Claim: Photograph shows a fawn cleverly camouflaged by its mother.
Since we don't yet know the origins of this photograph, we can't speak to any of these points, so this image is listed as 'undetermined' until additional information comes our way.
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November 30-- After a year with no court decision, the city of Vidalia has withdrawn its condemnation proceedings on an airport hangar owned by David Lovins of Vidalia. Instead, it wants a court to order him to remove the building from the Vidalia Regional Airport with no compensation. At a hearing Tuesday in Toombs County Superior Court, Lovins' attorney Wilson Smith argued there is no law to support the city's request. The city has bought all the hangars at the airport except Lovins, who has turned down offers of $33,000 and $48,000. He initially told the city he would accept $65,000. However, a new appraisal valued the building at $70,000 and Lovins testified it would take $98,000 for him to avoid a loss after nearly two years of legal wrangling with the city. After hearing three hours of testimony, Judge Walter McMillan told the lawyers to file written briefs by early January.
November 30-- A student at Toombs County High School is the district winner of the annual VFW Auxiliary essay contest. Freshman Mary Catherine Ferrell paid tribute to the sacrifice of veterans and quoted Senator Zell Miller on the role soldiers have played protecting the rights of Americans. She will compete at the state level in mid-December with the winner going to Washington next year for the national finals.
November 29-- The Georgia National Guard's 48th Infantry Brigade is mobilizing for duty in Iraq. The unit includes soldiers from 29 Georgia communities. One of the brigade's units is the Service Battery of the 118th Field Artillery where the top enlisted man is First Sergeant Bruce Oliver of Reidsville. He says the unit has been anticipating activation and that morale is good. First Sergeant Oliver is a Vietnam veteran who served three years in Vietnam as a U.S. Marine. He says many of the lessons he learned then will be valuable to his soldiers in Iraq. The 56-year-old NCO says the unit is receiving support from its soldiers' families, their employers and the country, which he says is more patriotic after 911.
November 26-- Vidalia's 2005 general fund budget is up about four percent over this year. Most of the revenue growth in the $6.2 million budget is from expected increases in local sales taxes and a slight increase in city property taxes, according to city manager Bill Torrance. The new budget for water and sewer operations is $1.7 millioin and includes a five percent increase in usage rates. And a plus next year, according to Torrance, is that the Vidalia Regional Airport will raise enough money from its operations to pay for its $301,000 budget.
November 24-- A superior court judge has ruled that the libel case filed by Sarah Torrance of Vidalia against the Savannah Morning News will be tried in Richmond County, home of the paper's corporate headquarters. Torrance is the daughter of Vidalia city manager Bill Torrance and claims the newspaper printed untruths about her in a series of articles published in February and March of 2003. Judge William Fleming denied a motion by Torrance that the case be tried in Toombs County Superior Court. Her lawyers say the decision is being appealed to the Georgia Court of Appeals.
November 24-- Toombs County officials released results of the county's 2003 audit at its meeting in November. The audit was completed in June. The audit conducted by McLain, Calhoun, McCullough and Clark reported no material weaknesses in the county's internal financial controls and operations, however, six recommendations for improvements were made which commission chairman Charles Rustin said have been or will be made.
The audit reported that county expenditures exceeded the county budget by five percent with none of the overspending approved by the county commission. The commissioners office was 26 percent over budget. Auditors recommended a monthly budget review with exceptions approved by the county commission.
They also recommended all major purchases of equipment be approved by commissioners after discovering nearly $155,000 had been spent for landfill equipment without being recorded in the minutes of the commission's meetings.
Other recommendations include compliance with the law by preparing budgets for special revenue funds and capital projects funds; development of a written accounting procedures manual; timely balancing of the landfill accounts receivables ledger; daily deposits by each county department; written performance evaluations of county employees; computerization of the Magistrate Court's record system and that receipts be provided for all court collections.
November 23-- The Vidalia City Council has passed a new ordinance governing demonstrations, picketing and parades in the city. The action follows the arrest several weeks ago of several Christians who were witnessing with signs on city sidewalks. In the aftermath, the city admitted its laws were vague. The new law requires a permit if a city street will be blocked, however, picketers who stay on sidewalks are only required to notify the police department 48 hours before their demonstration with no permit required.
Jimmy Brantley was among those arrested by police. He told council members at their called meeting Tuesday he "appreciates" their decision to change the city law. He also says he and others plan to be back on the streets Sunday with their signs witnessing for Christ. City officials agreed to meet with Brantley and others arrested to discuss dropping the charges which had been brought under the old law.
