workforce of tomor- such program in the Southeast, row," Deal said. "For those insti- Deal and Keel both noted. tutions of higher learning, we Answering reporters' questions after the ceremony, continue to proKeel said there are vide financial sup‘We call on higher fewer than 24 manport."

In the fiscal year education ... to help ufacturing engineering degree 2016 budget, Deal us prepare the programs in the announced, country, Georgia Southern workforce of today entire would receive "an and certainly the with the nearest in Virginia and Texas. additional $1 milworkforce of With the new prolion from the state Georgia to begin its new tomorrow. For those gram, now advanced manu- institutions of higher Southern offers bachelor's facturing degree learning, we degrees in four program and to hire world-class continue to provide engineering fields: faculty" for it. financial support.’ civil, electrical, mechanical and The Board of Gov. Nathan Deal manufacturing.

Regents of the "It will shine a University System approved manufacturing engi- spotlight on Georgia Southern neering as a new Bachelor of and southern Georgia to the rest Science degree for GSU in August of the world that we're serious 2014, and classes began last fall in about training a workforce and the Allen E. Paulson College of providing our students with the Engineering and Information best education they can get to make them competitive in the Technology.

Georgia Southern has the only marketplace," Keel said.

$70M plant to create 100 jobs Aspen Aerogels makes thermal insulation used in oil refineries

By AL HACKLE ahackle@statesboroherald.com

With slightly more than 100 jobs at first but more than $70 million in investment in the plant, Aspen Aerogels' factory will be the largest new industry in Bulloch County since the 2012 completion of the Great Dane trailer plant, and larger in some ways.

Great Dane brought about 400 jobs. But the initial capital investment was about $35 million, half of what is expected from its newly announced future neighbor.

The $70 million investment that Georgia officials announced Aspen Aerogels will make here is its commitment for just the first manufacturing line of what may become a three-line plant, John Fairbanks, the company's chief financial officer, said in a phone interview Monday afternoon.

"Our commitment is to invest at least $70 million — put it that way," Fairbanks said. "That's just what we intend to spend on the first manufacturing line, and our intent would actually be ultimately to construct three lines, total."

Aspen Aerogels makes aerogel thermal insulation used mainly in oil refineries, petrochemical plants, liquefied natural gas facilities, power plants and similar operations. Aerogel is an ultralight, porous material made from a gel and noted for its insulating properties and very low density.

The Development

Authority of Bulloch County had been involved in discussions since a visit

by Aspen Aerogels' executives in December 2014.

The city of Statesboro will extend water, sewer and natural gas mains, free of tap fees, to the 43-acre site, across the street from Great Dane in Gateway Industrial Park. The county also has a role in preparations to bring the plant here. But the local agencies left the announcement to Georgia Gov. Nathan Deal.

"Aspen Aerogels is a major addition to Georgia's thriving technology industry," Deal said in a news

release in November. "The company's Statesboro location offers close proximity to our top-notch transportation infrastructure and some of our first-class academic institutions. I am confident that our highlyskilled workforce and competitive resources will be uniquely beneficial for Aspen's growth in Georgia."

Construction is expected to begin sometime this year, said Benjy Thompson, CEO of the Development Authority of Bulloch County.

"The preliminary estimate for the start of production would be the end

SHOWCASING OUR COMMUNITY TO THE WORLD

of 2017," Thompson said.

Fairbanks confirmed this but did not offer a more specific timeline. The approximately 106 jobs that Thompson heard will be created would be for the first line only, but the company is not making a further projection because future decisions will be involved, Fairbanks said.

NYSE-traded company Aspen Aerogels Inc., traded on the New York Stock Exchange with symbol ASPN, currently employs more than 250 people at two locations. Its headquarters and research and development labs are in Northborough, Massachusetts, and its manufacturing plant is in East Providence, Rhode Island. In a Thursday news release on its website, the company, founded in 2001, reported record total revenue of $31.5 million for the third quarter of 2015. That statement contained an announcement of the planned Statesboro plant, largely repeated in the governor's release.

"We are pleased to announce the selection of Statesboro, Georgia, as the site for our second manufacturing facility," Aspen Aerogels President and CEO Don Young said in the corporate release. "The 43-acre site is served by rail and provides access to the Savannah, Charleston and Jacksonville ports. ...

Statesboro and the surrounding region is served by a well-developed technical education system featuring Georgia Southern University, Ogeechee Technical College, and East Georgia State College.

"In addition, the region is home to a strong, available workforce and will provide Aspen with secure and low-cost utilities and good access to critical raw materials," Young continued.

Majority exporter Aspen Aerogels currently exports 60 percent of its production, Fairbanks said.

"We're the opposite of the companies where jobs are going outside the U.S.,"

he said. "We're hiring here, manufacturing here and exporting, so we really feel we're beneficial to the communities where we site our plants."

He noted that, before the projected factory jobs are created, building the plant will employ earthmoving and construction contractors, plumbers and electricians.

The need for rail access was a key factor in the choice of the particular site, Thompson said. This will require construction of a railroad spur from the existing Georgia Southern Railway line.

"We are going to pursue grant funding to help support the construction of that (spur)," Thompson said.

He was not yet releasing all details of the local inducements, but the city and county governments were helping to trumpet the effort's success. The governor's announcement quoted Bulloch County Board of Commissioners Chairman Garrett Nevil and Statesboro Mayor Jan Moore.

"The Statesboro-Bulloch County community is proud to have Aspen Aerogels choose to locate here," Nevil said. "The decision is a great example of our community's team working together to bring this company and its quality jobs to our area."

"The city of Statesboro welcomes Aspen Aerogels to our progressive and business friendly community," said Moore. "We believe that Aspen will be a great success story for our community."

Georgia Department of Economic Development project manager Wylly Harrison worked with the Development Authority of Bulloch County, Georgia Quick Start, Georgia EMC and the Georgia Ports Authority on the recruiting effort, according to the governor's release.

Bulloch County faced considerable competition for the project, Thompson said.

"It became an elimination game between us and dozens of other sites around the world, and in the end, I think they narrowed it down to a site here in Georgia, which ultimately was us, and a site in South Carolina, and they chose us," he said.

Al Hackle may be reached at (912) 489-9458.

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statesboroherald.com | STATESBORO HERALD — Sunday, February 28, 2016 – 5

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Through the eyes of an officer (Note: Statesboro Herald staff photographer Scott Bryant took part in the 12-week Citizens Police Academy offered by the Statesboro Police Department in fall 2015.

Bryant offers his experience in this story.)

We’ve read the stories and seen the videos.

A police officer pulls over a vehicle for a minor infraction.

“Ma’am, may I see your drivers license and proof of insurance?”

The driver angrily responds, “What are you pulling me over for? I was just driving along, minding my own business.

Don’t you have something better do to? Why are you harassing me? I know my rights! I don’t have to show you my license!”

The officer squeezes the grip of her sidearm and says, “Ma’am, I need you to step out of the car.”

Then, the sequence of events heads south from there.

It’s not a typical traffic stop. In this case, it’s not even a real traffic stop.

The driver is an employee of the Statesboro Police Department and the officer is a citizen enrolled in the Statesboro Police Department’s Citizens Police Academy. The above scenario was one of many designed to give academy students a sense of how law enforcement officers train and prepare to make often split-second decisions – ones that could potentially involve life and death.

Law enforcement has recently been a national topic of heightened interest and emotional discussion. Preventing and

responding to acts of terrorism and mass shootings have become the highest of priorities.

Relationships between law enforcement and communities of color continue to be a contentious issue.

Consciousness about public safety issues in this country has perhaps never been higher.

While the acute and often tragic occurrences that generate national news may seem far removed from Statesboro and Bulloch County, they do not escape the consideration of both local law enforcement and citizens. The Statesboro Police Department views the Citizens Police Academy as a way to build relationships to help tackle tough, often uncomfortable issues, and help increase understanding between law enforcement and the community it serves.

Importance of Citizens Academy “We’ve got a lot of resource-intensive programs in this agency, but I can’t say that any one program is more important than the Citizens Police Academy,” explained Acting Police Chief Maj. Rob Bryan. “One of the reasons that it is so important is because it’s an investment in our community. It helps further educate our community on what our agency is here to do for them.”

Cpl. Justin Samples, community relations officer for the department, served as host to 20 local citizens for 12 two-hour sessions every Tuesday this past fall. The annual program is free and open

SCOTT BRYANT/file

Capt. Charles Forney, left, gives Jessica Szilagyi a chances to try on the tools of the trade during the Statesboro Police Department’s Citizens Police Academy. to the community, with enrollment determined on a first-come-first-serve basis.

“It’s a program that we offer for citizens to come into the police department and see what it is that officers actually do,” Samples said. “It also lets the citizens see that we’re real people, that we’re more than just police officers. We’re citizens as well.

We’re part of the community.”

Student D av i d Larrabee, who participated with his wife Ginger, said: “Police officers come across as being tough.

Well, now that we’ve got through the class, they’re just regular people like us.”

The very first class

included an extensive tour of the Statesboro Police Department facilities.

During subsequent classes, students learned the nuts and bolts of local policing. Patrol duty, traffic stops, use of force, investigations, drug enforcement, K-9 units and SWAT team tactics were covered by members of the department’s command staff and everyday patrol officers alike.

The 2015 class spanned several generations, from college students to retirees. Child care, education, finance, real estate, construction, hotel management, college athletics and journalism were among the professions represented by the students.

“There were so many

different people in that class,” remarked student Tina Haranda, who works at a local bank. “It was such a diverse group. The fellowship. The fact that you sit around and eat a little and laugh about the last week’s class.”

Reaching out The last class featured a discussion panel with the entire Statesboro Police Department command staff. All questions were fair game, and the officers gave answers for two hours.

Topics included the militarization of law enforcement, how training has evolved to address mass shootings, Second Amendment issues from a law enforcement perspec-

tive, dealing with the stress of the job, and even officer pay.

“I was surprised to learn the they are understaffed and that so many individual officers are working extra shifts and longer hours,” remarked Ginger Larrabee.

Both Maj. Bryan and Cpl. Samples repeatedly stressed that transparency was a core value in the Statesboro Police Department. Bryan says that the interaction with officers created by Citizens Police Academy creates better understanding of how the department is prepared to serve our community and what their capabilities are.

The academy has reached a point where there is an active alumni program, where members not only assist with academy itself, but frequently become part of the department’s volunteer programs.

With training, citizens can pitch in with public safety and law enforcement in a support capacity, such as handicapped parking enforcement and traffic direction. Several of the most recent graduates expressed their interest in joining the alumni association.

To expand their reach, the department has also introduced a Youths Citizens Police Academy during the summers. Maj. Bryan hopes that getting youth involved earlier and seeing that law enforcement officers are just like everyone else, they can trust the officers they come across and meet.

“If we can change that one youth, that one child, at an early point, it’s worth the whole program,” he said.

BULLOCH COUNTY PROBATE COURT 912-489-8749 www.bullochcounty.net/probate Lee DeLoach, Judge SCOTT BRYANT/file

Above, Edna Lovett, left, partners up with daughter Tina Banks to interview Cpl. Justin Samples at a crime scene scenario. Five witnesses — five different stories. Below, Tina Haranda and Brannen Smith give each other a high five after completing the room-clearing scenario during the Citizen's Police Academy. The two-coworkers usually volunteered to go first during the myriad of scenarios simulating police work.

Michelle Sawyer

Brenda Knight

Juanita Harris

Jennakae Jenkins

(Chief Clerk; Petitions, Guardianships, Conservatorships)

(Clerk; Firearms Licenses, Accounting)

(Clerk; Marriage Licenses, Petitions, Receptionist)

(Clerk; Petitions, Filing/Recording)

May We Help You... ' Administration of Estates of ' Records Management ' Probable Cause Hearings in Deceased Persons Certain Instances ' Guardianships of Minors ' Marriage Licenses and Incapacitated Adults ' Firearm Licenses ' Commitment Hearings ' Hearings on Land Line Disputes

COMMUNITY PRIDE 2016

statesboroherald.com | STATESBORO HERALD — Sunday, February 28, 2016 – 3

National Public Safety Telecommunications Week

By HOLLI DEAL SAXON hbragg@statesboroherald.com

Every year in April, a week is set aside to honor some of the most important people in the public safety world. This year, April 10-16 is National Public Safety Te l e c o m m u n i c a t i o n s Week.

The very first 911 call was made on Feb. 16, 1968, said Bulloch County 911 Director Kelly Barnard, whose birthday just happens to be on that date as well. “I had to go into this line of work because of that,” she said jokingly.

Many do not realize the sacrifices 911 operators make in the line of duty.

Emergency dispatchers, whether they work with law enforcement agencies or public safety 911, often sacrifice special times with friends and family in the name of duty. At all times, someone is manning the radio and answering calls in order to make sure the right people respond to dangerous situations.

That's one reason area dispatchers are recognized during this week.

Last year, Bulloch County Public Safety treated dispatchers on all shifts to special meals and shirts, and other agencies showed appreciation through assorted efforts.

Dispatchers deal with all kinds of situations, from simple calls from people asking mundane questions to true life-ordeath emergencies, Barnard said..

All too often, the calls fielded by 911 operators

SCOTT BRYANT/staff

Telecommunications officers man the Bulloch County 911 Center. Emergency dispatchers, whether they work with law enforcement agencies or public safety 911, often sacrifice special times with friends and family in the name of duty. are not emergencies.

People call asking for the correct time, what time and day local authorities will hold traditional trick-or-treating for kids on Halloween, or what time a local ball game begins, she said.

Those calls may interfere with dispatchers handling a true emergency call, she said.

Dispatchers never know what type of call will come over the lines, and often find themselves trying to calm an emotional caller while collecting information about the emergency.

"People only dial 911 once or twice in their lives," Barnard said. "They are frantic or upset and a lot of times they don't realize we (dispatchers) aren't the ones who will be responding to the call."

A call comes in, and dispatchers quickly assess the situation and decide which emergency agency should respond. Three dispatchers are on call, and two listen to callers and take information while the third contacts EMS, firefighters or any other appropr iate responder.

"The information we

get from callers is critical," she said. "They all work together to get responders to the scene."

There are 12 full-time and two part-time operators as well as one "floating" dispatcher at Bulloch County 911, and other agencies such as the Bulloch County Sheriff 's Office, Statesboro Police, and Georgia Southern University Police maintain a staff of radio operators to help route calls.

Bulloch County 911 operators also handle calls for Evans and Candler counties.

Another problem

Statesboro Fire Department annual awards banquet

encountered by radio operators, especially those who work for 911, are hang-up calls. Bulloch County 911 fields about 1,500 hang-up calls a month, and many are from children playing on old cellphones, Barnard said.

Even though a cellphone may not have service or "minutes," a call may still be made to 911.

"A lot of people don't know that," she said.

Calls from these phones can't be returned because the service is inactive, and unless GPS can trace the call's location, responders can't check to see whether there is a real emergency.

