September 2010

Tattnall County High School Warriors vs. Screven County on Friday, September 3 at HOME, 7:30 p.m.

Pinewood Christian Academy Patriots vs. Tattnall Square on Friday, September 3 at HOME, 7:30 p.m.

The Surrency Family reunion will be held Labor Day weekend, September 3-5. On Friday night, Sept. 3, dinner will be held at 6 p.m. at Captain’s Corner in Vidalia. On Saturday, starting at 9:30 a.m. is the family BBQ, talent show and fun day at Gordonia-Alatamaha State Park in Reidsville. Sunday, September 5 at 11 a.m. there will be a Church/Remembrance service at St. Williams Baptist Church in Reidsville. If you need more information on the reunion, contact Nathaniel Richardson: nathanielrichardson44 @yahoo.com or nathaniel. richardson@conus. army.mil.

US Military Vets Motorcycle Club is sponsoring its fourth annual BWI Poker Run on Saturday, September 4, 2010, at the Surrency Chapter’s Clubhouse on 121 South in Surrency, GA (turn south off 341 by Parkers). Registration starts at 9:30 a.m., safety briefing at 10:30, first bike out at 10:45 and last bike in at 2:30. The first hand will be $15, $5 for each additional hand. Best hand pay out is $150 and the worst hand is $75. All proceeds go to BWI! BWI is a non-profit organization dedicated to helping troubled youth develop into responsible and productive citizens. There will be door prizes. For more information, visit their Web site at www.usmvmcsur.org or call Tank at 912-221-1081 or 912-667-2699.

Sunday, September 5, 2010, the day before Labor Day, family and friends are invited to attend the Lynn-Riner family reunion at the Garden Club in Reidsville next to Fred’s. Bring a basket lunch. The tea and plates will be furnished. Come early and stay late. Lunch will be at 12:30. We hope all our friends and family will be able to join us.

The Tattnall Journal will be closed on Monday, September 6 for Labor Day. Deadline for news and advertisements is Tuesday, September 7 at 12 noon.

The 55th Annual Edward Anderson Family Reunion will be held Saturday, September 11, 2010, at the Hopewell Methodist Church outside of Glennville, GA.  We will gather at 11:00 a.m. and a barbecue/covered dish dinner will be at 12:00 p.m.  All Andersons welcome!  Contact: Laura Anderson-Sweat at 912-655-5215.

The families of the Tapley-Jarrell descendants are pleased to invite all relatives and friends to our Annual Reunion on September 11 at the clubhouse in the George L. Smith State Park near Twin City, GA. Please bring a basket lunch and something to drink. Paper plates, etc., will be furnished by reunion funds. Family pictures would be appreciated to share with everyone. Dinner will be served around 12:30 p.m., but come early, stay later and have a good day of visiting. See you there!

The Tattnall County Cafetorium will be the setting this year as the beautiful Lauren Turpin, Miss Wiregrass Festival 2009, ends her reign on September 11, 2010, and the new Miss Wiregrass Festival will be crowned. The pageant covers ages 0 – 20 years old. For more information regarding the pageant, contact the Greater Tattnall Chamber of Commerce at 912-557-6323 or 912-288-1132.

TCHS Senior Parent Night is Monday, September 13 at 6:30 p.m. Lots of information, senior expenses and scholarships discussed, door prizes and food! If you have any questions or need additional information, please contact Ellen Carter, Senior Guidance Counselor, at 912-557-3060 ext. 224.

The Greater Tattnall Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce the September Business After Hours will be held at Bradley B. Anderson Funeral Home in Glennville on Tuesday, September 14, 2010, at 6:00 p.m

The TCHS Homecoming parade will be held in Reidsville this year beginning at 4:00 on September 16. For more information on the parade or how to enter a parade entry, please view the school website at www.tattnall schools.org or call 557-4374. All entry forms must be submitted by Monday September 13. Forms can be faxed to the high school (557-4542) or e-mailed to krcollins@tattnall. k12.ga.us. Be sure to show your support for the Warriors!