In other actions Tuesday, the council turned down a request to make McAllister Drive a through street. It also discussed the ongoing problem of litter in the city and explored recruiting "litter watchers" who would agree to be on the lookout and testify in court against people seen littering the streets.
November 22-- Vidalia attorney Kay Stafford will be the new Toombs County Magistrate as of January 1st. Stafford was appointed by Superior Court Judge Walter McMillan to succeed magistrate Ezra Aaron who is retiring after 36 years on the job.
November 22-- The Association of Technical College Foundations in Georgia has presented its annual "Volunteer of the Year" Award to Dennis Ingley of Vidalia. Ingley is a charter member of the STC Foundation and has served as its treasurer and Executive Board member for the past ten years.
November 22-- Two more Vidalia schools have had their plans approved on the expenditure of $50,000 allocated by the Vidalia school board. At J.D. Dickerson Primary School, principal Robert Warnock says nearly $19,000 will be used to hire an additional teacher to help students with reading. The balance will be used for technology and computers.
At Vidalia High School, principal Mitch Harrington says the money will be used primarily to upgrade computer systems in the school media center and in the Business Education Department.
The Vidalia Board of Education allocated $200,000 divided among four schools to improve the academic performance of students.
November 19-- Two grandmothers who never finished high school have obtained their GED diplomas from Southeastern Tech's Adult Literacy program and now will represent the school in statewide competition. Belma Franklin and Sheila Rountree, both of the Vidalia area, are the school's Eagle award winners this year. The Eagle program recognizes outstanding adult literacy students. Montavious McKenzie was named as the local runner-up.
Mrs. Franklin got her GED last April and now is helping kids at Sally Meadows Elementary School as a para-professional. Meanwhile, Sheila Rountree is on the verge of getting her GED after finding out how hard it is to get a job or get promoted without a high school diplmoa. And as a grandmother, just like Belma Franklin, Sheila says she will be prepared to help her grandchildren finish school.
Both ladies will go to Atlanta in January to compete the the state Eagle title.
November 18-- This year's United Way campaign in Toombs, Montgomery and Wheeler counties exceeded its goal by $54,000. At a victory luncheon Thursday, campaign chairperson Phillip Williams announced volunteers had collected $493,300, a record amount for the local campaign. More than 20 area community service agencies will be able to continue their social service work due to contributions from local people, according to United Way director Patricia Dixon.
November 18-- A standing room only crowd was at Vidalia City Council chambers Wednesday night to oppose a proposal to extend a street. McAllister Drive is a dead-end street which developers would like to extend about a quarter of a mile and make a through street connecting to North Thompson Church Road. Residents say they don't want more traffic in their neighborhood. The city council is expected to make a decision at a meeting Tuesday morning.
November 18-- A family in Bend, Oregon, found this fawn on their front steps a few weeks ago and took this photo. The white spots on the steps are apple blossom petals. As you may know, deer hide their fawns and go away for awhile. The fawns have no odor yet, and naturally stay absolutely still. Isn't this an amazing photograph? A great job of natural camouflage! The fawn stayed there all morning, and the mama came to get it after 4-5 hours. Kudos to the people for leaving the fawn alone, knowing Mom would be back.
November 17-- The Toombs County Development Authority hopes to hear in January that the state has approved its application for a $500,000 low interest loan to help spur economic development. Bill Mitchell of the Authority says the money would be used in conjunction with the new U.S. One industrial park north of Lyons. The county's new building in the park is sparking interest among state developers and has already prompted a visit by a company which manufactures automotive parts for the country's top car makers. This comes on top of reports from Atlanta that Toyota might be looking at the Pooler site near Savannah which nearly landed a Daimler-Chrysler plant several years ago. Governor Sonny Perdue recently said his administration is working on Toyota as a prospect for Georgia.
In other news at the authority's November meeting, Senator Tommie Williams reported he is seeking up to $150,000 in state funds to study the feasibility of building a 1,500 to 2,000 acre reservoir in the Toombs-Montgomery County area. He says the Army Corps of Engineers will match any local or state money allocated for the study. Officials believe a large lake will spur economic development in the area and have been meeting with soil and water conservation experts to develop a strategy for the project.
The Development Authority heard from Allen Rice of Savannah Luggage Works that he expects one of the company's clients to locate a distribution center in Toombs County next year. The Authority also voted to proceed with foreclosure on Farmer's Pride in Lyons which has defaulted on a $123,000 loan which had been granted under the revolving loan program to create jobs in the county.