Many calls to 911 are misdialed — callers trying to enter the 912 area code often accidentally call 911, Barnard said. If this happens, a caller only needs to explain to an operator about the mistake "to make sure we know everything is OK." Sometimes after a school group takes a tour of the 911 office, the number of prank calls increases, she said. Calls from kids playing on the phone increase during holidays as well. Parents and teachers are encouraged to explain to children the seriousness of emergencies and keeping the 911 lines free for emergency calls, she said.

The advice goes for any emergency response agency, as sometimes callers will dial the police department or sheriff 's office directly.

Bulloch County Public Safety Director Ted Wynn said Bulloch County 911 operators do a superb job.

"These special people handle all the emergencies in three counties.

They do a wonderful job under what is sometimes very difficult circumstances," he said. "Every emergency starts with 911. ... If it is not handled appropriately from the start, it can end badly."

Bulloch County sheriff 's Chief Deputy Jared Akins had high praise for his department's four dispatchers.

"They have to possess the ability to multitask constantly, make sound decisions under pressure, relate to people from all walks of life who call and function as part of a shift on which they work," he said.

"Imagine trying to answer an emergency phone call for help, type information into the computer, monitor radio traffic from multiple deputies, and do all of this for 12 hours on end and you get a sense of how much they really do behind the scenes. Add to that the pressure of fitting in with a group of men and women with whom you spend more time than with your ‘off duty' family.

"I have been blessed to work with some truly fine dispatchers, and it has always been comforting to hear their voices on the other end of the radio, especially on a hot call in the middle of nowhere at o-dark thirty, miles from the nearest backup," he said. "My hat, as always, is off to them."

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

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.

SPECIAL

The Statesboro Fire Department held its annual awards banquet recently to celebrate another positive year of service to the city of Statesboro and Bulloch County, as well as to honor those within and outside the department who have gone above and beyond in the line of service.

Members honored include Carlos Nevarez, Firefighter of the Year (pictured at left); Capt. Merritt Kearns, Fire Officer of the Year (pictured at right); firefighter Casey Perkins, recipient of the Ralph Deal Training Award; Capt. Ricky Hutchinson, recipient of a Lifetime Service Award; and those who have reached years of service milestones: Battalion Chief Derrel Melton (35), Capt.Weston Williams (15), firefighter Anthony Lefebvre (15), Capt. Chris Whitehead (10), Capt. Lee Nessmith (10), Lt. Jason Gammon (5) and firefighter Blake Lane (5). Non-members of the department honored include Michael Hall of C.A.F.E., Volunteer of the Year; and ServPro of Statesboro and Andrews Klean Korner, two businesses that have helped support the department and the Citizens Acting in Fire Emergencies, or C.A.F.E., Unit. The Statesboro Fire Department congratulates all recipients and those honored, and looks forward to another progressive year of protecting life and property as it has since 1905.

STATESBORO-BULLOCH COUNTY AIRPORT Did you ever wonder how you can order something from California and have it waiting on your doorstep the next morning? How about that fire in your neighbor’s field - ever wonder how help arrived so quickly? The answers lie right

here at the Statesboro-Bulloch County Airport.

The airport serves not only local pilots, but also many of our major corporations find the airport invaluable when transporting people, equipment, and goods in and out of the

region. Georgia Southern University’s athletic department, alumni, and guests routinely use the airport. Members of the medical community, schools, fire and emergency services, and law enforcement also benefit from the airport.

Residents of Bulloch County and the surrounding areas get their packages delivered quickly. Cargo planes haul everything from medical supplies to those last minute gifts.

The Georgia Forestry Commission has an Aviation Unit based at the Statesboro-Bulloch County Airport.

There are three full time pilots patrolling the skies to protect us from fires such as the ones we’ve seen recently in other states.

The airport also provides recreational activities. The Jumping Place Skydiving Center is located at the Statesboro-Bulloch County Airport.

You can even learn to fly at MidCoast Aviation Services or with one of our local flight instructors.

For more information visit us at www.statesboroairport.com, or give us a call at 912-764-9083.

Jan Moore, Mayor

Phil Boyum City Councilman - District 1

Sam Lee Jones

Jeff Yawn

City Councilman - District 2

City Councilman - District 3

John Riggs

Travis Chance

City Councilman - District 4

Mayor Pro Tem - District 5

COMMUNITY PRIDE 2016

4 – STATESBORO HERALD — Sunday, February 28, 2016 | statesboroherald.com

When law enforcement goes to the dogs BCSO acquires K9, Gismo quickly pays off with arrest

By HOLLI DEAL SAXON hbragg@statesboroherald.com

Gismo wasn't with the Bulloch County Sheriff 's Office very long before he made his first arrest.

The 18-month-old Belgian Malinois (mal-inwah) took down a man fleeing from deputies on Henry Mikell Road recently - a man who was suspected in a burglary as well as a car theft from Wrens.

Sgt. Kenneth Thompson spotted Joseph Wayne Standridge of Lakeside Drive in Appling County acting suspiciously near Mill Creek Park on Feb. 2. When Thompson tried to question him, Standridge fled into the woods. That's when Gismo and his handler, Senior Deputy Randall Norman, came to assist.

When Standridge, 27, still refused to comply, Norman barked an order in German and Gismo took off, grabbing Standridge and holding him until Norman gave the command to let go, then took the suspect into custody, according to Bulloch County sheriff's reports.

Standridge was linked to two other suspects who were arrested a few days earlier after a car chase during which they drove a car stolen in Statesboro. The three had previously arrived in Statesboro in a car stolen from Wrens and abandoned on J.A. Hart Road, said Bulloch County sheriff 's Chief Deputy Jared Akins.

Also, Standridge was suspected in a burglary that took place Monday at a B. Stubbs Road home, also in the area of Mill Creek Park, Akins said.

Captures such as this are why Gismo is part of the

sheriff's department. He joins the department's other K-9 officer, Max, a drug-sniffing dog handled by Cpl. Kirk McGlamery with the Statesboro-Bulloch County Crime Suppression Team.

sheriff's office's newest canine and his handler with other deputies and agencies."

Gismo off duty

New canine "Gismo, our newest canine ... was paid for entirely by private donations from business owners and concerned citizens throughout Bulloch County, saving the taxpayers $11,500," Akins said. "(Handler) Norman is a graduate of Georgia Southern University and worked with the Columbia County Sheriff's Office before joining the Bulloch County Sheriff's Office."

Gismo and Max are currently the only two K-9 offiJIM HEALY/staff cers with the sheriff's office, Akins said.

Senior Deputy Randall Norman, left, holds Gismo, while he attacks a "suspect" during a "In 2013, the Bulloch training exercise earlier this week. Gismo is the latest crime-fighting addition to the Bulloch County Sheriff's Office revived County Sheriff's Office, and Norman is his handler. its canine program, which had been dormant for several of marijuana, cocaine, crack he can detect illegal drugs but wise escaped on foot," Akins years," he said. "In that year, cocaine, heroin, black tar her- also track individuals who said. "Gismo has trained for the sheriff's office partnered oin and methamphetamine." have fled or who are missing." several months with one of with the Statesboro Police In the past, when deputies Savannah-Chatham Metro's Since 2013, Max and Department and Georgia McGlamery have conducted were called to find missing canine specialists, Advanced Southern University police to nearly 800 searches with local, persons such as children or Patrol Officer Will Fernandez, form the Statesboro-Bulloch state and federal law enforce- elderly individuals with who also owns UPC Canine.

Crime Suppression Team." ment agencies, numerous dementia, it could take hours Gismo is state certified school searches and searches to find an available tracking through the state of Georgia's Max of the Bulloch County Jail for canine from another agency, Regional K-9 Team." and then there was the time Gismo proved he is worth Max came to be a sheriff's contraband.

They "are also frequent spent getting to the scene. his kibble when he and K-9 through a donation from "Time is critical in missing Norman helped Thompson the Statesboro Police visitors to our schools, where persons cases, and Gismo will and Senior Deputy William they interact with children on Department in 2013. He is an enable the sheriff's office to Sims capture Standridge, who 8-year-old German shepherd a positive level," Akins said.

But Max isn't a tracking respond in minutes rather was hiding in a wooded area. and is partners with dog, instead specializing in his than hours," he said.

Standridge was at first McGlamery, who "served for charged with obstruction for decades with the Georgia field of detecting drugs.

Tracking suspects fleeing, but "it was later State Patrol and after his Tracking is where Gismo comes in. retirement came to work for The new dog comes in learned (he) was wanted for "Gismo and Senior pretty handy when suspects fleeing from police in Ware the sheriff 's office," Akins Deputy Norman fill a need don't listen to deputies' com- County and was connected to said. the other incidents in Bulloch "Together, Max and Cpl. which has existed in Bulloch mands to stop.

McGlamery work as a team County for several years," "Gismo can track suspects County," Akins said. "This is to detect illegal drugs. Max is Akins said. "Gismo is a dual- who flee from law enforce- the first of many examples of trained to recognize the odor purpose canine, meaning that ment who might have other- the partnership between the

BULLOCH COUNTY MAGISTRATE COURT The Magistrate Court system in Georgia was established by an act of the Georgia Legislature with an effective date of July 1, 1983.

This followed the adoption of a new Georgia Constitution in 1982 that created a uniform system of Courts. With the creation of the Magistrate Court system, all small claims courts and justice of the peace courts were abolished and their judges became magistrates.

Magistrate Court is a limited jurisdiction court with both civil and criminal jurisdiction.

Our court processes the filing of civil claims not exceeding $15,000, dispossessory warrants, garnishments, levys, writs of possession, abandoned motor vehicles, bonds for good June Bradley Braswell behavior and county ordinance Chief Magistrate violations. Magistrate Court processes bad check and other criminal warrants. The Chief Magistrate and Deputy Magistrate hold warrant application hearings, first appearance hearings and hearings on contested civil claims, county ordinance violation hearings and perform marriage ceremonies.

SPD begins youth academy

By HOLLI DEAL SAXON hbragg@statesboroherald.com

During the summer, many children enjoy day camps, Vacation Bible Schools and other activities, but a dozen members of the Boys and Girls Club of Bulloch County had a unique experience that taught them what it's like to be a police officer.

For the first time, the Statesboro Police Department offered a Youth Citizens' Police Academy, similar to the adult version of the course that has been in existence for a few years.

While the adult CPA lasts 11 weeks and classes are a couple of hours long each week, the YCPA course is only six weeks, with classes lasting an hour so as to better fit a child's attention span, said Statesboro Police Cpl. Justin Samples.

The YCPA is more kid-

friendly, not as graphic as the adult course, but still allows participants to get hands-on experience through acting out certain scenarios, he said.

The youth course was created out of a collaboration between the Boys and Girls Club and the Statesboro Police Department.

"We have wanted to do a youth Citizens Police Academy for a while," Samples said. "We talked to (Boys and Girls Club Executive Director) Mike Jones, who was interested in doing more with law enforcement." The inaugural YCPA was restricted to the club members, but Samples said he hopes to expand the course next summer.

"With all the social unrest this country has faced, and the people we serve being at high risk, this is an opportunity to form positive relationships between the youth and

For the convenience of Bulloch County citizens, we now have electronic filing capabilities through www.bullochcourts.com and a videotape entitled "I Present My Case" to aid pro se litigants.

This video is made available through the courtesy of the Judicial Council of Georgia and can be viewed by appointment.

101 Oak Street (Corner of Oak ·& Hill)

764-6458/489-6731 fax 8:00 am-5:00 pm Mon.-Fri.

build trust with local law enforcement," Jones said. "We reached out to local law enforcement, and discussed a variety of ways to get officers to interact with the boys and girls and build positive relationships and images."

The YCPA's purpose is similar to the adult class in that it exposes participants to "learn more about policing and what we do," Samples said. "Hopefully, participants will have a better understanding of what we do" after completing the course.

"The first step we are taking is to show our children firsthand what officers go through," Jones said.

"Hopefully, it will build respect. We hope to develop a deeper relationship and that officers come to volunteer as mentors on a consistent basis.

We hope it extends from the club to the neighborhoods where our children are from."

Georgia State Senate

Magistrate Court Staff: Deputy Magistrate - Karen Jones Court Clerk - Brenda Cross Chief Constable - Ricky Stringer Deputy Constable - Jason Sapp Deputy Clerks - Brittany Dyches, Lynn Sapp, Linda Jones, Becky Hart, Maria Mock, Kortney Messer Part time - Briana Jones, Linda Sammons Harris

But Gismo has another side to his personality. He may be all business when it comes to work, but Norman, with whom Gismo lives, said he is like any typical young dog when the K-9 badge comes off.

"He is like a baby, like a 2-year-old," Norman said.

"He loves affection and for you to scratch his ears. He loves playing with his Kong," a rubber toy.

From Stuttgart, Germany, Gismo was trained to obey German commands, and it was easier for Norman to learn those commands than to retrain the dog.

"But he knows English, too," Norman said.

Gismo isn't vicious, but he means business.

"He is not aggressive unless the offender is fighting him," he said. "I have the ability to call him off."

During a training exhibition recently at Ogeechee Technical College to introduce Gismo to other local law enforcement agencies and show them how he works, Norman demonstrated that control when he sent Gismo toward a fleeing "suspect," then called him off just as the dog got close enough to grab hold. In another exercise, however, Norman allowed Gismo to show how he could grab and hold with enough strength and momentum to halt a suspect until deputies could take him into custody.

But at home?

"He is a bull in a china shop," Norman said with a laugh. "His wagging tail knocks everything over."

S ENATOR J ACK H ILL Georgia’s 4th District Chairman, Ch i Appropriations Committee 234 State Capitol Atlanta, Georgia 30334 (404)656-5038 Fax: (404)657-7094 Jack.Hill@senate.ga.gov

P.O. Box 486 Reidsville, Georgia 30453 (912)557-3811 Fax: (912)557-3522 1-800-367-3334

COMMUNITY PRIDE 2016

statesboroherald.com | STATESBORO HERALD â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Sunday, February 28, 2016 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 5

The cop on the school beat School resource officer works to keep campuses across Bulloch County safe

By HOLLI DEAL SAXON hbragg@statesboroherald.com

Each morning, students at Statesboro High School are met with smiles, words of greeting or high fives from Statesboro police Officer Steve Gravely.

The officerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s presence doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t mean something bad has happened. He is the schoolâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s resource officer, which means his daily duties are conducted on school property instead of out in the city streets.

Dually funded by the city and the Bulloch County Board of Education, the school resource officer position offers an extra measure of safety as well as a liaison between students and law enforcement. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Statesboro Police Department assigns one officer to act as the school resource officer,â&#x20AC;? said Hayley Greene, BOE spokesperson. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The SRO is stationed at Statesboro High School while school is in session. The SRO attends most major extracurricular events, including occasionally traveling with the sport teams to away games.

During holidays and breaks, the SRO returns to patrol status.â&#x20AC;?

Gravely, who has been at Statesboro High School for four years, said he enjoys the camaraderie between himself and the students.