The Tattnall County High School Class of 1994 will be holding a reunion Friday night, September 17, 2010, just before Homecoming kicks off at TCHS. The “tailgate party” reunion will be held in front of the high school in the parking lot beginning at 6 p.m.
Bring the family and enjoy the get-together. We will also be serving hamburgers and hotdawgs, with all the fixings! To cover the cost of the food, each class member attending is asked to pay $10, which covers yourself and your spouse. Kids eat free!!
There is a page setup for the class on Facebook: “Tattnall County High School (TCHS) Class of 1994.” Please RSVP to Robb Kicklighter via Facebook or call him at 912-531-6105 or 912-489-9844 . Please give your name, your spouse’s name and how many will be attending.

Ludowici High School, classes of 1940-1955, will have their class reunion on Saturday, September 25, 2010. If you have not received a letter by August 20, 2010, you may call for additional information and/or questions: Mrs. Claudine (Wasdin) Chesser at 912-545-2392 or 2430 or Mrs. Elaine (Nobles) Dreggors at 912-654-3361. Hope to see you there!

The Sounds of the Sixties Revue and Dance slated for Saturday, September 25, in the cafetorium of Tattnall County High School will mark the 50th anniversary of Chubby Checker’s “The Twist,” which reached the number one spot on the Billboard Top 100 Chart. Tickets are on sale now at the offices of THE TATTNALL JOURNAL, THE GLENNVILLE SENTINEL, and at the Glennville Welcome Center. Tickets are $25.00 for couples in advance. Individual tickets will be sold at the door for $15.00. For more information contact Charles Barnard at 912-654-1616.

The Wiregrass Festival is Saturday, September 25 and Sunday, September 26, 2010. For more information call the Greater Tattnall Chamber of Commerce at 557-6323 or 288-1132 or you can get an application at our Web site at www.wiregrassfestival. com.

October 2010

Lyons Better Hometown is hosting a Kansas City Barbeque Society sanctioned barbeque cook-off October 8 and 9, 2010. For more information on rules, fees and tickets call the Lyons Better Hometown office at 912-526-6445 or go to www.lyonsga.com, click on the Lyons Better Hometown page then on The Real Squeal page.

November 2010

The Collins Autumn Fest will be held on Saturday, November 6. If you are interested in providing entertainment or would like to have an arts and craft booth, contact Diane Singleton at 693-5511. All money raised will benefit the Collins Lions Club, Collins Fire Department and the City of Collins’ Beautification Project.




One year (52 weeks)

» $22 in-county
» $26 out-of-county

We do not currently have a form available on-line to subscribe but if you will e-mail your name and address to us, we will be happy to start your subscription and bill you later. Or you can call in with your credit card information and we'll credit your account.





September 2, 2010, edition

BOE seeks millage rate increase ... Public hearings for tax increase set for September 13 & 20

by ALLISON COBB
Editor

With continued losses in funding from the State, the Tattnall County School System has taken numerous measures to cut back and save money — employees were furloughed another ten days this year, the school calendar was cut, students have given up field trips, teachers are giving up planning periods to sub for one another, classrooms are packed with extra students, 18 jobs were lost, and another 18 are in jeopardy.

Now the Board of Education is turning to taxpayers to help in the financial crunch. At a called Board meeting Monday, August 30, members approved, although not unanimously, to advertise a millage rate of 13.496, an increase of 1.95 mills, or 16.89 percent (from the rollback millage rate allowable without a tax increase of 11.546).

“The state of Georgia has forsaken its responsibility for funding public schools and placed that burden on local boards of education. For 10 years in Tattnall County, the local school board has not raised the millage rate,” said Dr. Gina Williams, Superintendent.

In a normal school year, the local school system receives two allotment sheets from the State Department of Education, which show how much funding the system will receive. This year, there were nine, with each one showing additional cuts in revenue. In total, $3,059,021 in State funding was cut this past year. Federal ARRA money gave Tattnall $1,544,877 but locally the system was still short $1,514,144.

