09.24
Opponents of write-in commissioner candidate Ales Campbell have brought to our attention that she -or rather her husband’s business- had an overdue county property tax bill (for office equipment) amounting to some $300 and change. When notified of the problem, Campbell immediately paid the bill. They’re grasping at straws and coming up with nothing compared to the outstanding corruption, nepotism, and leadership issues facing Commissioner Heiskell.
People opposed to Campbell also point out that she hasn’t filed a campaign finance report. That’s also true, but she hasn’t been required to file one yet since she wasn’t a candidate during the first six months of 2012. A report for July-September is required once September ends, and once one is prepared it’ll be shared here along with Heiskell’s.
Campbell’s opponents have also resorted to name-calling, profanity, racial slurs, and outright fabricated lies. It seems to be a sign of desperation where they lack anything substantial to say about her. Commissioner Heiskell is surely aware of the attacks, since many originate from her own Facebook page and circle of friends – but she so far has done nothing to discourage the behavior.
Friday morning students and staff from LaFayette Middle School contacted astronauts onboard the International Space Station using ham radio. It was a big moment for the community and inspiring for the students present. Astronauts were asked (and attempted to answer) student-submitted questions for about ten minutes before the station moved beyond local radio range.
Full text of Walker County Schools’ latest response letter to accusations from Freedom From Religion Foundation:
- In part: “Again, the System is not aware of any decision of the United States Supreme Court, 11th Circuit Court of Appeals or the Supreme Court of Georgia that holds that the current practice of various groups (secular and non-secular) providing meals to the football team and coaches on Friday nights, without the involvement of any religious activities, is in violation of any law.” more..
As previously noted, some of the FFRF complaints were concerning, but their latest issue seems to be a stretch.
As a side note, somewhat related: churches excitedly feed football players and honor wrestlers, but parents who asked for church sponsorship of a band group say they couldn’t get anyone to do it.
Why do churches and so many school administrators fall all over themselves for athletes while ignoring music, arts, and academics?
Stocking Full of Love reports $1,800 raised Saturday at the Fly-In. But still no accountability for SFL funds. They’re advertising a yard sale now, to “raise alot of money for the children.” LU readers know how that works, don’t they?
Stocking Full of Love has a good mission, but bad leaders. Those who wish to support the group are strongly encouraged to purchase and donate toys instead of giving cash which is all too easy to misappropriate.
10 ½ years later, Tri-State Crematory is still in the news. Last week TN Supreme Court upheld a civil court judgment against Brent Marsh, awarding $275k and $475k to two of his victim families. The rare few who kept their right to sue outside of the class-action cases are getting justice, a decade later. Unfortunately any money paid will come not from the Marshes but from their insurance company, Georgia Farm Bureau.
Local Sports Scores:
Friday night the Ramblers absorbed a third defeat, leaving them 0-3 for the year. Final score 14-46 down in Woodstock. Next week they’ll face the Gilmer County Bobcats at home. Bobcats are 3-1.
Chattooga (also 0-3) fell to Model, 7-27. Ridgeland beat Cedartown 42-21. Gordon Lee whipped SW Atlanta Christian 55-8 at home. More HS football scores..
LMS softball beat Trion Friday, 12-0.
A state legislator addresses some myths surrounding the charter schools amendment.
Another piece from the same state legislator pointing out the illegality of school systems using tax dollars to actively campaign against the amendment. This is why it’s not “unfair” for out-of-state school-choice advocates to contribute funds to help pass this – the opposition is “unfairly” taking government money to advocate a political position that benefits them.
Material from an old log shed is being repurposed and rebuilt behind the Marsh House as a “slave quarters.”
$2.5 million of new bridges on Happy Valley Road opened to traffic on Friday.
Gov. Deal has approved using $4.5 million of state funds to buy and rehab a well serving a resort run by contributors to his election campaign.
Here’s an early look at the Jackie Robinson bio movie “42” shot in Chattanooga earlier this year. We understand there may be a handful of Walker Co residents in it as extras. Is this something you’ll go see when it comes out next year?
Just for the record, October 31 is NOT “National Kill a Pitbull Day.”
Here’s the Messenger take on the same events.