He helps the school with safety plans and problemsolving, serving as a bridge between the school and community resources, he said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I give lectures, speak in classrooms and tell students about community awareness and preventing theft,â&#x20AC;? he said.

Gravely also conducts educational events using Fatal Vision goggles, or, â&#x20AC;&#x153;as students call them, â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;DUI goggles,â&#x20AC;&#x2122;â&#x20AC;? to teach how alcohol impairs function, vision and other faculties. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Daily, I am in the hallways, visiting classrooms, talking to students about law enforcement opportunitiesâ&#x20AC;? and other topics, he said.

But some of Gravelyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s favorite interactions with students involve sports. He attends all of the schoolâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s sporting events as both a fan and a police officer, but his presence in uniform lends a hand to the safety aspect of his job. â&#x20AC;&#x153;(Gravelyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s) responsibilities include â&#x20AC;Ś school security, criminal incident reports, arrests and crime complaints, monitoring student activity in hallways and common areas, patrolling parking lots, crime awareness and prevention education, and serving as the Statesboro Police Department law enforcement liaison for faculty, staff and students,â&#x20AC;? Greene said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Having an SRO law enforcement presence onsite at the school provides a visible deterrent to criminal activity, quick response in the event of a criminal incident, investigation resource for crime involving youth and an invaluable positive relationship with the future leaders of our community.â&#x20AC;?

Gravely said he feels his

presence helps cut down on drugs and violence at the school. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We havenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t had a single fight this year, and it definitely cuts down on thefts,â&#x20AC;? he said.

Statesboro High Principal Dr. Ken LeCain said Gravely is a welcomed addition to the school.

"Having a uniformed resource officer on campus is invaluable,â&#x20AC;? he said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It gives us a direct link to the Statesboro Police Department. We have immediate response to our needs and help with investigations. The resource officer's presence is a deterrent to negative activity."

Statesboro High School, with a population of 1,602 students in its preschool program and in ninth through 12th grade, is the only Bulloch County school with an assigned resource officer.

Portal Middle High School has only 422 students, including its preschool program, and Southeast Bulloch High School has 972 students, including preschoolers. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The school population and campus size factor into the need,â&#x20AC;? Greene said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Ac c o r d i n g to Superintendent Charles Wilson, placing a resource officer at a school directly relates to the jurisdiction area of local law enforcement and their ability to partner with the school system to provide a full-time officer at a school. School resource officers are licensed law enforcement officers.â&#x20AC;?

To place resource officers at Portal Middle High and Southeast Bulloch High would require a similar partnership with the Portal Police Department and the Bulloch County Sheriff 's Office and their ability to place an officer and vehicle at these locations, she said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;With the partnership (between the school and police), the Statesboro Police Department provides the officer and vehicle. The (department) bills the school district monthly for the officer's regular hours and any needed overtime hours,â&#x20AC;? Greene said.

However, there is always law enforcement coverage and protection at other county schools, according to local police and sheriff â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s department spokesmen.

Brooklet police Chief Max Meyer said his officers patrol and visit Brooklet Elementary on a daily basis, performing walk-throughs and traffic patrol, because the school is inside the city limits. His officers are also available to help at Southeast Bulloch Middle and High schools when needed, he said.

Bulloch County sheriff â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s deputies also patrol all area schools and assist with traffic during times when school starts and ends, said Bulloch County sheriff â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Chief Deputy Jared Akins. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We do school zone patrol first thing in the morning, walk through as frequently as we can (usually each day) and send deputies to work sporting events,â&#x20AC;? he said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We also

SCOTT BRYANT/staff

Statesboro High School Resource Officer Steve Gravely instructs student Leslee Hodges, 14, how to complete tasks while wearing a pair of goggles that simulate intoxication as part of the Alcohol and Drug Awareness Program in a freshman physical education class. respond to any calls for service throughout the day and provide extra deputies to deal with any concerns (of) the school board or staff.â&#x20AC;?

Portal police also have a strong visibility in their schools, said Chief Jason Sapp. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have an SRO, but we do go there every day,â&#x20AC;? he said, referring to traffic assistance and walkthroughs at Portal Elementary School as well as Portal Middle High School. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We have a good rapport with the schools.â&#x20AC;?

It is up to the schools as to whether a school resource officer is assigned, Akins said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The SRO issue was discussed with a former superintendent, and the sheriff (Lynn Anderson) was willing to assign a deputyâ&#x20AC;? to a local high school, Akins said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;However, we could not come to a satisfactory compromise on jointly utilizing the assigned deputy, specifically when school was not in session.â&#x20AC;?

TOWN OF BROOKLET CITY HALL would like to recognize itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Public Service Representatives.

CITY HALL PUBLIC WORKS POLICE DEPARTMENT MAYOR & CITY COUNCIL REPRESENTATIVES PLANNING & ZONING COMMISSION

BULLOCH COUNTY Clerk of Superior, State, and Juvenile Courts 912.764.9009 | www.bullochcounty.net

Heather Banks McNeal Clerk of Court

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6 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; STATESBORO HERALD â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Sunday, February 28, 2016 | statesboroherald.com

COMMUNITY PRIDE 2016

2015 Crime Statistics from the Bulloch County Sheriff's Office

OFFENSE

2015

MURDER AGG ASSAULT AGG BATTERY KIDNAPPING ADULT SEX CRIMES CHILD SEX CRIMES ROBBERY/ARMED ROBBERY BURGLARY ARSON FELONY CRUELTY TO CHILDREN ENTERING AUTO FINANCIAL CRIMES JAIL ASSAULTS THEFT BY TAKING THEFT BY TAKINGFIREARM THEFT BY TAKINGMOTOR VEHICLE TERRORISTIC THREATS DEATH INVESTIGATIONS FROM ALL CAUSES SUICIDE MISSING PERSONS DOMESTIC DISPUTES/FAMILY VIOLENCE DUI DRUG RELATED CASES/INVESTIGATIONS FAILURE TO REGISTER AS A SEX OFFENDER CURRENT REGISTERED SEX OFFENDERS ASSAULTS ON DEPUTIES TOTAL BCSO ARRESTS MENTAL HEALTH TRANSPORTS WARRANTS SERVED VEHICLE PURSUITS JAIL BOOKINGS CASE NUMBERS CALLS DISPATCHED FIREARMS LICENSES PROCESSED

1 27 9 1 28 16 4

CHANGE FROM 2014 -1 -3 +6 +1 +9 -1 -3

CLEARED BY ARREST 0 (0%) 19 (70%) 7 (78%) 1 (100%) 12 (43%) 4 (25%) 1 (25%)

183 2 13

+2 -5 +5

42 (23%) 1 (50%) 9 (69%)

72 102 13 250 11

-26 -47 +8 -48 -22

20 (28%) 50 (49%) 13 (100%) 78 (31%) 3 (27%)

31

+3

8 (26%)

18 32

0 -25

15 (83%) N/A

3 14

-1 -2

N/A N/A

573

-51

235 (41%)

42 651

-36 +211

N/A N/A

3

-11

N/A

98

-7

12

0

12 (100%)

1946 97

+64 -79

N/A N/A

384 19 5882 13397 25500 1270

+98 -1 +29 +8416 0 +129

N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A

ADULT SEX CRIMES INCLUDE RAPE, AGGRAVATED SODOMY, SODOMY, INCEST, SEXUAL BATTERY, AGGRAVATED SEXUAL BATTERY, STATUTORY RAPE, PUBLIC INDECENCY, AND SEXUAL ASSAULT x CHILD SEX CRIMES INCLUDE CHILD MOLESTATION, AGGRAVATED CHILD MOLESTATION, AND ENTICING A CHILD FOR INDECENT PURPOSES x FINANCIAL CRIMES INCLUDE FORGERY, FINANCIAL TRANSACTION CARD THEFT/FRAUD, IDENTITY THEFT, AND NEGOTIATING FICTICIOUS CHECKS x JAIL ASSAULTS INCLUDE VIOLENCE IN CONFINEMENT AND OBSTRUCTING JAIL OFFICERS WITH VIOLENCE (ASSAULTS ON JAIL STAFF) x DOMESTIC DISPUTES/FAMILY VIOLENCE INCLUDES DOMESTIC DISPUTE REPORTS, FV SIMPLE BATTERY, FV BATTERY, FV AGG ASSAULT, CRUELTY TO CHILDREN 3RD DEGREE, STALKING, AGG STALKING, AND VIOLATIONS OF FV ORDERS x

ANALYSIS 2015 SAW MINOR FLUCTUATIONS IN VIOLENT CRIMES, MOST OF WHICH WERE CLEARED BY ARREST, AND DECREASES IN PROPERTY CRIMES. OF PARTICULAR NOTE IS THE IMPROVEMENT IN CLEARANCES OF FINANCIAL CRIMES AND THEFTS. CALLS FOR SERVICE STABILIZED SOMEWHAT IN 2015, HELPED BY THE ADDITIONAL TWO PATROL DEPUTIES AUTHORIZED BY THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS IN FY 2016. THESE TWO DEPUTIES WERE ASSIGNED TO A â&#x20AC;&#x153;SWING SHIFTâ&#x20AC;? WHICH COVERS BOTH DAY AND NIGHT SHIFTS, ALLOWING FOR ADDITIONAL PERSONNEL DURING HOURS OF PEAK ACTIVITY. EXTRA PATROL PERSONNEL IS STILL A NECESSITY. VIOLENT CRIMES FOR 2015 WERE FOUND TO HAVE AN INCREASING GANG COMPONENT, AS GROUPS SUCH AS THE â&#x20AC;&#x153;GANGSTER DISCIPLESâ&#x20AC;? OPERATE DRUG DISTRIBUTION NETWORKS WITH TIES TO OTHER JURISDICTIONS. CRIME SUPPRESSION HAS DEDICATED EXTENSIVE WORK AND RESOURCES TO TARGETING GANG RELATED CRIME AND HAS BEGUN AN INTELLIGENCE PROGRAM DESIGNED TO TRACK THESE GANGS. C.I.D. CONTINUES TO MAINTAIN A HIGH OPERATIONS TEMPO AND EXCELLENT SOLVE RATE. THE NUMBER OF ABSCONDED SEX OFFENDERS HAS DECREASED, DUE IN LARGE PART TO DIVIDING RESPONSIBILITY FOR SUPERVISING THEM TO EACH INVESTIGATOR, RESULTING IN GREATER ACCOUNTABILITY AND MORE FREQUENT CHECKS. THE STATESBORO-BULLOCH CRIME SUPPRESSION TEAM OPENED 651 INVESTIGATIONS IN 2015, A 211 CASE INCREASE FROM 2014. THIS INCREASE REPRESENTS AN ENORMOUS, PROACTIVE STEP IN DISRUPTING DRUG TRAFFICKING OPERATIONS IN BULLOCH COUNTY AND ALSO ARRESTING THE VIOLENT FELONS ASSOCIATED WITH THIS TRADE. TOTAL BCSO ARRESTS FOR 2015 INCREASED TO 1946. THIS REPRESENTS 1/3 OF ALL BOOKINGS INTO THE BULLOCH COUNTYH JAIL.

JAMES W. DEAL

17257 HWY 301 NORTH STATESBORO, GA 30458 (912) 764-8888 FAX (912) 764-2917 www.bullochsheriff.com

SHERIFF

LYNN M. ANDERSON

BULLOCH COUNTY SHERIFFâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;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 Sheriffâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;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 Sheriffâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;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.

Todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Sheriffâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;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.

The Constitution of the State of Georgia provides that â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Sheriff shall keep and preserve the peace of his county.â&#x20AC;? Sheriff Anderson and his staff stand ready at all times to do so.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Sheriff shall keep and preserve the peace of his county.â&#x20AC;?

8 5

www.bullochsheriff.com Chief Deputy Jared Akins

Bulloch County Tax Commissioner 113 North Main Street Suite 101 P.O. Box 245 Statesboro GA 30459 Telephone: 912-764-6285 Fax: 912-489-4108 2IÂżFH +RXUV D P Âą S P 0RQGD\ Âą )ULGD\ $35,/ Âą 02%,/( +20( '8( '$7( &+$1*(' %< /$: )520 0$<

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that processes online tax payments. All 2015 and prior taxes owed should be paid as soon as SRVVLEOH WR DYRLG WD[ VDOH DQG WKH ÂżOLQJ RI D OLHQ )L)D ZKLFK ZLOO DIIHFW \RXU FUHGLW IRU PDQ\ years.

After March 1, 2016, a one-time 10% penalty will be applied to the balance owed on that date on all 2015 real and personal property tax bills that were due on December 1, 2015. 10% 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 of December 1, 2015. ())(&7,9( -$18$5< Âą %RWK 5HJLVWUDWLRQ DQG 7LWOH IRU D QHZO\ SXU¤FKDVHG PRWRU vehicle from a source other than a registered dealer must be applied for at the ownerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s County 7DJ 2IÂżFH QR ODWHU WKDQ VHYHQ EXVLQHVV GD\V DIWHU WKH 'DWH RI 3XUFKDVH 2 & * $

9(+,&/(6 Âą 5(0(0%(5 \RXU UHJLVWUDWLRQ (;3,5(6 21 <285 %,57+'$< IRU LQGLYLGXDOV ,1685$1&( RQ \RXU YHKLFOH PXVW EH VXEPLWWHG WR WKH VWDWH LQVXUDQFH GDWD EDVH E\ \RXU DJHQW WR HQDEOH WKH UHQHZDO RI \RXU WDJ GHFDO 9HKLFOHV FRYHUHG E\ D Ă&#x20AC;HHW SROLF\ DUH DQ H[FHSWLRQ WR WKLV UXOH DQG \RXU Ă&#x20AC;HHW FDUG PXVW EH SURYLGHG ,I WKHUH LV D ODSVH LQ \RXU LQVXUDQFH lapse fees will be placed on the tag system by the state and must be paid within 30 days of ODSVH GDWH ZLWK FDVK RU FHUWLÂżHG IXQGV WR SUHYHQW IXUWKHU IHHV DQG SRVVLEOH VXVSHQVLRQ RI \RXU registration. Penalties on regular re-newals begin the day after your birthday and are by law added automatically by the computer. %XVLQHVVHV UHQHZ DFFRUGLQJ WR WKH ÂżUVW OHWWHU RI WKH WLWOH IRU WKHLU YHKLFOH $ % LQ -DQXDU\ & ' LQ )HEUXDU\ HWF DQG DUH GXH E\ WKH ODVW GD\ RI \RXU PRQWK /DWH UHJLVWUDWLRQV ZLOO E\ ODZ require that penalties be added.

7LWOH DG YDORUHP WD[ 7$97 UHSODFHG VDOHV WD[ RQ YHKLFOHV LQ *HRUJLD EHJLQQLQJ 0DUFK 1, 2013. TAVT also applies to persons moving to Georgia from another state and applies to VDOHV EHWZHHQ LQGLYLGXDOV 7$97 DSSOLHV WR WUDQVDFWLRQV GDWHG LQ WLPHV WKH YDOXH RI WKH YHKLFOH PXVW EH SDLG WR RXU RIÂżFH DW WLPH RI WUDQVIHU RU SXUFKDVH &HUWDLQ UXOHV DSSO\ WR WUDQVIHUV EHWZHHQ LPPHGLDWH IDPLO\ PHPEHUV PLOLWDU\ SHUVRQV DQG %X\+HUH 3D\+HUH dealers.