November 17-- If work proceeds as scheduled, moviegoers in the Vidalia area will be able to see movies again in a renovated Pal Theater in downtown Vidalia, maybe as soon as February. Two couples, Biram and Karen Chapman and Karl and Ann Owens, have bought the building and are proceeding with renovation work, both inside and outside. Biram Chapman says they had hoped to open in October, however, tropical storm Frances flooded the roof, ruined the curtains, and damaged the seats. Refurbishing is underway and Chapman believes the restored Pal, with its large screen, will be an asset to the downtown area.
November 16-- Over 40 residents of the Second Ward in Vidalia showed up Tuesday night at the Vidalia Police Department to learn about starting a Neighborhood Watch program in their area. Sergeant Rondell Johnson is the Neighborhood Watch officer and he reports nearly 800 crimes against property have been committed in the city so far this year, that's nearly 16 per week. He's hopeful those attending the meeting will go back to their neighborhoods and start organizing a block-by-block watch program. Sergeant Johnson says the Second Ward was chosen because its had the most break-ins and burglaries in the past year. Those in attendance agree the grass roots effort is a good way to discourage thieves from hitting their neighborhood. Once the program gets going in the Second Ward, police hope to expand it to other parts of the city.
November 15-- Investigators from the Georgia Department of Corrections are conducting an internal investigation at the Montgomery State Prison in Mount Vernon. Officials say the investigation is related to the escape of four prisoners last month. An unidentified food service worker at the prison resigned last week and a department spokesperson says her relationship with one of the escapees is under investigation.
November 15-- A Soperton teenager is being held in connection with the robbery of a Soperton senior citizen. Treutlen deputy sheriff Felton Strickland says 17-year-old Anthony Ricks is being charged with burglary and robbery. Officials say Ricks was burglarizing the home of Will Peterson of Soperton when Mr. Ricks returned home and found him inside. Strickland says Ricks pushed Peterson to the floor and took his wallet. Ricks is in the Treutlen County jail.
November 15-- The Montgomery County commission is seeking a replacement for outgoing county administrator Keith Hamilton. Hamilton was elected to succeed Montgomery County clerk of court Dwight Newsome and will assume office in January. The commissioners are taking applications for the job until December 17th.
November 15-- The Downtown Vidalia Association has presented another grant to encourage downtown renovation. A $500 grant was presented to property owner Anice McArthur for work done on the building at 107 Church Street.
November 15-- The man who energized the community to start the Toombs County Boys and Girls Club is resigning. Greg Johnson has served as the club's director since its founding. His letter of resignation says he's resigning to pursue other career objectives, but that he would always be a part of the club. On his way out, Greg secured a $10,000 contribution to the Boys and Girls Club from his new partner, R.L. Campbell, a Florida building contractor.
November 13-- Last month, the Vidalia School Board allocated $50,000 to each school in the system to improve student academic performance. Last Tuesday night the school board approved how two schools plan to spend the money. Principal Gwen Warren of J.R. Trippe Middle School says a portion of the money will be spent to provide in-school tutoring, and the remaining $41,000 will be used to hire a consultant to help teachers improve their classroom performance.
At Sally Meadows Elementary, principal Sheryl McGowan plans to use nearly $11,000 for an after-school study program. The remainder of the money will be used for Internet technology in the school's science and social science classes.
In other area education news, seven area schools are receiving money or recognition for making adequate yearly progress over a period of years. Swainsboro Primary is getting nearly $51,000 for six years of consecutive progress, Collins Elementary and Appling Primary are awarded nearly $16,000 for five years of yearly progress, and four other schools are getting certificates for three years of consecutive improvements. They are Toombs Central, Montgomery County Elementary, Treutlen Elementary and the 4th District Elementary School in Appling County.
November 10-- The people who produce things were honored Wednesday during the annual Manufacturing Appreciation Week luncheon hosted by the local chamber and the Toombs County Development Authority. Eight area workers from local manufacturers were nominated for the "Employee of the Year" award sponsored by the Vidalia Rotary Club. Denise Stephens of Trane took top honors. Other nominees include Susan Johnson of Bestline Sash and Door, Emily Brewer and Dora Trevino of Savannah Luggage Works, Diane Herzog and Mack Smith of Tumi, and Debbie Middleton of Trane. Local Trane plant manager Denny McShane says its employees like Denise Stephens who have enabled the local plant to grow in the past few years. McShane also emphasized the importance of improving the education level of the local work force as a key ingredient to continued economic growth.