While State cuts were high this year, school systems are being told to prepare for the worst with additional State cuts planned for the current school year and any extra federal funding running out in 2012.

“Every indication that we have gotten from Atlanta has indicated that FY11 and FY12 will have more State cuts than FY10. Compounding the State budget issues in 2012 are our own troubles. In FY12, we will lose more State money when our local fair share that the State withholds increases and our equalization that we typically receive from the State decreases,” she said. “The perfect storm is brewing and we are going to be caught in the destruction if we don’t do something now.”

Federal ARRA money that was received this past year runs out in April 2011. This money is currently funding 18 positions and Williams stated that those people would need to be let go unless they could be funded locally — amounting to $750,000. Additionally, the State has projected an increase in Tattnall’s local fair share contribution of $150,000 and a decrease in equalization money of $40,000. On top of that, the value of one mill locally has decreased approximately $3,000 (amounting to $410,175 per mill).

“The budget we have proposed for FY11 is almost $2 million dollars smaller than the FY09 budget. And still your system employees continue to save money and willingly give up work days that equates to money out of their pockets in an effort to keep our system in the black,” said Dr. Williams.

Four different millage rates were presented to Board members for their consideration — 11.546, 13.496, 13.546 and 14.046. Dr. Williams explained that the expenses were staying the same under each circumstance, only the revenue would be changing.

“I want each of us to say what we will about the millage rate here,” said Chairman Richard Bland. “Ethically, when a decision is made, we are supposed to support it. If you’ve got something to say, now is the time to say it.”

Board member Marilyn Lanier questioned what the plans were for the federal money that Tattnall is supposed to receive this year ($680,506).

President Obama’s Education Jobs Funding Program money for the state of Georgia is $315 million. Tattnall’s portion of that is $680,506.

“Our experience with federal money has been that we never see a net gain,” said Dr. Williams. “In fact, the State has been known to add the federal money in on one line on our allotment sheet and then subtract the same amount out on a different line. We have been told by the State DOE to prepare for future cuts and be prudent with this federal money. We have still not received information as to how this money will be allocated to systems.”

If the money does come through, it must be spent right away. Dr. Williams explained that they would use the money for salaries and then take out that same amount from local money (that would have otherwise gone for those salaries) and save it for 2012 when the worst (for funding) is projected.

Chairman Bland voiced his concern over the crowded classrooms, some with 35 students.

Dr. Williams explained that the loss of 18 staff members forced the need for larger class sizes, averaging 27-35 students in grades 4-12.

“It is very unusual to have that many students in a class, especially in 4th-8th grade. The high school classes are packed too, with elective courses larger because of the loss of some electives,” she said.

“If we had more efficient teachers, then they could handle 27-33 students in a classroom,” said Lanier. “Dollars spent per child does not equate to student achievement. We can’t throw money at the situation; money won’t do the job. We need to look at incompetence in the classroom and at the administrative level. We are not doing that.”

“That is a slap in the face to our teachers,” said Board member Jeff Odom.

Mary Ruth Ray argued that class size was in direct relationship to student achievement.

“There is a lot of research to support that smaller class sizes benefit student achievement,” said Ray.

Board member Dale Kicklighter agreed. “Collins schools always out performed, not because they had better teachers, but because of the smaller class sizes,” he said.
After much discussion and debate, Dr. Williams gave her recommendation that the board approve a millage rate of 13.496.

“You have heard my explanation and you have seen the figures. While I believe that we need the millage set at 14.046 to carry us through FY11 and FY12, I understand the burden that this would place on the taxpayers,” said Dr. Williams. “In an effort to continue to be fiscally responsible to our citizens, our staff will continue to save money and spend wisely and we will make our budget work with the millage at 13.496.”

Board member Brandon Johnson struggled with the amount of the proposed millage increase, stating he would be more comfortable asking for an increase of one mill instead.