02%,/( +20(6 Âą 3XUFKDVH \RXU GHFDO E\ $SULO WR DYRLG LQWHUHVW DQG SHQDOW\ )DLOXUH WR GLVSOD\ D FXUUHQW GHFDO FDQ UHVXOW LQ D FLWDWLRQ DQG ÂżQHV WKURXJK WKH 0DJLVWUDWH &RXUW Our goal is to assist the taxpayers and citizens of Bulloch County with services rendered by RXU RIÂżFH LQ DQ HIÂżFLHQW DQG SURIHVVLRQDO PDQQHU ZKLOH EHLQJ JRYHUQHG E\ PDQ\ ODZV UXOHV and regulations.

3/($6( &$// 86 :,7+ <285 1(('6 $1' 48(67,216 Our website www.bullochtaxcommissioner.com provides information regarding taxes, exemptions, vehicle registrations, etc. Web site is currently being updated for new laws and regulations.

3/($6( 127( 285 1(: 3+<6,&$/ $''5(66 $%29(

2016 Community

Pride

Business

Farmers and Merchants Bank Proud to be locally owned

COMMUNITY PRIDE 2016

2A – Statesboro herald — Sunday, February 28, 2016 | statesboroherald.com

Sea Island banker graduates Banking School Special to the Herald

Brannen Smith with Sea Island Bank, a divison of Synovus Bank in Statesboro has graduated from the Georgia Banking School.

The graduation ceremony took place at the Georgia Center's UGA Hotel and Conference Center in Athens. Smith also was chosen as the Graduate of Distinction from his graduating class.

Established in 1961, the Georgia Banking School is a three-year specialized school run by the Georgia Bankers Association.

The purpose of the school is to prepare bank

managers to effectively and profitably serve their hometowns by developing a thorough understanding of banking practices, regulations and management principles.

During the course of the three-year program, graduates complete an annual one-week residence session at the University of Georgia and complete home study problems between sessions. The school provides a well-balanced curriculum featuring UGA faculty members, veteran bankers and other industry experts and specialists.

"For the past 54 years

this school has been a highly effective resource for developing the leadership talents of Georgia bankers," said Banking School Director Darron Burnette, president and CEO of Sea Island Bank.

"It is common for graduates of the program to go on to become senior executives and bank CEOs as their careers grow."

Twenty-eight Georgia Bankers graduated from the Georgia Banking School this year.

Established in 1892, the Georg ia B ankers Association is the trade and professional organization representing Georgia's

Special

Pictured, left to right, Joe Brannen, president of the Georgia Bankers Association, Brannen Smith, Joe Nemtz, Third Year Coordinator of Georgia Banking School, and Darron Burnette, director of Georgia Banking School and Sea Island Bank president and CEO. commercial banks and thrift institutions.

For 123 years, the GBA

has provided Georgia's banks with top-quality professional development,

revenue-enhancing products and services, government relations and public advocacy.

Local architects merge into single strong firm

By DeWAYNE GRICE dgrice@statesboroherald.com

More than a year ago, a mutual friend who knew local architect's Frank D'Arcangelo and Kevin Palmer brought them together and suggested they partner in some way.

Each of them brought unique strengths to the table and the friend felt together they could flourish.

That initial meeting brought about productive meetings and the merger of the two largest local architectural firms in Statesboro: Martin, Rule and Associates and Palmer Architects.

The new firm will be named D'Arcangelo, Palmer and Rule Architects or D.P.R. Architects.

Kevin's firm was established in 2006 and Martin and Rule was founded more than 40 years ago by legendary local architect Ed Eckles.

Bernie Martin, now retired, joined Eckles' firm in 1974 and John Rule joined in 1981. Bernie and John became partners in 1990 and the firm's name changed to Eckles, Martin & Rule Architects.

Following Edwin's death, Frank D'Arcangelo joined the firm in 2002. In 2005, the firm name changed to Martin, Rule and Associates Architects to reflect the passing of Eckles and the addition of Frank as a business partner. Through the years, the Martin, Rule firm has brought sound design principals, reliability, integrity and professional commitment to Bulloch County and the surrounding communities.

New firm The new firm will continue to operate out of the former Martin, Rule & Associates building at 12A East Grady Street.

Kevin began his archi-

tectural career drafting for Eckles, while obtaining his degree in Architecture. A native of Statesboro and a graduate of SHS, Palmer is known for his work with the board of regents, local governments and businesses. Some of his more recent recognizable projects include the transformation of Sanford Hall on the GSU campus into the department of Communication Arts, the Sudie Fullford Learning Center on the East Georgia College's Swainsboro campus, the "Palace" El Sombrero restaurant on Buckhead Drive and the Bulloch County Annex on North Main Street.

"This partnership allow us to pull together our individual strengths and positions us for growth," Kevin Palmer said.

"Individually we could handle projects in the $2 to

well known for his love of Georgia Tech, his family and community.

$4 million range. Now we can easily target projects in the $10 million range. Both firms have excellent reputations and are known for success in different areas of the construction industry.

We are seeing the construction and building industry begin to make a strong recovery and we want to be positioned to take advantage of this growth."

Martin, Rule founder Ed Eckles designed more than 40 buildings on the GSU campus and had a major impact in laying the foundation of success the firm has enjoyed for the past four decades. Eckles was

New partner Frank D'Arcangelo, a graduate of Savannah College of Art and Design, has worked hard to continue the firm's presence in the community. He serves on multiple civic boards and has been instrumental in leading the restoration of downtown through the Downtown Development Authority.

"I am excited about this partnership and new direction for our firm," D'Arcangelo said.

"Together we have a rich history and commitment to this community and region. We will also enjoy more creativity, enhanced business management tools and increased technology that will aid in design and presentation of our projects. With the retirement of Bernie Martin, the timing was good for us to pull

together as one firm."

One of the great changes in architecture, like most industries, is the opportunities brought on by technology.

In the past, it could take weeks to manually build a scale model of a project for a presentation. Now in three or four days they can build a computer generated 3D rendering of the project that allows clients to take a virtual tour of the building.

This provides a major improvement, not only from a presentation standpoint, but also in design and engineering.

With a host of talented local general contractors calling Statesboro home, the new firm could help give them an edge on future growth.

We can expect D'Arcangelo, Palmer and Rule Architects to continue to be a leader in their industry and our community.

You are welcome here.

There’s something different about the way everyone cares for one another in our community, and you’ll find it’s the same way at Sea Island Bank. Turn to us for the financial products and services you need. Because here is a great place to be your friend, your neighbor and your bank.

912.489.8661 seaislandbank.com

Banking products are provided by Synovus Bank, Member FDIC. Divisions of Synovus Bank operate under multiple trade names across the Southeast.

COMMUNITY PRIDE 2016

statesboroherald.com | Statesboro herald — Sunday, February 28, 2016 – 3A

J.C. Lewis Ford appreciates warm reception in the Boro

Central Savannah

river Crematory SPECIAL

J.C. Lewis Ford, on Highway 301 South, opened in Statesboro in 2014 and has enjoyed tremendous success since it's debut. Walter Lewis, J.C. Lewis Ford president, said: 'We are optimistic that 2016 will be another banner year for our company and for Statesboro.'

Now Statesboro has a choice!

By DeWAYNE GRICE dgrice@statesboroherald.com

Direct Cremation

Last year, U.S. car buyers purchased more cars than ever before thanks to lower gas prices and a strengthening economy. According to the Washington Post, about 17.5 million cars and trucks were sold last year overtaking the previous record of 17.3 million in 2000.

That is great news for local auto dealers, especially J.C. Lewis Ford in Statesboro who saw their Ford brand shatter records once again last year.

Two years ago, J.C. Lewis Ford entered the Statesboro market by purchasing Rozier Ford located on Highway 301 South. Rozier Ford was owned by Frank Rozier and his family. The Rozier’s owned and operated the Ford dealerships in Bulloch County for more than 45 years.

Since acquiring the dealership, the Lewis’ have increased the staff and doubled the inventory. With more than 300 new and used vehicles in inventory, they boast one of the largest selections in the area. These

additions have made a big difference in the continued success of the dealership.

Another advantage leveraged through J.C. Lewis’ increased buying power is it allows them to have more high demand vehicles on the Statesboro location like Explorers, Fusions, Escapes and, of course, F-150 trucks in stock. They also have direct access to the massive inventory at the Savannah location of J.C. Lewis Ford.

“Last year was a great year in the industry. We saw great sales volumes in both our Statesboro and Savannah locations. It is no surprise that Statesboro continues to exceed our expectations,” said Walter Lewis, J.C. Lewis Ford President. “The growth of the Statesboro market combined with our incredible inventory and great team has positioned us well for continued growth in the market.”

J.C. Lewis Ford is celebrating its 104th year in business. This legacy began in 1912 when Walter’s grandfather, Julius Curtis Lewis Sr., purchased the Ford dealership in Savannah.

That was nine years after Henry Ford founded Ford Motor Company and four years after the Model T was introduced.

The J.C. Lewis Ford management team continues to look for ways to operate more efficiently. In light of this, they elected to partner with Robbie Ward, owner of Ward Auto Painting and Bodyworks, to take over their body shop. Ward’s Auto Painting and Bodyworks has operations in seven locations throughout the southeast. This is their first location in Statesboro. Bob Wyatt is the local manager for Ward’s Auto Painting and Bodyworks.

“We have been very humbled by the warm reception the Statesboro community has given us.

We have been blessed with a great community, great employees and wonderful customers. We really appreciate the support of everyone in Statesboro,” said Walter Lewis. “We are optimistic that 2016 will be another banner year for our company and for Statesboro.”

Price Comparison On-Site Crematory

Our price Joiner-Anderson $1995 $745 Hodges-Moore $2495

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As one of America’s oldest family-owned Ford dealerships, we’re proud to be associated with a company that is driving into the future with an American spirit you can believe in.

We’re also proud to be part of this wonderful community.

Convenient locations in Statesboro and Savannah!

For more info, visit jclewisfordlincoln.com • Hwy. 301 South • 912.681.3800

LDP-2903-FMB-Pride_Layout 1 2/19/16 2:30 PM Page 1

4A - STATESBORO HERALD - Sunday, February 28, 2016 | statesboroherald.com

statesboroherald.com | STATESBORO HERALD - Sunday, February 28, 2016 - 5A

After 68 years, FMB still stands for Bulloch.

And Bulloch still stands with FMB. “I appreciate FMB working with me through the recession.

They understand the community and want folks to succeed.” “ Our family business (has) worked with FMB for 4 generations. They are friendly and honest, and they know what you need to know.”

Joey Maxwell, civil engineer Maxwell-Reddick Associates

Laurie and Hannah Denmark Denmark’s Furniture Mart

“ FMB is a hometown bank, a good bank with good, solid people. They understand small business. They have a vision for the future.”

“FMB helped me start out and grow my dental practice.

They’re people I can always call when I need something.

They know your voice!”

Lindsay Martin, manager/operator MSO Water Systems

Jason McGibony, DMD Dr. McGibony & Associates

“ FMB has been there every time we needed them.

Without them, we couldn’t have grown or survived bad times.”

Jason Nesmith, Jennifer Nesmith Bray, Jodi Nesmith and Ken Nesmith Ken’s IGA stores

At FMB, nothing gives us more pride than helping the people of Bulloch. Because we’re people of Bulloch, too. Making decisions right here at home to help Bulloch be its best.

NMLS#498426 LDP-2903-16

912-489-2600

Bulloch born. Bulloch values.

Main Street

Brannen Street

Brooklet

LDP-2903-FMB-Pride_Layout 1 2/19/16 2:30 PM Page 1

4A - STATESBORO HERALD - Sunday, February 28, 2016 | statesboroherald.com

statesboroherald.com | STATESBORO HERALD - Sunday, February 28, 2016 - 5A

After 68 years, FMB still stands for Bulloch.

And Bulloch still stands with FMB. “I appreciate FMB working with me through the recession.

They understand the community and want folks to succeed.” “ Our family business (has) worked with FMB for 4 generations. They are friendly and honest, and they know what you need to know.”

Joey Maxwell, civil engineer Maxwell-Reddick Associates

Laurie and Hannah Denmark Denmark’s Furniture Mart

“ FMB is a hometown bank, a good bank with good, solid people. They understand small business. They have a vision for the future.”

“FMB helped me start out and grow my dental practice.

They’re people I can always call when I need something.

They know your voice!”

Lindsay Martin, manager/operator MSO Water Systems

Jason McGibony, DMD Dr. McGibony & Associates

“ FMB has been there every time we needed them.

Without them, we couldn’t have grown or survived bad times.”

Jason Nesmith, Jennifer Nesmith Bray, Jodi Nesmith and Ken Nesmith Ken’s IGA stores

At FMB, nothing gives us more pride than helping the people of Bulloch. Because we’re people of Bulloch, too. Making decisions right here at home to help Bulloch be its best.

NMLS#498426 LDP-2903-16

912-489-2600

Bulloch born. Bulloch values.

Main Street

Brannen Street

Brooklet

COMMUNITY PRIDE 2016

6A – Statesboro herald — Sunday, February 28, 2016 | statesboroherald.com

Ellis remains 'best little meat market'

By DeWAYNE GRICE dgrice@statesboroherald.com

There are a few hidden gems in Statesboro that make our town unique.

These are “secrets” that generations of Bulloch County residents are familiar with but newcomers are thrilled to discover.

One of my favorites that fits into this category is Ellis Meat Market located at 117 West Main.

Their slogan, “The Biggest Little Meat Market in Statesboro” certainly rings true. The actual retail portion of the store is less than 1,200 square feet. However, if you compare them with any other grocery store in the market, the volume of meat they move through that

tiny little store will blow your mind.

Ellis Meat Market was founded in 1967 by Lannie and LaVaughn Ellis in the backyard of their home in Hopulikit as a two person custom meat processing operation. Their primary customers then were local farmers who needed their livestock processed and packaged. As the demand for the business grew, Lannie saw a need to expand the retail side of the business. In the early 80s they opened the retail operation in the storefront on West Main that they continue to operate.

Now, 50 years later, the business is operated by the children and grandchildren of Lannie and LaVaughn. For the past

few decades, brothers Kenny and Kimball Ellis were the face of the business along with their wives. Sister Angie Ellis Edenfield worked in the background, but also remained very active in the business.

After the unexpected death of Kenny a few years ago and the passing of Lannie last July, both Kimbell and Angie’s roles have expanded. Shirl, Kimball’s wife works day to day in the business, along with running a popular local catering company – Simply Elegant.

“We have continued the tradition Mom and Dad began this business with and that is focusing on the highest quality meat we can find, priced competi-

tively and never forgetting that our quality and per-

need to make your dinner for two or 200 a success.