November 9-- The Vidalia city council is considering a new city ordinance regarding picketing and parades. City attorney Reid Threlkeld says the new law would be more detailed than the current two-paragraph law which he says is "too vague." Vidalia police recently arrested people preaching on a city sidewalk without a city permit. The new law would require that the city be given notice, however, it would eliminate the need for a permit unless the demonstration would block a city street. One of those arrested, Tony Zorn, says he was doing nothing more than what he saw on election day when he claims to have seen city councilman Brian Frost carrying a political sign on a roadside near a polling place. City officials say the difference was that Frost had a permit.
In actions at its November meeting, the council okayed a $16,000 contract to Cooper Henry Construction of Twin City for improvements at the police department firing range; approved nearly $34,000 in sidewalk and cul de sac improvements by Marion Forrest Construction; and authorized a $52,000 ditch cleaning project by S.A. Brown of Vidalia. The council was also informed bids are going out for the demolition of ten abandoned houses in the city. The city will hold a called meeting November 23rd to approve the new city budget.
November 9-- Montgomery County officials will be asked to approve an ordinance designating one dollar per month from every cell phone user in the county be contributed to the 911 system. Toombs 911 Director David Powell says the charge is already being collected by phone companies but is not being passed to 911. The charge is being collected in Toombs County and generated $60,000 to help pay for 911 operations, according to Powell.
Powell got the OK to approach Montgomery County officials at the November meeting of the Toombs County commission. He was also named to run a new county mobile home permit system which is expected to be approved by the end of the year.
In other actions, the board named Sam Polk and John Robinson to succeed Rusty Moses and Bob Moore on the county development authority, and said advertisements will be placed soon to recruit a new county EMA director.
November 8-- It was a special day Monday for Toombs Central first grade teacher Celetta Aultman and her students. A TV crew from WTOC in Savannah visited to award Mrs. Aultman the station's "Top Teacher" award for this week. She's been at the school for 15 years, and spent the last 13 teaching first graders. Celetta realizes the impact a teacher can have on her students. In fact, she's a teacher today because of the influence of her first grade teacher. Mrs. Aultman also says "I'm happy to share this with all the teachers at Toombs Central. If I'm a top teacher, they are, too."
November 8-- Four Future Farmers of America from Montgomery County High School took sixth place in the nation last week in floriculture competition at the national FFA convention in Louisville, Kentucky. Earlier the team of Daniel O'Connor, Justin McKenzie, Nathan O'Connor and Priscilla Sanford had won top honors in the state of Georgia, according to their faculty advisor, Anne Smith. Mrs. Smith says FFA students are learning many high tech skills being used in today's agriculture, but they also retain many of the time honored values of the country's farm families.
Meanwhile, a former Montgomery County High School student, Jonathan "Spanky" Hardeman, received FFA's highest award during the national convention. Hardeman, now a sophomore at East Georgia College, received the American FFA Degree.
November 3-- What's another three months after years of waiting? The Georgia Department of Transportation reports a second bid-opening is set for January 21st on the Vidalia one-way pairs project. Bids opened last month were too high and sent the department back to the drawing board to re-bid the project. The $15.6 million price tag submitted October 21st by Reeves Construction Company was 20 percent above state estimates, according to Vidalia city officials. Once the contract is awarded, officials expect it will take over two years to complete the project.
November 3-- The Lyons city council is holding the line on property tax rates in the city in the coming year. The millage rate of 1.89 mils is the same as this year and will help support a $3.1 million city budget expected to be adopted in December.
The city is also planning to charge some new fees and raise others. A monthly fee of $1.50 will be charged for pickup of yard trash, and hotels and motels in Lyons will start paying a 5% tax to the city starting in January.
Lyons city fee increases will raise water reconnect fees from $25 to $75, up building permits from $25 to $50, and increase the amounts charged for city business licenses.
A public hearing on the budget and the new city fees will be held December 7th at 6:30 at the city hall in Lyons.
Meanwhile, at its November meeting, the city received the "City of Excellence" Award which is presented to one city each year by the Georgia Downtown Association.
November 3-- The property tax rate in Montgomery County will see no change in the coming year. County officials say they expect the tax to generate just over $1.5 million. The county's general fund budget is projected for $2.3 million and is expected to be approved at the county commission's December 7th meeting.
At its November meeting Tuesday, the commission put a nearly $200,000 road project on the New Hope Church Road on hold, and re-appointed Geraldine Mead and Marvin Fountain to the area council on aging.
November 3-- Toombs County Commission chairman Charles Rustin won re-election Tuesday by 384 votes over James Thompson. In other races, state representative Greg Morris won 53 percent of the vote to beat Rick Berry, senator Tommie Williams was re-elected two-to-one over Hugh McCullough, and congressman Jim Marshall took Toombs, Montgomery and Treutlen counties in defeating Calder Clay.