“I commend Gina and the staff for the job they’ve done in saving money. My hard time is that we don’t know what will happen in the next few months,” said Johnson. “Other people are hurting too; necessities are going up. I will have a hard time telling people that we are raising the millage rate by two mills when we have a $1.2 million fund balance and $680,000 coming from federal money. We didn’t think we’d have any money at the end of this fiscal year and now we have $1.2 million. I’d be willing to look at something lower but I don’t think I can vote for anything this high (regarding the proposed 13.496 millage rate).”

The proposed FY11 budget (at 13.496 mills) projects a fund balance of $1,554,266.

In a previous budget workshop meeting, Dr. Williams had explained that the fund balance ending this fiscal year (of $1,293,852) was not because they “found” extra money but it was because of the staff pay cuts, lack of money spent in the classroom, loss of planning periods to avoid hiring outside substitutes, etc. Other problems also needed to be addressed, such as two roofs that had leaked the last time it rained. She had stated that the budget (expenses) had been cut every year and they had saved money on top of that. The proposed budget also reflected those same tightened restraints on expenses. The increase in revenue was needed, she stated, to maintain in a time of continued loss of State funding.

“And not all of the increased revenue will be just to save,” said Financial Director Debbie Powell. “Some of that money will weather the cuts that we know are coming. Two budgets have already been prepared at the State level, one with a 2 percent cut and one with a 4 percent cut in funding. For Tattnall, that means a loss of an additional $325,000 (2 percent) or $750,000 (4 percent).

When it finally came down to a vote on the Superintendent’s recommendation of 13.496 mills, by a show of hands, Board members voting in favor were Mary Ruth Ray, Richard Bland, Dale Kicklighter and Jeff Odom. Board members Brandon Johnson and Marilyn Lanier were opposed.

In a vote to advertise the proposed budget for FY11, the vote was unanimous in favor.

Additionally, the Board voted unanimously to schedule the required public hearings regarding the tax increase for Monday, September 13 at 11 a.m. and 6 p.m. and Monday, September 20 at 11 a.m. The regular board meeting will follow at 1 p.m. on September 20, at which time the millage rate and budget will be officially adopted.




Commissioners vote to not raise taxes

by Ronald E. McCall
Staff Writer

On Thursday, August 26, 2010, the Tattnall County Commissioners voted to fund a $159,609.00 FY 2011 budget shortfall without raising taxes. Funds to cover the projected shortfall will come from the FY 2010 fund balance which is estimated to be about $500,000.00. The final budget will be voted upon after the required advertisement in the county organ.

FY 2011 projected revenues are $9,384,380.00, which is down from FY 2010 by $94,194.00. The Tattnall County net tax digest is down by $3,275,037.00, which reduces the net tax levy $38,554.00. In addition, court fines are down due to fewer cases by the Georgia State Patrol.

FY 2011 projected expenditures are $9,543,989.00, which is an increase of $65,415.00. According to Chairman Frank Murphy, most of the increase is due to employee benefits.

With less than a quarter to go, fiscal year revenues are down three percent, but expenses are down eight percent for FY 2010. Murphy attributes those figures to the dedicated efforts of all county employees, including management and the county manager, and the fact that everyone recognizes the effects of the economic downturn on the local economy.

The commissioners have said on several occasions that they would prefer to provide salary increases for employees. However, with the possibility that the current recession could intensify later this year and continue into 2011 and perhaps beyond which could negatively impact revenues, the effects of a tax increase on the local economy had to be considered. A reasonable fund balance projected for this fiscal year provided the cushion which allowed another year without a tax increase.

Chairman Murphy stated that the 2011 budget includes no salary increases. However, he also pointed out that there are no furloughs in the budget and no loss of holiday pay. In addition, the county continues to pay over 90 percent of all employee benefits, including health insurance.





Mobile home that was being rented by Debbie Wright

Home destroyed in fire on Lynntown Road

by DAVID AVERY
Staff Writer

On Saturday, August 29, 2010, a fire at a mobile home located at 1586 Lynntown Road just outside Reidsville totaled the entire structure. The home is owned by Debbie Willis Joyner of Reidsville and was being rented by Debbie Wright. Ms. Wright’s two daughters and her grandbaby were living in the home with her. The fire lasted a total of two hours and 48 minutes and the point of origin was the air conditioning air handler. The actual cause is unknown. The American Red Cross was at the scene to assist the family and offered a two-night hotel stay but the family opted to stay with Ms. Wright’s sister because of the family pet. The Reidsville, Collins and Jan Powell Fire Departments were at the scene promptly to extinguish the fire. Anyone interested in assisting the family, please call 912-314-0518.