You will find nearly every cut of fowl, goat, lamb, beef, pork, seafood and exotic meat imaginable.

They also have frozen vegetables, prepackaged foods and dry goods.

“We have clients that visit us every day,” Shirl Ellis said. “They walk in and ask me what is for dinner. I make recommendations, pull everything they need for a delicious meal and send them on their way.”

Even though their actual store front is pretty small, their operation is impressive. They employee nearly 25 full-time workers and the footprint of the entire operation covers almost an entire city

sonal service is what sets us apart,” Kimball Ellis said. “Our customers call us and tell us how many guests they are entertaining and we take care of the rest. For our regulars, we know what they prefer as far as types and cut of meat.”

Stepping into the store is really like stepping back in time, not just in atmosphere but from the way you are greeted, the variety of meats and other products to each member of the team making sure you have everything you

block.

“Many of our clients know us for our top shelf products and high quality custom cut meats. Our client base is very diverse and many of our clients depend on us as their primary grocery source. We offer great value with our “meat for the week” and other promotions. We want to be everyone’s meat market and with that attention to meeting the needs of all of our clients has been a real big part of our success.”

I hear rumors often that they are going to expand or rebuild the store,” Angie Edenfield said. “The Ellis’s squashed these rumors.

They have a formula that seems to be working pretty well. I can understand the hesitation in tweaking the model. There is something special about stepping back in time when you enter the store that adds to the charm.”

Ulta brings 'beauty'

By DeWAYNE GRICE dgrice@statesboroherald.com

C o m m e rc i a l G l a s s P r i o r i t y S e r v i c e Residential Glass C u s t o m S h ow e r s a n d M i r r o r s A u t o a n d H e av y E q u i p m e n t Sandblasted Logos & Design

24 Hours a Day - 7 Days a Week!

WE’LL COME TO YOU!

912-764-8368

Locally Owned & Operated www.GlassReplacementStatesboro.com email: vincentk4u@gmail.com

Statesboro Crossings newest store Ulta Beauty, opened in September.

The 10,000-square-foot store beside Petco consists of new construction added to the existing Statesboro Crossing shopping center.

Ulta Beauty has hired more than 20 employees and since it is one of the fastest growing retailers in the U.S. they provide a unique career path for all of their employees. The closest stores to Statesboro are in Savannah, Brunswick and Bluffton.

Ulta officials said they selected Statesboro because market research showed us

m r a F s i l l E s t a e M h s e r F

is the largest beauty retailer in the United States, operating 817 retail stores across 48 states.

“Ulta Beauty provides a compelling and unique array of products and experiences,” said Kelly Smith, who manages all grand openings for Ulta Beauty. “We are truly a beauty destination for Statesboro, and our Ulta beauty experts are ready to help with all of your beauty needs, from the basics, to the perfect shade of lipstick, to the newest hair tool.”

The stores normal operating hours are Monday through Saturday 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sunday 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

to be a perfect market for their products. I see Statesboro customers loving that they have beauty products in a wide variety of price points, in store salon services for hair and skin and a well trained staff that is knowledgeable about the beauty industry and specifically the products they sell.

Most of the Ulta Beauty stores are similar in terms of layout and product offering. However, the Statesboro store will offer a Benefit Brow Bar, which is not in every store.

The store features 20,000 beauty products across 550 brands, as well as a 950-square-foot fullservice salon. Ulta Beauty

Locally Owned and Operated by the Ellis Family Serving Bulloch and Surrounding Counties Since 1967.

GIFT CARDS AVAILABLE PACKAGE DEALS AVAILABLE CHEF ON STAFF FOR ALL YOUR SPECIAL EVENTS SPECIALIZING IN CUSTOM CUTS OF MEAT AND HOMEMADE PRODUCTS

(912) 489-4216 Hours Mon-Sat • 8:00 am - 7:00 pm Visit Us @ Our Website For All Packages, Specials & Recipes • www.ellismeats.com

Ellis

Main St. (301) Courthouse

Hwy. 80

(Across From The Post Office)

❊ North College

US POST

OFFICE

West Main St.

117 West Main Downtown Statesboro

COMMUNITY PRIDE 2016

statesboroherald.com | Statesboro herald — Sunday, February 28, 2016 – 7A

FMB looks to a strong 2016

By DeWAYNE GRICE dgrice@statesboroherald.com

One of the biggest financial stories for 2015 was the news that the FDIC had lifted the regulatory order for Statesboro’s Farmers and Merchants Bank.

The order had been in place since 2009. The lifting of the regulatory order indicates that Federal Regulators are fully satisfied with the Bulloch-owned bank’s policies, procedures and capital levels.

To give you an idea of how difficult this turnaround actually was, 147 Georgia-chartered banks did not make it. We saw the number of Georgia banks shrink from a high of 352 to only 205 in existence today. Even more impressive was the fact that they came out of this without

any federal assistance form the Troubled Asset Relief Program known as TARP. Over the past three decades, we have seen dramatic changes in the banking community locally from a market served predominantly by locally owned community banks to now having only Farmers and Merchants Bank being locally owned.

With the FDIC issue behind them, 2015 turned out to be a great year for Farmers and Merchants Bank.

In addition to improving profitability, the bank made progress in their balance sheet

with an improved deposit mix, growth of their loan portfolio and lower levels of nonperforming assets. Operating income before income tax expenses for 2015 was $825,300 as compared to $715,400 for 2014, an increase of 15.4 percent. Year-to-date net income after recording the recapture of deferred tax asset is $7,534,000.

“We are proud of our accomplishments in 2015 with another year of improved profitability,” said Brett Morgan, president and

CEO of FMB. “We will remain focused on other areas for improvement in 2016 and look for products and services that will allow us to compete in the ever evolving financial services industry.”

An area of FMB that has always been a primary focus is service to the community.

Probably the most visible person at the bank is Trish Tootle, senior vice president, who in many ways is the face of the bank in the community.

“2016 marks my 29th year with FMB,” she said. “In all the years I have worked here, we have held to our mission which has not changed over the years.

We remain dedicated to the concept of community banking and

we remain dedicated to this community and this community has also remained dedicated to us. One major factor that has remained constant during my tenure here is the directors, officers and staff of this bank have always strived to do what is right and we have never lost hope and heart.”

FMB remains Bulloch County’s only locally owned and managed bank.

It offers a full range of consumer and business deposit and credit services, including agribusiness and other local business support. FMB services are fully available online, and the institution maintains three ATMs, two full-time branch locations in Statesboro, and another in Brooklet – the only bank in Brooklet.

5 Statesboro attorneys selected as 'Super Lawyers' Special to the Herald

Four Statesboro attorneys recently were selected to the prestigious 2015 Georgia Super Lawyer list and one to the Top 50 Women Attorneys in Georgia.

Jimmy Franklin of Franklin Law, LLC, Gerald Edenfield, of Edenfield, Cox, Bruce and Classens and Dan Snipes and Wes Taulbee of Taulbee,

Rushing, Snipes, Marsh & Hodg in, LLC were selected this year to the S u p e r Cox Lawyer list. Susan Cox of Edenfield, Cox, Bruce and Classens was the only woman from Statesboro to be selected as one of Georgia’s Top 50

Wo m e n S u p e r Lawyers.

Each year, no m o r e than five percent of the lawEdenfield yers in the state are selected by the research team at Super Lawyers to receive this honor. Super Lawyers, a Thomson Reuters business,

is a rating service of outstanding lawyers from m o r e than 70 practice areas who Franklin h a v e attained a high degree of peer recognition and professional achievement.

The annual selections are made using a patented

multip h a s e process t h a t includes a statewide survey of lawyers, an indeSnipes pendent research evaluation of candidates and peer reviews by practice area. The result is a credible, comprehensive and diverse listing of excep-

tional attorneys.

The S u p e r Lawyers lists are published nationwide in Taulbee S u p e r Lawyers Magazines and in Georgia, in Atlanta Magazine. For more about Super Lawyers, visit SuperLawyers.com.

Lee, Hill and Johnston Insurors earn certification Agency recognized by Nationwide Agribusiness Special to the Herald

Lee, Hill and Johnston Insurors has achieved the “On Your Side” Master Farm Certification designation from Nationwide Agribusiness Insurance Company.

In making the presentation to representatives of Lee, Hill & Johnston, Nationwide’s South Georgia Marketing director Duke Belluci said farmers can depend on a Master Farm Certified agent to have “an in-depth understanding of their farming operations, provide detailed risk assessments, educate them about exposures, match coverages to meet their needs, and provide professional, knowledgeable service.”

Lee, Hill and Johnston has a long history of service to Bulloch County’s farm community providing a wide array of insurance plans with excellent protection and competitive premiums.

Farmers, farm owners and agribusinesses have counted on the locallyowned independent agency dating back to 1963 when the late Joe Johnston founded the business.

Today, Statesboro natives John Lee and Pratt Hill continue the tradition with a full portfolio of risk protection, from general farm liability and worker’s compensation to umbrella policies, commercial auto coverage and health insurance.

“We’re excited our agency has become Master Certified,” said John Lee, a managing partner who has been with Lee, Hill and Johnston for nearly three decades. “We have made a commitment to help protect farmers in our area with the highest levels of professionalism and service.

“Master certification lets our area farmers know that we’ll keep investing in training to be sure we’re well-positioned to help protect them both now and in the future,” said Lee, whose great grandfather W.S. Lee operated a farm in Bulloch County in the 1800s.

“We’re honored to receive this certification,”

SPECIAL

Duke Belluci, far left, marketing director for Nationwide Agribusiness Insurance, presents Master Farm Certification to (L-R) Pratt Hill, Mitchell Hill and John Lee of Lee, Hill and Johnston Insurors.

Pratt Hill said.

Hill became a partner in the local agency in 1984.

“We understand and appreciate the impact farming and agribusiness have

on our lives here in Bulloch County,” he said. “It really drives our local economy.”

Shug's opens BBQ eatery in Brooklet

By AL HACKLE ahackle@statesboroherald.com

Uncle Shug’s now has two locations, the long-established Uncle Shug’s Chicken Barn on U.S. Highway 301 South, and Uncle Shug’s Bar-B-Q Place in Brooklet.

For Uncle Shug’s Bar-B-Q Place, Uncle Shug’s owner Stacy Underwood has brought in another experienced restaurateur, Ray Hammond, as what Underwood calls “consultant general manager.”

Hammond previously operated Thee Bar-B-Q Place on

Highway 301 North. After it burned a few years ago, he did not rebuild. But now in his 70s, Hammond and his sauce recipe are back at Uncle Shug’s.

“I love the barbecue business, and I had an opportunity through Stacy and took advantage of it,” Hammond said. “He asked me if I would come down and just check to make sure everything was like it should be and asked me if I would to use our recipes and incorporate them with his recipes.”

The result, both of them observed, is a mix of traditions.

Hammond’s grandson James Fraley, who worked at Thee Bar-

B-Q Place from his early teen years, and granddaughter Katherine Fraley, who was a manager at Uncle Shug’s Chicken Barn, are now managers at Uncle Shug’s Bar-B-Q Place.

The first items on the menu are barbecued chopped pork, ribs and chicken. Sides are those traditionally paired with barbecue, including Brunswick stew, potato salad, beans, slaw and french fries.

This Bar-B-Q Place also serves chicken fingers; sandwiches, including steak, sausage and chicken sandwiches as well as barbecue sandwiches; salads; and the same Angus burger that is

offered at the Chicken Barn.

“We don’t have microwaves.

Everything is fresh,” Underwood said. “Good food, good service.

Those are two ingredients to a successful restaurant.”

Uncle Shug’s Bar-B-Q Place is open Tuesday through Saturday, it employs nine people. The restaurant is across from Ken’s IGA. One thing the Uncle Shug’s in Brooklet does not serve is bone-in chicken. That’s still a specialty of Uncle Shug’s Chicken Barn, which does not serve barbecue. Both places do catering, but the chicken-centered catering operates from the Highway 301 South,

Statesboro, restaurant, while the Brooklet place will, of course, cater in barbecue.

Scott Haddon is general manager of Uncle Shug’s Chicken Barn. Now 51, he has worked in restaurants since he was 14, and was a manager at a couple of restaurants under national brands.

He has now been at Uncle Shug’s six years.

At the Chicken Barn, the Angus beef hamburgers introduced several years ago are a popular item.

Last year, the restaurant switched from crinkle-cut fries to handcutting its own fries from Idaho potatoes.

Hunter Cattle earns 'Best Meat Product' award SPECIAL

Flavor of Georgia honors Brooklet company Special to the Herald

Hunter Creek Cattle Company of Brooklet took home the prize for best meat product at the University of Georgia’s 2015 Flavor of Georgia Food Product Contest.

Hunter Cattle Company is owned by Brooklet family of Debra and Del Ferguson and the farm’s Grass Fed New York Strip Steak won the top prize.

Georgia Department of Agriculture Commissioner

Gary Black and College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences Dean and Director J. Scott Angle announced the grand prizewinners.

Showcase events like the 2015 Flavor of Georgia competition help entrepreneurs spread the word about their products. Many have landed spots in regional and national grocery chains like Whole Foods, Fresh Market, Earth Fare, Kroger and Harvey's.

"Though hundreds of

food products have come through the Flavor of Georgia contest since 2007, Georgians keep coming up with a new 'crop' of excellent entries each year," said Sharon P. Kane, Flavor of Georgia coordinator.

The Flavor of Georgia food product contest is sponsored by the UGACollege of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences Center for Agribusiness and Economic Development in partnership with the Georgia

Georgia Commissoner of Agriculture, Gary Black, left, and Dean J. Scott Angle of the UGA College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, right, present Debra and Del Ferguson, of Hunter Cattle Company and their grandsons with the award best meat product during UGA’s 2015 Flavor of Georgia Food Product Contest.

Center of Innovation for Agribusiness, the Office of

the Governor, Walton EMC, the Georgia Department of

Agriculture and the Georgia Agribusiness Council.

COMMUNITY PRIDE 2016

8A – Statesboro herald — Sunday, February 28, 2016 | statesboroherald.com

Pride

Spotlight The Statesboro Herald would like to ! s r a e Y 10 Len McCook, RPh Janie McCook, RPh Kristen Clark, RPh Ben Rountree, RPh Josh McCook, PharmD, RPh (912) 764-2223 23630 Hwy. 80 East

17 Years!

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

19 Years!

HUDSON PLUMBING

REPAIR • REMODEL • SEWER & DRAIN • WATER HEATER & FIXTURE REPLACEMENT Fast Dependable Service

Wise Choice Realty

912-681-9473

912-489-4254

813 Gentilly Road Statesboro, GA

37heYreeyaoru sar!e

41 Years!

Get w ter with going fas

Stringer Tire Service Passenger, Truck & Tractor Tires

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

314 N. Zetterower Ave.

764-9918 A Proven Track Record Glenda Sheila

29 Years!

912-764-6905 1683 Jones Mill Rd Statesboro, GA

15 Years!

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

Craig R. Tremble Funeral Home Inc. “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

32 Years! 37 Years!

Professional Laundry and Dry Cleaning

764-6126

Coastal Countertop Distributor Featuring a large selection of

KITCHEN & BATH COUNTERTOPS

101 West Main St. 602 Brannen St. 425 Fair Road

74 Years! 79 Years!

70 Years!

MeMbership in GeorGia FarM is a Good investMent.