Toombs County sheriff Junior Kite won in a landslide over Glenn Joiner, Julie Reaves got over 60 percent of the vote to defeat Marien Grier for Toombs tax commissioner, incumbent coroner Mandel Edenfield lost to Ron Hall by more than 2,000 votes, Tommy J. Smith beat Duston Tapley for state solicitor by 564 votes, and all three board of education incumbents; Darrell Nobles, Duane Tomlin and Wayne Kirkley were re-elected.
In Montgomery County, Keith Hamilton won the clerk of court job over Toby O'Neal by 79 votes, and Dr. Ronnie Smith defeated Bill Teem for the District 2 county commission seat by 135 votes. In Treutlen County, Marie Sumner beat Phil Wilcher for tax commissioner by 420 votes, and state senator Jack Hill of Reidsville won re-election over Chris Oliver.
Voters also approved the amendment against gay marriage and passed homestead exemption proposals in Toombs County.
November 2-- Here's a correction to our story reported earlier regarding the homestead exemption law which you'll be voting on today when you go to the polls. Earlier we quoted Toombs County tax assessor Ed Gartman who said the law would result in a deferred tax which would be collected when you sell your home. That's not correct according to Representative Greg Morris who sponsored the legislation. Morris says your property assessment will remain the same as long as you own the home, and a new property assessment will take effect for the new owner when the property is sold. The whole idea is to help you save money on your property taxes, according to Morris. However, one thing Ed Gartman recommended is correct. Married couples should have both their names on the deed to their home so if one dies, the new higher assessment will not take effect due to a change of ownership. Thanks to tax commissioner candidate Marian Grier for bringing this correction to our attention.
November 1-- Toombs County voters will see some confusing language on the ballot Tuesday regarding homestead exemptions for property owners. In plain language, the acts would lock in the value of your property until it is sold, and then the deferred property taxes would be collected, according to Toombs County Tax Assessor Ed Gartman. If it passes, Gartman recommends the property be placed in both spouses' names to avoid a change of ownership if one spouse dies. He says that would trigger collection of the deferred tax from the remaining spouse. While the value of the property would remain the same as long as you own it, Gartman says property taxes could still increase if the county commissioners or school board raise the millage rate.
News Break - Vidalia Communications.
News Break - Vidalia Communications.
Internet Archive Wayback Machine views of http://www.vidaliacommunications.com/news.shtml
This site is a member of The American History and Genealogy Project (AHGP), an unincorporated not-for-profit network of independent sites devoted to History & Genealogy, and covering North American Countries and Territories. For more information about our group, including how you can join us, please see our About page. Toombs County Student Wins District Contest
November 29
48th Infantry Brigade Mobilizing
November 26
Vidalia City Budget Approved
November 24
Torrance Appealing Court Ruling
Toombs County Audit Report Released
November 23
Vidalia Council OK's New Public Demonstration Ordinance
November 22
New Toombs Magistrate
State Volunteer of the Year Award
School Funding Plans Approved
November 19
STC's Top Literacy Students
November 18
Record United Way Collections
Residents Against Road Extension
A Deer's Motherly Love and Wisdom
The Mom hid her baby on the brown steps with white spots.
Fawn Photo - Urban Legends Reference Pages - snopes.com
Claim: Photograph shows a fawn cleverly camouflaged by its mother.
Since we don't yet know the origins of this photograph, we can't speak to any of these points, so this image is listed as 'undetermined' until additional information comes our way.
http://www.snopes.com/photos/animals/fawn.asp
November 17
Development Authority Seeking Loan
Pal Renovation
November 16
Neighborhood Watch Organizing in Vidalia
November 15
Internal Investigation at Prison
Teen Arrested in Soperton Robbery
Search Starts for Montgomery Administrator
Downtown Vidalia Grant
Boys and Girls Club Director Resigns
November 13
Vidalia Schools Spending Plans Approved
November 10
Top Manufacturing Employees Honored
November 9
Council Considers Demonstration Ordinance
Montgomery Will Be Asked to Contribute
November 8
Top Teacher
Montgomery FFA Honors
November 3
New Bid Date for Vidalia Project
Fee Increases in Lyons
Montgomery Tax Rate Level
2004 Election Results
November 2
Correction to Homestead Story
November 1
Homestead Exemptions on Ballot
References
http://www.vidaliacommunications.com/news.shtml
http://www.vidaliacommunications.com/news.html
http://www.waybackmachine.org/
URL: http://toombs.150m.com/news/radio/2004/November.htm Updated: Saturday, December 04, 2004. Top