Sopomore Nick Overton moves the ball for the Tattnall Warriors

Warriors defeat Tigers, 28-6

by WILLIAM CARWELL
Staff Writer

The Battle Creek Warriors defeated the Claxton Tigers 28-6 last Friday, August 27, in the Pecan Grove in Claxton. The game was the season opener for both teams.

Tattnall County sprinted out to a commanding 21-0 halftime lead, mainly on the legs of senior quarterback Quaysean Davis and went on to win 28-6.

In the first quarter both teams’ defenses came out playing tough. The Warriors received the opening kick-off of the game but had to punt after running only three plays. Claxton’s first offensive possession didn’t fare any better as the Tigers were forced into a three and out also.

The Warrior offense would then march 79 yards on 11 plays to score the game’s first touchdown. Two running plays by Quaysean Davis gave the Warriors a first down at their own 42-yard line with 7:13 left in the opening period. Two plays later Davis passed to Tyshawn Steger, giving the Warriors another first down into Claxton territory. The Warriors then converted on a big fourth down and inches three plays later on the Tiger’s 37-yard line. On first down, Davis and Chaz Kicklighter just missed connecting on a long pass play up the right side line. Tattnall then was forced back five yards after a penalty. Two plays later Quaysean Davis ran left then cut back to the right and raced 42 yards for a touchdown. Deshaun Davis kicked the first of his four extra points to give Tattnall 7-0 lead with 3:06 left in the first quarter. Tattnall kicked off and made a good hit on the Tiger return man who fumbled the ball. The Warriors jumped on it at 26-yard line. From there, the Warriors would punch in for a two-touchdown lead. Shayon Guest scored on a five yard run on fourth down and three early in the second quarter. Deshawn Davis split the uprights and the Warriors led 14-0.

The Warrior defense once again forced a Claxton punt. A good kick pinned the Warriors down at the 16-yard line with 8:26 before the half. Two plays later, Deshawn Davis made a spectacular run. Davis followed his blockers around the left end, just as it appeared he was going to get hit by two defenders he gave them a quick shampoo move, the old head and shoulders. He dipped to the inside, stopped and got a tremendous block from Dominick Stoutamire then streaked down the sideline to the Claxton 27 yard line. Seven plays later, Quaysean Davis powered his way into the end zone from two yards out. Deshaun Davis kicked the point after and Tattnall led 21-0 at the half.

In the third quarter, the Tigers received the opening kickoff and faced fourth and ten. The Tigers punted but a roughing the kicker penalty gave Claxton new life and a first down on the Warrior 35 yard line with 6:44. The Tigers drive would stall there as Ken Murphy almost intercepted a Claxton pass on third down. On fourth down, the Tigers couldn’t connect on a long pass attempt and the Warriors took over on downs from their own 38-yard line.

On Tattnall’s first play, Quaysena Davis hit Dominick Stoutamire on a fly pattern to the Claxton 21 yard line. A few plays later, Quaysean Davis found Chaz Kicklighter in the corner of the end zone on a nine-yard touchdown pass. The kick by Deshaun Davis made the score 28-0, Warriors, with 2:16 in the third quarter.

The Tigers would finally get on the board with a long drive. The key play came on third and 20 with a long pass completion to Tattnall 15 yard line. The Tigers later scored on a one-yard plunge. The two-point try was stuffed by the Tattnall defense and the score was now 28-6 with 8:23 left on the game.

The Warriors would punt on their next possession and the Tigers got the ball at mid-field after the return. Claxton would again be stopped on four downs and the Warriors got the ball back and ran out the clock to secure the victory 28-6.