Hometown Store

SEARS HOMETOWN PREMIER STORE

109 Years!

Statesboro Herald www.statesboroherald.com

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

Statesboro Mall (912)764-6791

764-3561

45 Hill Street

764-9031 P.O. Box 888

Be a part of our growing progressive organization.

764-6231

366 Northside Drive E. Statesboro

Statesboro, GA

II7 Years! 

Randy C. Anderson, PC Attorney at Law •

JJE Anderson 1899-1940 Cohen Anderson 1938-1989

104 Raybon Anderson Blvd.

681-2653

1 Proctor Street Herald Square

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

Statesboro Herald

Community Pride

statesboroherald.com | Statesboro herald — Sunday, February 28, 2016 – 9A

AgSouth distributes $44 million to members Special to the Herald

Current and former members of AgSouth Farm Credit received nearly $44 million in two separate distributions this spring.

Customers in Bryan, Bulloch, Candler, Emanuel, Evans, and Jenkins counties received more than $1.3 million in cash.

In March the cooperative returned more than $29 million for the year ending December 31, 2014.

Nearly $9 million was dis-

tributed in cash, and the remaining $20.6 million set aside in allocated surplus to be returned at a later date.

The agricultural lending cooperative has typically revolved allocated surplus funds on a five-year cycle and was able to continue that model by revolving more than $14 million from 2009 in May of this year. Patronage distributed in cash from 2014 profits and allocated surplus returned from 2009 profits resulted in a total cash dis-

tribution of $23 million.

According to CFO Alisa D. Gunter, “While distribution of allocated surplus is a board decision, the revolvement of these funds has been on a consistent five-year schedule for the past 24 years. To date the association has returned more than $406 million in

cash and allocated surplus to our members.”

She went on to explain that the distribution of these funds has “an enormous impact on the economies of the areas we serve.”

Dr. David M. Kohl, Professor Emeritus of Agricultural Finance and Small Business Management and

Entrepreneurship at Virginia Tech, projected that every dollar AgSouth returns to its customers has an estimated economic impact of five to ten dollars in the communities served by the cooperative as a result of possible investment, spending, and employment.

According to Gunter, “Using Dr. Kohl’s factors, the $23 million in cash distributions the association made this spring will have an estimated impact of

$115 million to nearly a quarter of a billion dollars on the rural communities in Georgia and South Carolina served by AgSouth.”

Statesboro Regional Vice President Robbie Haranda said, “Agriculture is the number one industry in the state, and it’s our privilege as a cooperative to be able to reinvest our profits in the areas we serve. The impact this patronage return will have on the local economy is significant.”

Willow Pond looks to future with new chief

Bruce Yawn welcomes challenge at senior care facility

By AL HACKLE ahackle@statesboroherald.com

Bruce Yawn, who retired as a restaurateur in February 2012 after 41 years operating Snooky’s, now has a new job as executive director of Willow Pond Senior Care, the personal care home on Country Club Road.

That’s not to say that Yawn ever sat at home with his feet propped up. He remains chairman of both the Bulloch County Development Authority and the board of Sea Island Bank. In a press release about Yawn’s hiring, Georgia L iv i n g Management, which owns Willow Pond, hailed him as

a humanitarian and civic leader.

“Bruce brings the highest level of philanthropy and caring to our community at Willow Pond,” said Bill Wright, Georgia Living Management’s chief operating officer. “His deep and abiding friendship to others is ultimately what cemented Snooky’s Restaurant as the iconic landmark of Statesboro known far and wide as the place to gather.”

Yawn expects to be working at Willow Pond daily from about May 1 and is also continuing with the bank and development authority boards.

“I’m excited about being a part of it and working with the kind of people that work over there,” he said.

“We all have the same mindset: we just want to make it better for the residents.”

In a phone follow-up, Wright observed that Yawn is well known, well liked and trusted. These qualities, Wright said, will be good for Willow Pond’s business.

Willow Pond, open since

AL HACKLE/staff

Bruce Yawn, left, new executive director of Willow Pond Senior Living, grills hamburgers while talking with the facility's Executive Chef Elliott Manior, center, and resident Charlie Olliff. The burgers were for a family night, when residents' relatives came to fellowship.

1997, now has 30 apartments in its regular personal care side, plus 11 in its secure memory care wing. Additionally, about 30 visiting caregivers provide care and companionship for seniors in their

own homes through the Willow Pond at Home service.

Yawn will see to the dayto-day operations of the facility. He takes over after the recent departure of previous executive director

Mary Anderson.

Georgia Living Management operates seven personal care facilities in six cities: Statesboro, Richmond Hill, Griffin, LaGrange, Thomasville and Tifton.

When Wright called suggesting a professional role for him at Willow Pond, Yawn was already familiar with staff members and many of the residents.

His mother-in-law, Sara Reid Hodges, who died in February at age 93, spent the last six years of her life there.

“For the past six years I’ve been going over there on at least a weekly basis and sometimes a daily basis, so I’ve gotten to know the people over there and I saw the care that she received and how much it was like a family atmosphere over there,” he said, “and when they called I thought, you know, that’s something I’d like to be associated with.”

He said he couldn’t have asked more of the care she received and saw how his mother-in-law enjoyed the activities.

“It was really a blessing to Carol, my wife, because her mother needed the company of other people and enjoyed the atmosphere of being with other people and doing things,” Yawn said.

We Know Rural Living WE’VE BEEN FINANCING IT FOR A CENTURY

AgSouth isn’t your typical rural lender. As part of the Farm Credit System, we have 100 years’ experience and knowledge behind us.

Landowners have special loan needs, and we’re well suited to meet those needs generation after generation. If your dream is to live out in the country, call us now.

NMLS#619788

Loans for land, farms and homes

912.764.9091 | 40 South Main St. | Statesboro, Ga. 844.AGSOUTH | AgSouthFC.com

10A – Statesboro herald — Sunday, February 28, 2016 | statesboroherald.com

u o Y k n a Th

Community Pride

Proudly Serving the Proudly Serving theTaste World the Sweet of Sta Proudly Serving the World Since 1946 the Sweet Taste of Statesboro the Sweet Taste of Statesboro I Save More Furniture and Mattress Store, a part of the L A Waters Furniture Stores, wants to take this moment to say Thank You for helping us to grow BIG each year since Since we opened 3 years Since ago and you 1946 are a BIG part of1946 that! We started in Statesboro giving customers either online or in the store an alternative when Home Furnishing shopping with

Proudly "I Saved More at I Save More Furniture and Mattress Store!" the Sweet 236 Northside Dr., Statesboro, GA Proudly Serving the World 912-764-6167 • www.isavemore.biz S the Sweet TasteMon-Sat: of Statesboro 9am - 6pm | Closed Sunday

ttresses at an I Save Price and we Only Brand Names such as Ashley Furniture and Serta Matt appreciate the response you have given us. Come see us and see why everyone is saying

(across from Walmart)

FURNITURE & MATTRESS STORE

Since 1946

Proudly Serving the World the Sweet Taste of Statesboro For 70 Years!

Preserves, Jams & Jellies | Salad Dressin Dips & Salsas | Steak & Grilling Preserves, Jams & Jellies | Salad Dressings & Marinades Dips & Salsas | Steak & Grilling Sauces

Preserves, Jams & Jellies | Salad Dressings & Marinades Dips & Salsas | Steak & Zetterower Grilling Sauces 226 N. Ave. Statesbor Preserves, Jams & Jellies | Salad Dressings & Marinades (912) 764-6191 • (800) 673226 N. Zetterower GA 30459 Dips & Salsas |Ave. SteakStatesboro, & Grilling Sauces (912) 764-6191 • (800) 673-9388 www.braswells.c

www.braswells.com

912-764-6774 408 S. ZETTEROWER AVE STATESBORO, GA 30458 W W W.E R A .CO M

Pat Hirsch

Owner/Broker

GUIDING YOU EVERY STEP OF THE WAY TO YOUR NEW HOME!

Pat Hirsch 912-690-0924

Mandy Lane 912-682-8742

Holly Brannen 912-481-7511

Vada Hunter 912-601-2881

Jerome Jones 912-687-5663

Renee Kalloniatis 912-682-1827

Stephanie Kennedy 912-222-8216

Cris Emberton 912-313-8960

Jennifer Mock 912-687-2831

Jean Melton 912-687-1967

New Thinking.

New Media. New Solutions.

Community Pride

2B – STATESBORO HERALD — Sunday, February 28, 2016 | statesboroherald.com

Braswell's next step: Movie merchandising

By DeWAYNE GRICE dgrice@statesboroherald.com

The only thing better than enjoying the delicious smell of Braswell’s Foods filling the air downtown and enjoying their incredible products is watching the continued and creative growth of this Statesboro staple.

Founded in 1946 by Albert Braswell, using his mom’s recipe, he began canning and selling pear preserves out of the back of his truck. More than 60 years later, Braswell’s of Georgia has grown into one of the country’s largest producers of specialty jams, jellies, sauces, marmalades, salsas and several other products.

In 2005, Andrew Oliver,

Vinny Kochetta, Frank Farr and Stuart Saussy purchased the company from the Braswell family. The four partners had worked many years with Albert and had a strong desire not only to keep what was built going, but to constantly improve the quality and efficiency of the marketing and manufacturing and aggressively grow the business.

In business school, they teach that there are two keys to success, be first or be different. With this in mind, the new Braswell’s team focused on ways to differentiate their products.

For years, Braswell’s produced excellent, high quality products that were private labeled for small independent businesses all over

the country.

With a strong and reliable base in place for the company’s operations, the partners knew they had to find ways to differentiate the products and grow the Braswell brand. So, they focused on two areas: Identifying and creating more unusual and modern flavors to appeal to the changing tastes and redesign the packaging to provide a retro and environmentally-friendly edge.

The first roll out of the new design was using glassware found in France that could be sealed with a press on cap from Europe.

The new product line – Braswell Select – really changed how the company was viewed in the high-end specialty food community.

With this change came international awards for their products. Because they were branded, it greatly strengthened the Braswell name and helped draw attention to their other products, as well.

Not wanting to cannibalize the Braswell Select brand, the partners created a second line of products in glassware that was more affordable and could be distributed for higher volume accounts like grocery store chains. With shelf space being very competitive, they had to create a product that not only tasted good, had good value, but looked attractive and different enough to capture a buyer’s attention.

They met the challenge with carafe-shaped glassware that was shrinkwrapped with full package graphics and allowed them to reintroduce their dressing line of products. In the last year, because of the design tweaks, Braswell’s has seen huge growth in the carafe line of dressings and now are in major grocery stores throughout the country including, Publix, Kroger, Whole Foods, Ingles, Walmart, Harris Teeter, Food Lion and locally, Bi-LO. With this success, they went back to the drawing board with their other products and developed a footed glassware for their popular preserves.

“After working with a glass manufacturer and incorporating the design with our production team for the most efficient size and shape, we came up with a package that has captured the attention of buyers and consumers,” said Andy Oliver, president and CEO. “However, with a limited sales force and a small distribution chain it

takes a long time to push a new product.”

The promotion frustration led Oliver to reach out to marketing specialists that formerly worked for the Cartoon Network.

From time to time, the marketing specialist would send Oliver a synopsis of toy and licensing shows.

One day, while reading a summary of one of his shows, he stumbled upon a write-up of the new “Minion” movie from Universal Studios.

Their new footed glassware looked very similar to a “Minion” character. With the new shrink-wrap applicator, Oliver envisioned an army of Minions representing the flavors of Braswell jellies lined up on grocery store shelves throughout the country.

So, the Braswell’s team went to work on predesign ideas and presentations to present to NBC/Universal, which led to months of work with NBC/Universal and the Braswell’s team.

From negotiating royalties, completing insurance requirements, plant audits and mountains of paperwork they were ready for their final meeting in New York.

The director of licensing for NBC/ Universal manages more than 500 licensees from soap to apparel to toys to food in every country of the world. After inking the “Minion” deal, which is part of the wildly popular “Despicable Me” franchise, in January, Braswell’s has gone through multiple contract changes and design changes, which had to be approved at every level of NBC/ Universal Studios.

The Braswell Minion product was approved just in time for the new Minions movie that was released worldwide on July 10th.

By aligning Braswell Food Company with the Minion movie and Universal Studios they will rapidly increase the identity of the brand which will allow millions of new consumers to learn about Braswell’s quality products and innovation.

“Our team was poised for this opportunity and frankly the timing was right for Braswell’s to take advantage of this big break,” Oliver said. “In recent years, we have upgraded our clientele, the sales team, the plant, machinery, the level of auditing and efficiency. If we hadn’t been constantly moving in all those directions we wouldn’t have even been able to get the license,” Because their desire to make a great product even better, the rest of the world will soon discover what all of us have known for years, there is nothing that compares to the taste, quality and value of Braswell’s.

(912)489-4529 Se Habla Espanol

WWW.SELLINGSTATESBORO.COM

THE SIGN OF A RE/MAX AGENT

208 South Main Street, Statesboro, GA 30458

Community Pride

statesboroherald.com | STATESBORO HERALD — Sunday, February 28, 2016 – 3B

Service, technology key Hirsch Team

By DeWAYNE GRICE dgrice@statesboroherald.com

Since re-branding as ERA Hirsch Real Estate Team in 2014, Owner-Broker Pat Hirsch and her team have continued to grow their position in the real estate market.

The rebranding not only gave them a new look with updated signage and logos, but it signaled a real Hirsch change in the movement of the company into a concentration on reaching consumer and clients wherever they are. With this, they introduced a plethora of new cutting edge technology backed by a worldwide referral network.

Some of the improvements included industry leading innovations like creating a visual tour of every property listed with the ERA Hirsch Real Estate Team. The

tour is distributed via multiple popular social media outlets like Facebook, YouTube and Twitter.

The ERA Mobile App for your smart phone also allows customers to search for a property at any time no matter where they are.

Watching the trends in the market, their focus is to provide smarter technology for a more technology savvy consumer.

In fact, statistics prove that 88 percent of home buyers and 92 percent of first time home buyers use a website in the home search process. Also, about 40 percent of agents have closed two to five deals via social media and 85 percent of home buyers primarily access the internet from mobile devices.

ERA Real Estate has been at the forefront of innovation in the industry and they are constantly refining their strategy to keep pace with the latest consumer trends.

Pat agrees that the biggest change in real estate over the past few decades is technolo-

gy. Technology has made it easier for a prospective homebuyer to learn a great deal about the community even before they arrive.

Hirsch’s embrace of technology is backed up by the incredible team they have in place. In 2015 Pat placed sixth in the Top Ten of ERA Selling Brokers nationwide.