Quaysean Davis led the Warriors with 144 yards rushing on 13 carries and two touchdowns. He also passed for 77 yards and touchdown. The Tattnall defense turned back several Tiger scoring threats on fourth down and forced Claxton to punt most of the night. Several plays experienced cramps from heat and dehydration, which is typical at the beginning of the season.

The Warriors go to 1-0 on the season. Claxton falls to 0-1. The Warriors will have their first home game of the season this Friday as they host the Screven County Gamecocks. Screven County from region 3-AA lost 28-14 to AAAA Effingham County last Friday.

The Gamecocks will provide a big challenge to the Warriors. These two teams have a long history together. Tattnall is 4-8 all-time against the Gamecocks but the two haven’t met on the field since 2005.




Helen Nelson is Grand Marshal for Homecoming Parade for TCHS

Helen Nelson

Helen Nelson has been chosen as the 2010 TCHS Homecoming parade Grand Marshal. Mrs. Nelson has held a lifelong commitment to the athletic programs of Tattnall County that began with her playing basketball for Reidsville High School. At the time, Reidsville High School did not have a football team. Mrs. Nelson was born in Cobbtown as Helen Cannon and moved to Reidsville at a young age. She wed Bill Nelson and together they had three children, Ed, Tara and Tracy. Ed participated in football at Reidsville High School. Mrs. Nelson was proud to never have missed a game no matter how cold the bleachers seemed! Ed later married Jeannie O’Neal of Glennville and had three children Ashley, Laura and Olivia. Tara participated in athletics as a cheerleader and on the tennis team. Tara later married Don Martin and had Austin, Caylee, Tyler, and Avery. Tracy was also a cheerleader and participated in the band. Tracy has children, Courtney, Landon and Blake and is married to Alex Houston.

Helen’s grandchildren all attended Tattnall County schools and were active within their classes. Ashley and Laura Nelson were avid supporters of the school and attended many events in which their sibling, Olivia participated. Olivia was a member of the tennis team and the competition cheerleading squad with cousins Caylee Martin and Courtney Heilman. Olivia, Courtney and Caylee were members of the cheerleading squad for two years. One of those years Helen was quite brave and hosted a sleepover for all 18 cheerleaders at her house. Austin Martin participated in golf at TCHS and younger brother Tyler participated in cross country and baseball. Landon Heilman was also on the TCHS baseball team this past season. Younger grandchildren Blake Heilman and Avery Martin can be seen at most sporting events cheering on their family members!

Mrs. Nelson also instilled strong school pride within her children by encouraging them to support the local school system. Both son Ed Nelson and son-in-law Don Martin have served as PTO President in past years. Daughters Tara and Tracy can always be found assisting with BBQ dinners and other school fundraisers. Don Martin also served as Booster Club president in the past. Helen Nelson and her family have all been avid fans of the Tigers, Bulldogs and now the Warriors for many years and will be honored on September 16 as the grand marshal for the Homecoming parade.

The parade will be held in Reidsville this year beginning at 4:00 on September 16. For more information on the parade or how to enter a parade entry, please view the school website at www.tattnallschools.org or call 557-4374. All entry forms must be submitted by Monday September 13. Forms can be faxed to the high school (557-4542) or e-mailed to krcollins@tattnall.k12.ga.us. Be sure to show your support for the Warriors!




Brandon Cortel Berry

Keeparis R. Brown

Carlos Andre Rucker

Christopher Dean Rucker

Four youths charged with theft by taking of a Kawasaki Mule

by DAVID AVERY
Staff Writer

Captain Stacy Wilds of the Reidsville Police Department arrested four young men on August 19 at a traffic stop in Reidsville. Christopher Dean Rucker, age 20; Brandon Cortel Berry, age 19; Carlos Andre Rucker, age 19; and Keeparis Ryesharvos Brown, age 20 were booked and charged with Theft By Taking involving a 2010 Kawasaki Mule that had been stolen in July. The four men, all of a Reidsville address, were carrying the mule on a trailer behind their vehicle. Anyone having information on any crime, please call the Reidsville Police Department at 557-4013 or the Tattnall County Sheriff’s Department at 557-6777.




Bruce Aaron Black

James Phillip Dechristofaro Jr

Dillion Ray Phillips

Three youths apprehended in Reidsville El Cheapo burglary

by DAVID AVERY
Staff Writer

According to Captain Stacy Wilds with the Reidsville Police Department, Dillion Ray Phillips, age 19, James Phillip Dechristofaro, Jr., age 20 and Bruce Aaron Black, age 18, were all apprehended by the Reidsville Police Department during the early a.m. (shortly after midnight) of Wednesday, August 25. All three young men were from Reidsville and were charged with a burglary that occurred at El Cheapo in Reidsville. Captain Wilds would like to thank Sergeant Cowart and Corporal Escovel with the Tattnall County Sheriff’s Office for their assistance in apprehending the suspects. Anyone having information on any crime, please call the Reidsville Police Department at 557-4013 or the Tattnall County Sheriff’s Office at 557-6777.







 




August 26, 2010, edition


Front Row: (l to r) - kneeling - Emily Wilt, Taylor Durrence, Beth Everett, Allie Anderson. Middle Row: leaning - Johnna Ward, Ashlyn Johnson, Ali Wilt, Barri Carter, Amanda Blocker, Alana Morgan, Harlee Mills. Next Row: Caitlyn Anderson, Whitney Carter, Chanci DeLoach, Phinesse Bryant. Back Row: Coach Charesse Clark, Jessica Joyner, Elizabeth Kingery, Katie Collins and Head Coach Sherry Richards.


All Tournament Team (l to r): Allie Anderson (Senior), Taylor Durrence (Senior), Harlee Mills (Sophomore)

Lady Warriors finish tourn. as Silver Division Champions

by Andrew Manning
The Tattnall Journal

This past weekend TCHS Lady Warriors suited up against tough competition in the annual Warrior Blast Tournament at the Glennville Recreation Department. TCHS finished the hard-fought weekend as the Silver Division Champions.

The Lady Warriors started out strong with nine hits in their first game, as they defeated Bradwell 10-4. Taylor Durrence, Chanci Deloach, and Emily Wilt all had two hits each, adding to a great pitching performance by Durrence who allowed only one hit, seven strike-outs, and five walks.

Their second game was called due to bad weather, and was picked up early the next morning. The Lady Warriors started the second day out slowly as they lost to Metter 1-12. During the next two games the Lady Warriors were plagued with errors. They lost to Screven County 0-6 after committing nine errors, and lost a heartbreaker to Jenkins County in the last inning after walking two batters, committing two errors, and a walk-off homerun off of Durrence.

After taking some time to rest and regroup the Lady Warriors managed to pull themselves together for the fourth game of the day, defeating Toombs County 2-1. Harley Mills sparked the Warriors by sending a line-drive over the left field fence, followed by Barri Carter scoring in the third inning to give them the lead. Taylor Durrence picked up the win after four hits, six strike-outs, and one walk.

TCHS played Pierce County in their next game, winning 11-6. Durrence went three for four at the plate with a homer in the third inning. Allie Anderson also had three hits, while Katie Collins and Harley Mills each tallied two hits.

The Lady Warriors’ final game started at 11:30 p.m. Saturday night against Treutlen County’s Lady Vikings. Surprisingly the Lady Warriors played their best and complete game, despite roughing seven games in two days. Durrence pitched an amazing game, allowing only one hit, six strike-outs, and only one walk for the shutout victory. Katie Collins and Allie Anderson were the offensive leaders having two hits each, along with Elizabeth Kingery who hit her first homer over the centerfield fence.

Teams involved in the tournament were Screven County, Vidalia, Savannah Christian, Long County, Appling County, Treutlen County, Liberty County, Bradwell, Claxton, SE Bulloch, Toombs County, Metter, Jenkins County, and Pierce County, ten of which competed in the state tournament just last season.

The Lady Warriors will travel to Lyons on Thursday, Aug. 26 to face Toombs County at 5 p.m. Next week, they will enjoy two games at home as they host St. Vincent’s on Aug. 31 and Vidalia on Sept. 2.