ERA Hirsch Real Estate Team also placed in the Top 100 Companies again in 2015.

Recently, Real Trends recognized Pat as one of “The Best Agents in Georgia.”

When asked about her personal success, she said: “It all boils down to great customer service. We give everyone who reaches out to us our complete attention. We listen to their needs and work hard to achieve success for the buyer and the seller.

In addition, we have a highly

Shoe Dept. Encore opens

trained and highly motivated team who love what they do and it shows.”

Another focus Hirsch

maintains is a strong commitment to giving back to the community.

Since the agency was established, they have given 1 percent of all commissions back to the community through local philanthropic causes.

In 2016, Pat said she and the ERA Hirsch Real Estate Team will continue their community involvement and

joining in with the ERA Franchise will help send more than 1,000 children to MDA Summer Camp. This has been a focus of the ERA Franchise for 40 years.

The Bible tells us that “to whom much is given, much is required.”

Hirsch and her team attribute this philosophy of caring as being the foundation of their continued success.

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Complimentary consultation for HOME • OFFICE • COMMERCIAL

By AL HACKLE ahackle@statesboroherald.com

After six months in a temporary location while the original store underwent a metamorphosis behind temporary walls, the Shoe Dept. in Statesboro Mall reopened in 2016 as a Shoe Dept.

Encore store, occupying an entire interior corner in the middle of the mall.

Shoe Dept. is a brand division of Shoe Show Inc., which operates 1,145 stores in 42 states. A Shoe Dept. Encore is a sort of Shoe Dept. superstore.

“We’re glad to be able to bring it to Statesboro. ...,” said Sam Johnson, district manager for Shoe Show Inc. “We’ll be able to carry more brands, a little higher quality as well.”

Previously, the Shoe Dept. occupied an L-shaped space, wrapped around other stores.

For its transformation, the shoe store was expanded to fill out the rectangle. It took in the corner previously occupied by

Friedman’s Jewelers — which went out of business seven years ago — as well as two other vacant storefronts.

Now, from the mall’s front entrance to the corner opposite Hallmark there is nothing but Shoe Dept. Encore’s black-framed glass revealing aisles and aisles of shoes inside. In the direction of Belk, the shoe store extends all the way to the Hair Plus salon.

The new store measures nearly 14,000 square feet, almost twice the size of the old one.

A Shoe Show Inc. news release lists Aerosoles, Clarks, Columbia, Easy Spirit, Florsheim, Liz Claiborne, Nine West, Rockport, Rocky Boots, Skechers, Steve Madden, Timberland, Tommy Hilfiger, as well as Reebok, Nike, New Balance, Keds, K Swiss and Adidas as brands carried by the Shoe Dept. division’s stores.

Asked what he meant by some higher-quality options, Johnson said, “There’s a pos-

sibility you’ll start seeing some Cole Haan, some Merrell, some higher priced work boots, … Wolverines.

We’ll have more selection of Clark products, Nike products as well.”

www.lawaters.com Two Statesboro Locations: 300 Lovett Road & Downtown 912-764-5431 • 800-468-6925

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When you open or expand your business, give yourself a 113-year advantage. That’s how long we’ve been lending to business owners and operators–longer than any other financial institution in the area.

Chances are good that we know something that can help you.

In an ever-increasing competitive climate, we don’t want you to just get by. We want you to be wildly successful. If you are banking with someone else, now is the time for a second opinion. Call us. We will answer the phone. (Busy people know how important that is.)

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Community Pride

4B – STATESBORO HERALD — Sunday, February 28, 2016 | statesboroherald.com

New Bulloch First about to break ground in Boro

Special to the Herald

The Citizens Bank of Swainsboro soon will open a full service banking office in Bulloch County, according to bank president and CEO Milton Gray.

Gary Johnson, a long-time Statesboro banker, was named president of the Emanuel County bank’s Bulloch County office.

“I am looking forward to offering the citizens of Statesboro and Bulloch County a quality source for community banking with outstanding personal service,” Johnson said.

“I am committed to the financial well-being of the citizens of Bulloch County, and am eager to get started.”

The Citizens Bank of Swainsboro is an FDIC insured bank with assets of $150 million and approximately $16 million in equity capital. The Citizens Bank was established in 1900 as a state-

Longtime local banker Gary Johnson named president chartered community bank and has a 115 year history of providing community banking services, with offices located in Johnson Swainsboro and Dublin.

Johnson’s banking group purchased land located on the corner of Brampton Avenue and Merchant Way in the Market District of Statesboro and will begin the construction of a full service banking office soon.

The office will be known under the trade name Bulloch First.

The bank has received regulatory approval to operate a loan production office located at 1213 Merchant Way, Suite 102, also in

the Market District, until the permanent office is constructed.

“We are fortunate to have a quality and knowledgeable banker of Gary’s caliber to provide strong leadership for the Bulloch County office,” Gray said.

“Providing prompt, professional, and modern banking services has always been our guiding principle. Mr. Johnson and his staff will have the resources, capital, and autonomy to offer modern banking services to the customers of Bulloch County in a prompt and professional manner.”

Johnson is a 1977 graduate of the University of Georgia and is former Southeast Georgia regional president of HeritageBank of the South.

He is a member of Statesboro First Baptist Church, the Rotary Club of Statesboro, Sigma Chi

Fraternity and Forest Heights Country Club.

He is a past chairman of the Statesboro/ Bulloch County Chamber of C o m m e r c e, Simmons Ogeechee Technical College Foundation and Bulloch County Red Cross.

He is married to Debbie Johnson and has one daughter, Kate Anna Greene married to Stephen Greene and one son, Sam Johnson and one grandchild, Benjamin Greene.

Former Emanuel County resident Wes Simmons also will join the Bulloch County staff as vice president of lending.

“Wes is a young executive banker that has developed a tre-

mendous following in the Bulloch County market because of his professionalism, impeccable character, and commitment to his customers,” Gray said.

“Having Gary Johnson and Wes Simmons on our team gives us tremendous confidence in the overall success of our Bulloch County office.”

Simmons is a 2004 graduate of the University of Georgia and is former assistant vice president/ commercial banker of HeritageBank of the South, where he was employed for five years.

He is member of the Downtown Rotary Club of Statesboro, Sigma Chi Fraternity, Forest Heights Country Club and attends Connection Church.

He is a past Board Member of the Boys and Girls Club of Bulloch County and a 2013 graduate of Leadership Bulloch.

He is married to Haley Tillman Simmons.

Ogeechee Tech's Cattails Café open to the public

By AL HACKLE ahackle@statesboroherald.com

Cattails Café, Ogeechee Technical College's first dedicated dining facility with food cooked to order, serves the public as well as students, faculty and staff, and offers a foretaste of more culinary services to come.

"We're open to the public," confirmed OTC Director for Dining Services John Witherington.

"Anybody that's out this way Monday through Thursday is more than welcome to come join us."

The café opens at 7:30 a.m. for breakfast, switches to its lunch menu at 10:45 a.m., and remains open until 6 p.m.

Breakfast items include buttermilk pancakes, stoneground grits, French toast, and omelets with fillings ranging from ham, bell

peppers and cheddar to asparagus, artichoke hearts and goat cheese. The café has an espresso machine and brews lattes and a Cattails Café Coffee from local Three Tree Coffee Roasters.

For the rest of the day, the gas-fired, stone-hearth pizza oven is a star of the show, used to cook specialty pizzas with names like Going Green, Doctor's Orders, Fun Guy (Portobello mushrooms are fungi), Carne Pazzo (with six meats, including houseprepared meatballs) and Hang Loose (involves pulled mojo pork, pineapple and roasted red peppers).

The Café cooks a Cattail Burger, involving a beef patty on a potato dough bun but no aquatic plants, let alone felines. However, The Cattail, a corndog made from an all-beef hot-

dog hand-dipped in the café's unique batter, does actually resemble the plant's flower spike.

Various salads and smoothies also appear on the regular menu.

Sandwiches vary from a pimento cheese club to Italian-style panini.

But the kitchen staff led

by Witherington also prepares what he calls blueplate specials, more like home-cooked meals, such as a recent one with pot roast and mashed potatoes.

Before Cattails Café opened with the start of fall semester, Ogeechee' Tech's entire meal service for students had consisted of a counter and a few tables and chairs inside the bookstore. Items were cooked in a kitchen in a different building. It was mostly "grab and go" food, as Witherington puts it.

Fresh-baked pizza was

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AL HACKLE/staff

Chuck Davis, library services director at Ogeechee Technical College, orders lunch with assistance from Cattails Café employee Margaret Leonard. available, but a brand commonly found in convenience stores.

Renovations this year to the entire student services area inside the Joseph E.

Kennedy Building — Ogeechee Tech's front and original building — provided the opportunity for the café's creation. It has about 60 seats inside, and some exterior seating is planned for the patio visible through the glass of the outer wall. Real cattails grow there in a landscaped fountain.

The fountain was originally built by students in the OTC Fish and Wildlife Management program, and is still maintained as part of the program's aquatics portion, said OTC Vice President for College Advancement Barry Turner.

To find the café, walk through the front lobby and bear right through the tile-backed passage. The café is then immediately to the left, with cattails painted on the wall leading to the counter.

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statesboroherald.com | STATESBORO HERALD — Sunday, February 28, 2016 – 5B

'Home' for new Zaxby's

By DeWAYNE GRICE dgrice@statesboroherald.com

On March 27, 1990, Zach McLeroy and Tony Townley opened their first Zaxby's restaurant just 83 steps from where Statesboro's newest Zaxby's now sits.

Twenty-five years and three days later, Zach and Tony sat down to discuss this incredible ride and to reminisce about the journey. Hundreds of Zaxby's fanatics waited in line overnight to be one of the first to eat at the new restaurant. Henry Doyle, owner of Henry's Haircuts, was the very first customer served by Zach and Tony in 1990. Monday, they served Henry and his wife, Charlene, again, as the very first customers of the new Zaxby's, which is the chain's 674th. It was a goose-bump moment, with memories flooding back for so many of us thinking about how far our community has grown along with Zaxby's.

"A lot of folks think we're in the chicken business selling to people, but the truth is we are in the people business selling chicken," McLeroy said.

"That is what makes us special. When we opened the first Zaxby's, our goal was to open six or eight stores and enjoy life.

However, God had a little different plan for us."

Indeed, God did have a much different plan. He has blessed them in remarkable ways, and they are not only great stewards of his blessings but also humble, well-grounded and very grateful to everyone who brought them to the dance.

More importantly, they

continue to open doors and create phenomenal opportunities for young entrepreneurs from all walks of life. One of those is Marwan Yasin, vice president of operations for Zaxby's.

Marwan started as a cook at the very first Zaxby's while finishing college at Georgia Southern.

"I have grown up with Zaxby's. It is the only job I have ever had," Marwan said. "With Zaxby's, there have been, and continue to be, opportunities for everyone. I am a great example of that."

Recalling how Zaxby's started, Tony said that after he graduated from GSU with a Bachelor of Business Administration in management information systems, he went to work selling computer software.

"I quickly realized that was not my cup of tea, so I went into the mortgage business," he said. "About that same time, Zach graduated from UGA with an ag econ degree and moved to Statesboro. He joined me, and together we peddled mortgage loans until we realized we wanted to do something together.

Zach actually lived across the street from the original Zaxby's in Bon-Anna apartments."

Q: Would you do anything differently?

McLeroy: Not really. We did it the right way, in terms of going into business; we didn't owe too much money. Our first investment was $16,000.

What we didn't have in cash ... we borrowed on credit cards and a small business loan. So it was a small investment to start a business. We didn't have to

borrow a million and half dollars to start a business.

So there was a lot of upside in the very beginning because of that, and we were not buried in debt.

Tony: We were fortunate because Jimmy Hodges, president of First Bulloch Bank, gave us a small business loan on the building, and that was a great, great help to jump start us. Even since Jimmy's retirement from banking and the sale to BB&T, we continue to have a relationship with BB&T. Q: When did you know you were going to be successful?

Zach: We were fortunate we opened in a college town because we were immediately embraced by the students. For me, the moment was when (we) started seeing the same faces, day in and day out, coming back. We had some people who ate there five days per week. That was our sign that we were at the right place at the right time doing the right thing, and we were going to make it. It really helped that we were not over-leveraged.

Back then, a day's sale may have been $500, but at the end of the day, we were still making money. Today, our brand could not survive on that; now, the investment is over $1.8 million to become a Zaxby's licensee.

Because of this success, our initial expansion strategy was college campuses. We realized students have disposable income, and they all love to eat out. Because of the reception we had here in Statesboro, we thought it would be a good strategy to open our next store near a college. That second store was in

Bulloch County has worked hard to build a thriving business community and yet retain a friendly small community atmosphere. Open clear communication between the Sheriff’s office and these businesses is important to our way of life.

As Sheriff my commitment to all citizens of Bulloch County is based on four simple concepts: & Contact I will be available to address your concerns & Courtesy You will be treated with respect & Communication You will be given the information and follow up you need. & Clarity Do not be afraid to ask if you are uncertain This will be a mandate for all who work within the Sheriff’s office as well.

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Q: What is next for Statesboro?

Tony: In the near future, out next goal is to do some type of remodeling of the existing facility on Fair Road. We had to take some pressure off of that store for traffic and other reasons. Now that this store is open today, we are hopeful that will allow us now to focus on breathing some freshness into that building.

And as for Zach and Tony's favorite item, it is the Kicken' Chicken Sandwich.

Statesboro Herald subscribe: (912) 489-9460

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6B â&#x20AC;&#x201C; STATESBORO HERALD â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Sunday, February 28, 2016 | statesboroherald.com

Gee Daâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Table gives downtown dining a boost

By DeWAYNE GRICE dgrice@statesboroherald.com

Since opening last November, Gee Daâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Table has quickly become one of Statesboro most popular new restaurants.

Gee Daâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Table is located in the former Chopâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s restaurant at 30 West Main and is owned by Statesboro native, Andy Aldred. Gee Daâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s is named for Andyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s father, the late Skip Aldred.

It is the nickname given to Skip by his grandchildren.

In the restaurant, they have added Gee Daâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s actual table from his home where lots of family memories were created. â&#x20AC;&#x153;This building has a rich history not only in the community but within my family. Naming the restaurant after my dad is a tip of

the hat to dad and his vision for and love of Statesboro,â&#x20AC;? said Andy Aldred. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I want this restaurant to be as warm and inviting as their home was to all of us growing up. My dream is that Gee Daâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s will become the gathering place for our community to enjoy wonderful fellowship and great food.â&#x20AC;?

There is no other restaurant in Statesboro with a more desirable and inviting atmosphere, which includes exposed brick walls and century old hard wood floors.

Executive Chef Sebastian Alzate, a graduate of La Cordon Bleu and Front End Manager Andrew Riddick, a graduate of GSU have proven to be a dynamic duo on the restaurant

scene.