Friday is first game of season

The Tattnall County Warriors have been practicing this summer on and off the field and they will be taking on the Claxton Tigers for the first game of the season this Friday night, August 27 as they travel to the Pecan Grove. Join the team and cheer on the Warriors as football gets underway!





Dr. Jim Strickland addresses the crowd as he introduces local Legislators

Tattnall Farm Bureau invites Legislators to annual banquet

by ALLISON COBB
Editor

Each year Tattnall County Farm Bureau invites local State and U.S. representatives to share a few words with Tattnall farmers and other business and community leaders. The event was held Tuesday, August 24 at Smith’s Restaurant in Reidsville.

Dr. Jim Strickland, President of the Tattnall County Farm Bureau introduced U.S. Representative John Barrow, Senator Jack Hill and Senator Tommie Williams, who each shared a few words regarding the state of economic affairs and other business items of interest.

Congressman Barrow started by reminding local folks that his office is available the first Wednesday of every month from 9-11 a.m. in Reidsville and 11:30-1:30 p.m. in Glennville.

“I’ll touch on some Legislative highlights over the last two years and then give the floor over to Jack and Tommie,” said Barrow.

He began by reminding the group that he had voted against the budget both last year and the year before, against the Energy Bill and against the Healthcare Bill.

“I voted against the Healthcare Bill because it didn’t accomplish the things it set out to do, which was try to control costs, insurance, etc.,” he said.

He was a proud supporter of the current Farm Bill however and stated that he would work with members of that committee again as the Farm Bill was again under review next year.

Senator Jack Hill confirmed what most everyone already knew.

“The State has been in a free fall the last three to three-and-a-half years,” said Hill. “Our revenues are coming in at the same level as they were in 2004 but we have 600,000 more people in the state now.”

In regards to the large growth in population, Hill stated, “We’ve probably been hurt worse than other states comparatively because we had a large construction industry with the population increase and then the credit crunch occurred.”

Hill stated that over the next 12 months, they would be working on building a budget for the following year but he was worried at the thought of federal money running out in 2012.

Senator Tommie Williams didn’t have much brighter news.

“Our mission now is simply to try and govern in a deficit. We are trying to balance a budget when revenue is continually dropping,” said Williams. “People are worried about the national debt, their own debt, and they’re not spending money. They don’t know what the future holds, so more people are saving. Because of that, our revenue doesn’t grow.”

Williams explained that most of the state’s revenue comes from sales tax and income tax, but mostly income tax.

“The food tax was taken off under Governor Zell Miller and I believe we should be getting that tax. I think if we add back the food tax (which everyone in the state contributes to), then we can lower the income tax. Then maybe we can help folks, like education,” he said.

The one bright spot of note, in his opinion, was a bill that would allow a sales tax on transportation, like a regional SPLOST (Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax).

“The costs of building roads and bridges are going up but transportation money is going down. We need some revenue for that,” he said.

The Transportation SPLOST would enable regions to put together a list of projects to be funded, and that list would then be put before voters to decide if they wanted to fund it with an additional one percent sales tax. This could help in the paving of dirt roads, repair of bridges, or expansion of heavily traveled roads.

Each of the legislators thanked those in attendance for their support and Farm Bureau for hosting the evening.

Delvis Dutton, candidate for State Representative, was also in attendance and thanked supporters for their help as he prepares to take office next year. Dutton currently has no opposition on the ballot to succeed Representative Terry Barnard.

In offering advice to the new legislator, Jack Hill reminded him that, in the words of Yogi Berra, success was 90 percent showing up and 50 percent attitude!








9-2-10 front page (pdf file)

9-2-10
Classified (pdf)

8-26-10 front page (pdf file)

8-26-10
Classified (pdf)


The Tattnall Journal
PO Box 278
114-B North Main St.
Reidsville, GA 30453

E-mail:
mail@tattnalljournal.com

Phone:
912-557-6761

Fax:
912-557-4132