Chef Sebastian defines the restaurant as a â&#x20AC;&#x153;new American Bistro that has an upscale but casual feel with a fine dining influence.â&#x20AC;?

The menu is filled with locally sourced products and the best ingredients available and is regionally influenced.

A few of the chef â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s favorite dishes for lunch include the Cuban, BLT, a Fried Green Tomato and Geedaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Club sandwiches. Their goal is to offer a delicious quick lunch for around $10, including daily specials and even traditional blue plate items. Business diners have enjoyed the hand-padded burgers complimented with hand cut fries.

For dinner, the Crispy Pork Osso Buco will leave

Special

Gee Daâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Table is located in the former Chopâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s restaurant at 30 West Main Street.

you craving more. It includes a perfectly cooked pork shank served with roasted parsnip puree, honey glazed crispy brussel sprouts, pickled onion and Au Jus. The dinner menu includes vegetarian, pasta and catch of the day entrees that will be updated often.

Gee Daâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Table has daily happy hour specials in their bar area and a bar snack menu which is perfect for folks who want to stop over after a long day at the office before heading to their next event.

Visit Gee Daâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Table today and discover what everyone is raving about.

They are open Tuesday through Friday from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. for lunch and Tuesday through Saturday 5 p.m. - 10 p.m. for dinner.

A lot more to Wholesale Customs Tricking out ride just part of the business

By AL HACKLE ahackle@statesboroherald.com

Wholesale Customs in the Boro might sound like the kind of place where young dudes take their rides to be jacked up with custom suspension and tricked out with tony rims and windowthumping aftermarket sound systems. Well, it is, but it's also a place where their moms can buy new tires and get them mounted on the family minivan while it's realigned using a state-ofthe-art machine.

As would be expected, that action takes place in the two-bay shop where two brand-new lifts have recently been installed. But the lobby showroom displays home video and audio equipment, as well as car stereos and speakers and a few of the flashier tires and wheels.

Wholesale Customs also sells Spyclops home security equipment, including camera systems as well as alarms.

Owners James Hayes and Jeremy Powell opened the place Aug. 17 on U.S. Highway 301 South, next to the Sunoco station near Register. The same building was previously inhabited by another business that handled automotive sound systems, but not the many other things that Wholesale Customs does.

"Basically anything automotive we take care of, from cars and trucks to ATVs, UTVs, tractors," Powell said.

We'll do suspension work, repair work, pretty much any accessory that you could think of."

On off-road as well as onroad vehicles, Wholesale Customs sells and installs tires, wheels, lift kits, and other accessories. Its shop

services things such as ball joints and tie rod ends, "anything that would be a normal-wear item," he added.

But tires, including bigtruck tires and car tires and tires for utility vehicles, or "UTV's," are the company's mainstay.

Wholesale Customs primarily stocks Cooper tires and Cooper subsidiary brands Mastercraft and Hercules but also sells and installs brands such as Mickey Thompson, Bridgestone and Michelin.

"That's what we do the most of in our other location is tires, and then everything else, you know, is kind of an added bonus, your accessories, car audio, window tint," Powell said.

Wholesale Customs also does spray-in bedliners, here as at its original location.

Powell remains sole owner of the original Wholesale Customs shop at Higgston, a crossroads town west of Vidalia. He established the business in 1998, adapting the name from Wholesale Supply, a company his father owned and operated for decades in Vidalia, where Jeremy grew up mixing and selling paint.

"I basically dropped the paint and added cars. â&#x20AC;Ś, " Powell said. "I had mixed paint long enough, and my passion was in cars and accessorizing vehicles. I started out window tinting and kind of went from there."

Hayes bought in as an equal partner in the new Statesboro location, and is its full-time manager. The company has four employees working here full-time, and as many as six when others come over from Higgston as needed.

AL HACKLE/staff

Owners Jeremy Powell, left, and James Hayes are seen standing on the side of the Wholesale Customs showroom devoted to audio and video entertainment systems.

The other side of the store displays tires and rims, and the attached shop with two vehicle lifts provides other services.

This is Hayes' first venture as a business owner. He previously worked as a superintendent for Power Equipment Maintenance, an Anderson, South Carolina, company that services turbines at electricity generating plants.

"I got tired of being gone all the time," Hayes said. "My work took me to Guatemala, to Japan and all over the world, and I decided to come back and go into business with Jeremy."

The two have been friends for a long time, and Powell had been encouraging Hayes to go into business with him for several years. Powell says that Hayes can seem obsessive-compulsive about doing things right.

"He's very professional when it comes to making sure everything is done correctly," Powell said. "He's OCD if you want to call it that, but that's not necessarily a bad thing when comes to taking care of everything and making sure it's in order.

That's why I knew he would be good at this."

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statesboroherald.com | STATESBORO HERALD — Sunday, February 28, 2016 – 7B

GSU's online MBA ranked number 17 Special to the Herald

The Online MBA offered by the College of Business Administration at Georgia Southern University has been ranked 17th by BestColleges.com as a Top Online MBA Program of 2015. (http://www.bestcolleges.com/features/toponline-mba-programs/) According to BestColleges. com, the Best Online Programs rankings are compiled using qualitative measures and data provided by IPEDS and the schools.

BestColleges.com reviewed more than 350 not-for-profit

online programs, taking into consideration factors such as accreditation, academic quality, and peer reviews.

"We are gratified by the recognition and excited to be listed among the best programs in the nation,” states Allen C. Amason, dean of the College of Business. “Our faculty and staff have worked hard to deliver good value, and rankings like this are a testament to that commitment and effort.”

The National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) has found that one in three U.S. college students now take at least one class online.

Completing an online MBA allows working professionals to continue working and maintaining their personal lives without much interruption, while advancing their education and opening their careers to new opportunities.

The Georgia Southern College of Business Administration has offered its Online MBA since 2001.

The program is cohortbased, asynchronous and 5 semesters/21 months, with an established track record of preparing students for the complexities of today’s global business environment.

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Optim Healthcare merger now official Optim Healthcare has made official the long anticipated partnership with National Surgical Healthcare, an owner and operator of surgical hospitals and ambulatory surgery centers based in Chicago.

National Surgical is a leading owner/operator of musculoskeletal-focused surgical hospitals and ambulatory surgery centers nationwide. The group partners with leading orthopedic surgeons and neurosurgeons in its 19 facilities across the country to offer patient care.

With the deal closed, National Surgical will have controlling interest of the company. At this time, it is

expected that all 60 physicians will stay in place throughout the Optim network and they will continue to operate under the Optim brand.

Optim provides musculoskeletal and primary healthcare to residents of 19 counties in Southeast Georgia along with three critical access hospitals in Tattnall County, Jenkins County, and Screven County, an ambulatory surgery center in Savannah, imaging centers and outpatient therapy.

Dr. John George, Optim's lead physician partner, said: "As we considered the opportunities ahead for Optim and the increasingly complex

business landscape for our practice, we realized that additional skills and capabilities would be needed to reach our goals and capitalize on new prospects for growth.

"We believe National Surgical Healthcare can deliver the expert management skills, administrative support and strategic insight necessary for Optim Healthcare to continue its journey toward further success. At the same time, this will ensure that Optim will fulfill its mission of providing patients with the highest quality care and will continue to provide healthcare to medically underserved areas in Southeast Georgia."

EGRMC's employee of year Special to the Herald

Whitney Jones was named recently the 2014 Employee of the Year for East Georgia Regional Medical Center.

The recognition is the highest honor a hospital employee can receive.

Employees are nominated by

Special

East Georgia Regional Medical Center Employee of the Year, Whitney Jones is pictured with Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Community Health Systems, Wayne T. Smith. their colleagues based on their commitment to patient care, professionalism and contributions on the job. Jones was chosen from among 650 employees at the Medical Center for the recognition.

“We are all very proud of

Whitney,” said Bob Bigley, who retired in September 2015 as chief executive officer.

“She is a great representative for all of our employees who are dedicated to providing the highest level of safe, quality and compassionate care.”

Jones began working at East Georgia in April 2007 as a unit secretary. In 2009, she was accepted into nursing school at South Georgia College.

While attending nursing school, she worked as a critical care tech at East Georgia Regional. In 2011, she started her career as an ICU nurse and she continues to work in the same department today.

“Whitney’s love for her work shows in her everyday actions,” said Diana Ray, Director of ICU. “Whitney truly cares about her patients, her work, and doing the right thing.”

Jones said she chose to work in the healthcare field because she has always enjoyed helping and caring for individuals.

“The most rewarding part of nursing is the wealth of knowledge that is available to you to aid you in assisting patients,” she said. Whether it's to getting them back to their baseline level of functioning or independence, and being there for patients and their families when they need

Library patrons interested in programming have several options including Adult coloring, computer classes, resume/ cover letter assistance, cooking classes, craft and senior programs. Come check out our Summer Reading Program, April Art Festival/New furniture unveiling. We do more than books! The Statesboro Public Library Youth & Family Services offers programs for all age groups – Toddler Time, LEGO Club, Homeschool programs, Maker Mondays, Teen Tuesdays, Book Clubs and 52 Weeks of Giving are just a few of our weekly programs. Come join us! “Behind Every Great Community is a great Library!”

Patrons can learn a language with Mango, conduct genealogy research with Ancestry.com, and study for the GED and SAT. The library has 30 public computers with free Internet access for PINES card holders, and guests to the Statesboro area. Library patrons have access to Georgia Library Learning Online, or GALILEO. Like us on Facebook or visit the library’s website at

www.strl.info.

124 S. Main Street, Statesboro, GA 30458 Office: 912.764.1341 • Fax: 912.764.1349

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8B â&#x20AC;&#x201C; STATESBORO HERALD â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Sunday, February 28, 2016 | statesboroherald.com

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Think about which three independently owned businesses youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d miss most if they were gone. Stop in and say hello.

Pick up a little something that will make someone smile.

Your contribution is what keeps those businesses around.

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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For every $100 spent in independently owned stores, $68 returns to the community through taxes, payroll, and other expenditures. If you spend that in a national chain, only $43 stays here. Spend it online and nothing comes home.

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statesboroherald.com | STATESBORO HERALD â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Sunday, February 28, 2016 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 9B

A bold move into future for Kennedy Realty Many of us are still trying to figure out what we want to be when we â&#x20AC;&#x153;grow up.â&#x20AC;?

For some they know their passion and destiny at a young age. They pursue it with vigor and success surely follows. That is the case for local realtor and broker Everett Kennedy, owner of Prudential Kennedy Realty.

Everettâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s mother, Marjorie, began her career in real estate working with Joe Johnston at Johnston Realty while Everett was still in high school. With his momâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s encouragement, he began working in the business and completed his real estate classes when he was only 17. He had to wait until he turned 18 to take the real estate licensing exam. He continued to work almost full time with Johnston Realty while he completed his Finance degree with an emphasis in Real Estate at Georgia Southern.

Joe Johnston, founded Johnston Realty in 1963 along with Johnston Insurance and Appraisals.

Each business was highly successful and was known as a market leader.

Johnston sold all three businesses as he prepared for retirement.

Marion Hulsey purchased the appraisal business which is now known at Hulsey-Johnston, Inc., John Lee and Pratt Hill purchased the insurance business which is known as Lee, Hill and Johnston Insurers and in 1994 Everett purchased the real estate business.

In 1989, he helped rebrand the company by joining the Prudential real estate franchise. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The partnership with Prudential was a bold move,â&#x20AC;? Kennedy said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We

were experiencing tremendous growth in the market with the explosion of GSU and we needed a more global presence. It was a great decision at the time.â&#x20AC;?

In 2006, Everett built a new office building in the Market District behind East Georgia Regional Medical Center and renamed the company Prudential Kennedy Realty.

The company has remained a strong leader in the real estate market.

Also, Everett has continued to build on the success that he gained from his mentorship with Joe Johnston. â&#x20AC;?As a native of Bulloch County working over 31 years as a real estate agent in the Statesboro area, I've developed a deep understanding if it's neighbors, its houses and the wonderful people who live in our community,â&#x20AC;? he said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;That's a knowledge base that would be difficult for any other agent to replicate.

And it's a valuable Kennedy resource for the clients who choose to work with me. I am still fueled by the opportunity, honor and privilege to assist a client in achieving their real estate goals.â&#x20AC;?

With an eye on the future and continuing to position his company for growth, Kennedy is making another bold move. In April 2015, Berkshire Hathaway Homeservice announced an affiliation with Prudential Kennedy Realty and a rebranding of the company to Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices.

Berkshire Hathaway Inc. is a worldwide holding company based in Omaha,

Photo courtesy Lori Grice

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices is the rebranded name of Prudential Kennedy Realty.

The staff is pictured above.

NE. Its chairman and CEO is Warren Buffett, who is among the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s richest and most influential people. Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices is among the few companies entrusted to use the Berkshire Hathaway brand name with consumers.

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices affiliated its first brokerage in September 2013, and has since grown to nearly 35,000 agents and 1,100 offices operating in 47 states. The network, in its first year, was named 2014 â&#x20AC;&#x153;Real Estate Agency Brand of the Yearâ&#x20AC;? by consumers in the 26th annual Harris Poll EquiTrend study and â&#x20AC;&#x153;Startup of the Yearâ&#x20AC;? among all U.S. industries at the 2014 American Business Awards. â&#x20AC;&#x153;This branding opportunity with Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices is one of the proudest moments in my real estate career, along with coming to work for Joe Johnston in 1983, and eventually acquiring his real estate company,â&#x20AC;? Kennedy said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I believe that the combination of our company, which has been serving

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possibilities for our agents and clients, and further strengthen our position as Statesboroâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s market leader in real estate.â&#x20AC;?

With the transition, Everett and his agents gain access to Berkshire Hathaway HomeServicesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Global Network Platform â&#x20AC;&#x201C; a suite of online tools, applications and services â&#x20AC;&#x201C; plus ongoing business consultation, professional education, marketing support and the exclusive Luxury Collection program for high-end listings.

Resources include lead generation, a handy mobile app and other tools driven by the most accurate real estate data available. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Global Network Platform is still another key differentiator for our company,â&#x20AC;? he said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We will continue to enhance our client service with these leading-edge resources.â&#x20AC;?

Introducing Our New Sales Associate Wayne Groover Real Estate Broker/Auctioneer

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10B – STATESBORO HERALD — Sunday, February 28, 2016 | statesboroherald.com

BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY

Kennedy Realty

HomeServices

STRENGTH INTEGRITY & TRUST Good to know!

Everett Kennedy James Lawson 912-682-9045

Marjorie Kennedy Barbara Gibson

Sam DiPolito

912-531-0439

912-682-5261

Davy Wells

Nikki Williams

912-682-5141

912-690-2854

912-687-1127

478-494-4681

Lisa Jacobs

Billy Allen

Robert Karohl

Tiffany Courdin

912-601-2023

912-682-8194

912-515-8065

912-536-5247

Diana McDaniel

Tim Montgomery

Mahtab Davoud

Rachel Lovett

912-678-1263

912-536-8911

912-541-3278

678-637-3988

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